Spirit of Standing Rock
By Vijali Hamilton
I traveled to the Standing Rock encampment and lived for some time with the Lakota people and the hundreds of people from many cultures who came to support the "Water Protectors" and become one with them. In spite of the terrible treatment the "Protectors" experienced from the national guard and local police, there was a wonderful atmosphere of community, well being and hope among the campers. Many had plans of living permanently together in a spirit of harmony and earth connection. Black Elk, the Lakota Sue holy man's vision of the sacred hoops of the world, uniting in peace as one body, was ever present in the mind and hearts of all. "This is just the beginning" one elder spoke. We have dedicated our lives for Black Elk's vision to come to pass.
About the Artist
Vijali Hamilton, MFA
For the past twenty-five years, Vijali Hamilton has worked and taught around the world as an artist/peacemaker. She collaborates with diversified communities and utilizes her skills as a sculptor, filmmaker, poet, musician, and author. Vijali started her World Wheel Project in 1986 to further explore the role that community-based art can play in building a world at peace. Vijali spent ten years as a monastic member of the Vedanta Society convent in Santa Barbara. She gives seminars and retreats on meditation and the creative process, internationally and at her World Wheel Center outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico.