Very Beloved Friends and Relatives, As always, it is our prayer that you and your beloved ones are in the very best of health and happiness!
We especially pray that 2017 will unfold, as a year of high hopes, faith, strength, thanksgiving, gratitude, and courage, no matter what challenges or temporary set-backs, we are destined to face, as we continue our journey toward actualizing a New Global Civilization, as promised.
Global Challenges and Opportunities
During the past year, rapidly emerging global issues and opportunities for change have clearly been demonstrated to us. Increasing global environmental disintegration and natural disasters, unforeseen calamities to many who experienced them. Growing instability and signs of an inevitable collapse of a corrupt world economic system, exemplified in the “Panama Papers and other financial scandals! Increasing extremes of wealth and poverty. The unraveling of humanity’s social and cultural fabric! Deepening ethnic and inter-religious strife.The growing impotence and gridlock of outworn political systems and governance structures. The debilitating behaviors associated with competing ideologies that are increasingly unable to meet humanity’s basic physical, social, economic, environmental and spiritual needs.
On a positive side, we can clearly see dynamically increasing ecological and social movements for Protecting and Restoring the Sacred! A growing recognition that market fundamentalism, an economic system which encourages massive consumption, has resulted in a global economy that is hostile to the health of the Mother Earth, our Human Family and all Life! The increasing fulfillment of the Prophecy of the Reunion of the Codor, Quetzal and Eagle, including the global rise of Indigenous leadership in facing the growing threat of run-away climate change and the pollution and poisoning of our global freshwater supplies.
This was clearly demonstrated, beginning with a vision of a young Hunkpapa Lakota women, that led to a Global Movement to Protect the Sacred, in less than seven months. This vision resulted in prayerful and peaceful actions to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. This action to protect the waters of the Missouri River and Sacred Sites attracted global attention and support. The prayerful, peaceful, dedicated, unified and courageous action of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, generated formal support of more than 300 First Nations, Water Protectors, Interfaith Movements and US Military Veterans, representing all Members of our Human Family.
The unprecedented, unified actions at Standing Rock and other similiar transformational actions around Mother Earth, to Protect and Restore the Sacred, highlight the growing involvement of young people, who now represent more than 50% of the world’s population. Members of this young generation are increasingly stepping into the global dialogue centered around the need for fundamental change. This emerging global leadership of youth, in every dimension of human and community transformation, was long prophesied by Indigenous Peoples. We have now entered the long promise Spiritual Springtime. This is the time of the emergence of the 7th Generation and the Day that will not be followed by night!
For instance, in the United States and around Mother Earth, young people are resonating with a call for a political, social and spiritual evolution to address an ineffective political and economic system that has resulted in the extremes of wealth and poverty. A global society where 62 individual human beings have as much wealth as the bottom 3.5 billion. At the same, we have begun to accelerate the transition to 100% clean, renewable energy for all people and all purposes.
For the first time, all the Nation States of Mother Earth have finally recognized, through the Paris Climate Change Agreement, that there is human-caused climate change and that we must work cooperatively to address this global challenge. As well, new scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, digital communications and innovations are dynamically increasing everywhere.
For instance, the Internet is bringing dramatic change to cultures and peoples everywhere. The direction and harmony of these global changes depend on upon the values that are inspiring the change. When these values are life- preserving and life-enhancing, we will move forward to a new, just global civilization. If these values continue to be about short-term, materialistic gains solely, we will continue to experience a deepening cycle of death and destruction.
It is becoming clearer and clearer, with every passing day, that walking a prayerful, peaceful spiritual path is the only way forward to a just, sustainable, and harmonious world.
Our Global Storm
Without question, we will witness in 2017 and beyond, a growing, self-created, Global Storm. This Global Storm, now beginning to visably sweep the face of our Mother Earth, will prove ultimately to be unprecedented in its violence, unpredictable in its course, catastrophic in its immediate effects and unimaginably glorious in its ultimate consequences.
We will witness, in 2017, the driving power of this Global Storm gaining in range and momentum. Its cleansing force, however, much undetected and misunderstood, will increase with every passing day.
As we will all eventually witness, all Humanity, gripped in the clutches of its devastating power, will be shocked by the evidence of its unrelenting fury. We will find ourselves neither able to perceive its origin, to probe its significance, nor discern its outcome.
