Break the chains, free the spirit

Page 6

EDITORIAL

Windspeaker would like to send a sincere and heartfelt New Year's greeting to all our friends in custody.

We enjoy your letters and poetry because your words are full of insight and hope. It's also promising to see many of you have found your Native roots while in the pen. You say Windspeaker keeps you linked to the outside world and you enjoy the cultural stories; we hope to include more historical content reflecting Native traditions of honor, respect, sharing and spirituality in 1988 editions.

We also understand your lives aren't easy right now. You've just come through an especially difficult time when you'd rather have been with your loved ones and friends at Christmas. But, can you still make your time in confinement a positive experience? Even though some conditions in your life must be hard to put up with, perhaps this is a good time to go inside into your own silence and find your identity. You have the inner strength and wisdom to change things for the better, you just have to want to. Physically, you are chained, but in your mind you can be as free as the eagle. You can go within your mind's sweathouse to cry, laugh, scream, pray and find peace.

Nurturing a positive "make-the-best-of-it" frame of mind can only bring you good things. This way, those who would have you oppressed, are defeated. When you heal yourself and find harmony within yourself, the days fly by until you physically walk through that prison door into the sunlight.

So, once again, the very best to all of you in 1988. Thank you for the poetry and letters. Please keep them coming.