About Our Ministry
International Aboriginal Ministries began as a vision --- a vision of an intertribal ministry based on the spiritual beliefs as practiced and handed down by our aboriginal ancestors. These beliefs are based on the Circle of Life and the Web of Creation. All things, and all people, are connected through the gift of life given to us by our Creator.
The traditions, values and spiritual beliefs of our ancestors included respect for all things -- an honoring of diversity and respect for our natural world and all its inhabitants. Over the centuries, man has departed further and further from the path we once trod. We have forgotten the importance of family and community and lost touch with the spiritual side of everyday living. Every day is a gift of Creator --- Every blade of grass, every tree, and every child. It is time to throw away "religiosity" and return once again to the spiritual path where every breath is a prayer.
International Aboriginal Ministries IS NOT a Christian, Muslim, Hebrew or B'hai ministry. We do not attempt to "convert" anyone from their particular spiritual beliefs or practices. One of our missions is to try to get people of all religious beliefs to recognize the commonalities we all share --- respect for life, family and the natural world. We should all be walking beside each other toward the same Creator regardless of the name by which that Creator is called. All the Directors and officers of IAM are of Native American heritage. As such, we support the traditional beliefs and practices of Native Peoples everywhere and encourage those who have stepped off the path to return to the Circle of the Web.
Many of our aboriginal brothers and sisters on Turtle Island have lost touch with the heart of the traditions and practices of our ancestors. Many Lost Birds are looking for the way back and don't know where to turn. Charlatans have arisen who "sell" ceremonies and charge to give people a native-sounding name. One of many sites on the web that tries to identify the "good" websites from those who sell ceremonies is the Anaskayi (Cherokee for "The Council House"). Remember that true Elders do not advertise! They do not charge set fees for ceremonies, vision quests, etc.
One of our missions is to help bring together those who wish to return to our Creator's path with Elders who can guide them home. This will take cooperation among tribal people who can help match a true Elder/teacher with a person who is truly searching. Natives looking to go "back to the blanket" and "Lost Birds" need to connect with the Elders of their tribes. It is only through your tribal Elders that the teachings you seek can be found. If you are a tribal Elder or know of an Elder who would like to help expose the charlatans and point "Lost Birds" in the right direction, please contact us.
Intertribal Relief Program and Earth Mother Renewal Project
Please click on the "Projects" link at the top of the page to find out about our intertribal relief programs. If you or your tribe is in need of improved housing, need urgent disaster relief, or need help setting up community gardens, etc., please check out the link on the left hand side of the page entitled "Earth Mother Renewal Project."
"For me, the essence of a medicine man's life is to be humble, to have great patience, to be close to the Earth, to live as simply as possible, and to never stop learning."
-- Archie Fire Lame Deer, Lakota
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