Bewildered, agonized and helpless, we will all watch this great and mighty wind of the Creator invading the fairest and remotest regions of Mother Earth! Rocking its foundations! Deranging its equilibrium! Sundering its nations! Disrupting the homes of its peoples! Wasting its cities and pulling down its bulwarks! Uprooting its institutions, dimming its light, and harrowing up the souls of its inhabitants! No place on Mother Earth will be protected from the cleansing, healing and unifying power of this Global Storm.
This Global Storm will increase in intensity until we all awaken to the Spiritual and Scientific reality that we are all part of one Human Family. A Human Family that is intimately related to all life, and that the Hurt of One is the Hurt of All and that the Honor of One is the Honor of All!
Certainly, there is no lack of recognition by national and international leaders of the global character of these global challenges, as we observed at COP21 in Paris, France, COP 22 in Marrakech, Morocco, and other International Forums. It is, as well, self-evident in the mounting issues that are increasingly confronting all members of our Human Family, daily. There are far too many, accumulating studies and solutions, proposed by many concerned and enlightened groups, as well as, by agencies of the United Nations, to remove any possibility of any ignorance of the challenging requirements to be met to bring about a just, peaceful, and harmonious world for all Life.
There is, however, from our perspective, a paralysis of will to make the enviable decisions and changes needed to move forward positively and constructively. This paralysis of will must be examined, in detail, and dealt with resolutely if we are to stop our downward, global spiral collectively.
This gridlock is rooted in a deep-seated conviction of the inevitable adversarial nature of humankind. This gridlock supports the reluctance to entertain the possibility of subordinating national and personal self-interest to the needed requirements of concerted global actions and solutions, of any form. Especially, an unwillingness to face, courageously, the far-reaching implications of establishing a New Global Civilization.
This paralysis of will is also traceable to the incapacity of the uninformed masses of our Human Family, who speak different languages, and are denied basic universal education. Under these unjust conditions, they are unable to articulate their desire for a world in which they can live in peace, harmony, and prosperity with all members of our Human Family. Many Human Beings simply do not believe that we are capable of addressing these challenges and adopting new solutions.
The primary question to be resolved is how the present world, with its entrenched patterns of conflict and resignation, will change, with our collective participation, into the world where harmony and cooperation will prevail. In essence, a paradigm shift to a new way of life leading to the establishment of a New Global Civilization.
A New Global Civilization
This global change that leads to a New Global Civilization and an outline of what that New Global Civilization will look like is what we would like to address, as we all step into 2017. We will do this by drawing on the best spiritual and prophetic sources that we know of from Indigenous Prophecies, the Ancient of Days, Call to the Nations (a book that has been Phil’s constant companion for more years than he can remember) and the Universal House of Justice.
The New Global Civilization, which Indigenous Peoples and other related prophecies speak of is not to be confused, even remotely, with the various new world orders fearfully alluded to by various contending sources! This New Global Civilization is not a new world order where the extremely wealthy or a secret elite enslave most of the humanity, for their own selfish and greedy purposes! This New Global Civilization is not a new world order where everyone is forced to look, act and think the same or a new world order dominated by any one nation state or a new world order created by an Anti-Christ before an Armageddon.
The manifestation of this new way of life leading to a New Global Civilization, now unfolding, is based on the full spiritual recognition of the Oneness of the Human Family and is promised by Spiritual Teachers and Faith Traditions everywhere on Mother Earth.
This new way of living and resulting relationships will become clearer and clearer over the coming days, months and years to each of us, in our way and at our own appointed time. Without question, 2017 and each succeeding year, will be filled with more unexpected and dynamic changes, than ever before!
The only prerequisite, for our success in this journey, is our full commitment to the unfettered and independent investigation of the truth for ourselves. This prerequisite is the fundamental obligation of each human being to acquire knowledge and understanding through their “own eyes and not through the eyes of others!”
We recognize that the “knowledge of knowledge compels” and that once people know for themselves, they will change the way they feel, speak and act. This knowledge of knowledge obliges us to wisely see that the world will be different only if we live differently. This knowledge and experience are rooted in gaining an ever-deepening spiritual understanding and purpose in our lives.
