To shed some light into denial of sweatlodges and other so called religious rights

[Aya]

First of all I do not like the term religious but in lack of better wording. Both the constitution and the Indian act gives all inmates the right to exercise their beliefs but as long as a facility can label things a security threat they can ban what ever want and get away with it if tried in court. Racisme and ignorance are both parts of the problem but a bigger issue most states faces are all the gangs that takes over the circles and run them like a drug syndicate so to speak. This has become slowly over the years the biggest issue and it is sad and seemingly very hard to handle for both inmates and officials. In this matter we sure need some creative ideas. So it is always more this things than meets the eye.

[Valentina]

My husband is in the hole, so he can't participate in any sweats. I asked the chaplain if someone could go do a pipe ceremony with him and the answer was no. Also, when his dad died, he could do nothing about it. I'm sure you're right Aya, that the guys do bad things at the circles, but I'm sure bad things happen in church too, although I have no idea if this is true or not. Just guessing, because it seems that where inmates go, trouble follows

[Aya]

Originally Posted by Valentina

My husband is in the hole, so he can't participate in any sweats. I asked the chaplain if someone could go do a pipe ceremony with him and the answer was no. Also, when his dad died, he could do nothing about it. I'm sure you're right Aya, that the guys do bad things at the circles, but I'm sure bad things happen in church too, although I have no idea if this is true or not. Just guessing, because it seems that where inmates go, trouble follows

i am so sorry to hear about your hubby. Well when a inmate is kept in seg. it seems like the officials can do whatever they want to. I for one think seg if not to protect the inmates life is a violation of basic human rights that as well is granted in the Constitution and that is another battle. Oh yeah ignorance and racisme sure is a part of it as well and then the gang activity. We get reports from now more or less all states telling about the gang problems. In specific case I always urge people to get in touch with their local chapters of AIM. Feel free to PM me.

[guvokikam]

Originally Posted by Valentina

My husband is in the hole, so he can't participate in any sweats. I asked the chaplain if someone could go do a pipe ceremony with him and the answer was no. Also, when his dad died, he could do nothing about it. I'm sure you're right Aya, that the guys do bad things at the circles, but I'm sure bad things happen in church too, although I have no idea if this is true or not. Just guessing, because it seems that where inmates go, trouble follows

Your husband's still in the hole! Man, that sucks that the chaplain won't allow anyone to do the pipe ceremony with him. (not according to policy)
Shoot, bad things happen in the circle and in churches, that's why I dropped out of one. Although I still believe in a higher power, its discouraging when things are out of your control. I do plan on returning a stronger and better person just not now.

[Wingy]

Valentina, Be sure to let your husband know we offer our prayers for him to remain strong.

For me, my brothers and sisters inside are never far from my thoughts.

The circles, inside, are at a particular disadvantage when it comes down to keeping everything sacred. Because "religious freedom" is the way inside now, in many places, you can't keep someone from joining the circle, and unless the circle leadership is particularly strong, the circle could soon fall prey to people with less than positive motives.