Pubdate: Fri, 12 Sep 2008 Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON) Copyright: 2008 Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/sRKlJFsP Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169 Author: Darren Bonaparte MARIJUANA HAS NEVER BEEN PART OF NATIVE CULTURE In an article about the recent homicide in Akwesasne that ran on Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Standard-Freeholder printed the following text: "The friend said marijuana use, for example, is considered an important part of native culture." I don't know who your anonymous source was for this, but it is false. While I don't claim to be expert on all native cultures, among the traditional Mohawk, marijuana is considered a "mind changer" and is forbidden by our teachings, specifically the Kariwiio, also known as the Code of Handsome Lake. There are some who smoke it to alleviate various medical conditions, but it is not considered one of our traditional medicines. Please dig a little deeper and consult other sources before publishing such statements in the future. DARREN BONAPARTE Akwesasne Mohawk Territory - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath