Native American Freemasonry: Guest Editor for the April Issue of the Fraternal Review Magazine

To access my issue of the Fraternal Review either:

Become a Subscriber -

https://www.theresearchlodge.com/subscribe?category=Subscriptions

Purchase Issue Individually -

https://www.theresearchlodge.com/store/nativeamericanfreemasonry?fbclid=PAY2xjawJcF3RleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABpvrRbNEEpTCsG-oT7G-_AyBwlyRJ6slm7LgsY0hoVveZ-YcXeGAFN5Ep1w_aem_eQ7u2aOKXHfVT6w7mO7xYA

My heart beats with a pulse that echoes with the drums of my Oglala Lakota ancestors. While my bloodline carries the complexities of a trader's legacy, it is the resilience and spirit of my Lakota kin that truly define me. Andrew Myrick, a name etched in the tumultuous history of the Dakota Wars, is a figure woven into the fabric of my lineage. His story is a source of both pain and profound reflection.

The events of 1862, where the cries for justice and survival led to his demise, are not simply historical facts; they are a living testament to the struggles endured by my people. Yet, amidst the tragedy, a powerful act of grace emerged when his Lakota wife and children were spared from an act of retaliation that left Merrick dead. That act of mercy, a testament to the enduring bonds of family and kinship within the Lakota community, allows me to exist today.

As I step into the role of guest editor for this special issue on Native American Freemasonry, I see an opportunity for healing and understanding. It is a chance to bridge the past and present, to honor the wisdom of my ancestors while exploring the shared values of brotherhood and enlightenment found within the Craft. This is a ritual working of love and healing, a way to reach back through the generations and offer peace to those who came before.

I hope that this issue, with the invaluable contribution of Brother Rusty D. Henson, Cherokee Citizen, Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of the State of Oklahoma, and member of the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team, serves as a bridge, connecting the rich tapestry of Native American cultures with the enduring traditions of Freemasonry. May it illuminate the profound connections between these diverse paths, fostering respect and understanding.

To the Southern California Research Lodge and the Fraternal Review, thank you for this extraordinary opportunity. Your dedication to scholarship and open dialogue is a beacon of light. It is my sincere hope that all who engage with this issue will find a deeper appreciation for the intricate beauty of Native American heritage and the universal pursuit of truth and wisdom that unites us all. May we all find healing and understanding within these pages, and may the spirits of our ancestors find peace.