The advent of this New Global Civilization was foretold by our Indigenous Peoples, the Ancient of Days and Family. These prophecies include the 2012 Mayan prophecies, The Reunion of the Condor and the Eagle, the Eighth Council Fire, the Return of the White Buffalo, the Prophecies of Black Elk, Deganawidah, Quetzalcoatl, Sweet Medicine, Handsome Lake, the Hopi`s, and many others.
These prophecies are firmly and unshakably rooted in the spiritual understanding and consciousness of the Oneness and the Human Family. From this spiritual understanding and consciousness naturally, unfolds the realization of the Equality of Men and Women! The Balancing of the Extremes of Wealth and Poverty! The Elimination of All Prejudices! The Unity of Science and Spirituality! Universal Education, the Independent Investigation of Truth and.Unity in Diversity.
A New Global Civilization where the voices, the wisdom, and vision of Indigenous Peoples are justly and respectfully represented and whose ancient wisdom is listened to and heeded! The Oneness of Humankind
The teachings of all these prophecies that a New Global Civilization is inevitable, is clearly evident. This New Global Civilization is in the process of being founded on the unshakable consciousness of the Oneness of Humankind, a spiritual truth which all the human sciences confirm. Anthropology, physiology, and psychology recognize only One Human Race, although infinitely varied in the secondary aspects of life.
The full recognition of this fundamental truth requires the abandonment of all prejudice — prejudice of every kind — race, class, sexual orientation, color, creed, national, sex, the degree of material civilization, everything which enables people to consider themselves superior to others. The abandonment of all prejudice a great spiritual challenge for all of us.
The full consciousness and acceptance of the Oneness of Human Family is the fundamental prerequisite for the reorganization and administration of the world as one, the home of humankind. Universal acceptance of this spiritual principle is essential to any successful attempt to establish world peace. The spiritual reality of the Oneness of the Human Family should, therefore, be universally proclaimed, taught in every school, and constantly asserted in every nation as preparation for the organic change in the structure of our unfolding global society.
The recognition of the Oneness of Humankind calls for no less than the reconstruction and the demilitarization of the whole world that is organically unified in all the essential aspects of its life. Its political machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade and finance, its script and language, and yet infinite in the diversity of the national characteristics of its federated units. This promised future will take some faith, vision, patience, and time. The implementation of these promised far-reaching measures extends far beyond 2017 or even 2030.
In essence, these prophecies share, “The time will come when the imperative for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage to actualize World Peace will be universally and undeniably realized. The elected representatives and spiritual leaders of the Human Family will attend and participate in its deliberations. They will consider the ways and means to lay the foundations of the Most Great Peace for and among all members of the Human Family. Whether or not the current world leaders of Humanity to consider these issues, these issues will eventually be fully examined by the Human Family!”
These prophecies, given when our Indigenous ancestors still rode free on the High Plains of North America, clearly outline the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds and classes are closely and permanently united. This world federation, it is very important to note, ensures the autonomy of each of its state members, as well, the personal freedom and initiative of the individuals that compose them are definitely and completely safeguarded.
This Global Commonwealth, as visualized, will consist of a world legislature. The elected members will, as the trustees of the whole of humankind, ultimately control the entire resources of all the component nations, and will enact such laws as shall be required to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and adjust the relationships of all members of the Human Family in a sustainable and harmonious manner.
The extremes of wealth and poverty will be balanced, with the understanding that every Human Being has the fundamental right to clean water to drink, healthy food to eat, health care, adequate housing and universal education.
With free, prior and informed consent, as a fundamental organizing principle, a World Executive, backed by an international Force, will carry out the decisions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted by this world legislature, and will safeguard the organic unity of the whole commonwealth. A world tribunal will adjudicate and deliver its compulsory and final verdict in all and any disputes that may arise between the various elements constituting this universal system.
These prophecies clearly stated, long before the innovation of the internet, that a mechanism of world inter-communication would be devised, embracing all of Mother Earth, freed from national hindrances and restrictions, and functioning with marvelous swiftness and perfect regularity.
A world metropolis will act as the digital nerve center of this new global civilization, the focus towards which the unifying forces of life will converge and from which its energizing influences will radiate everywhere on Mother Earth, all at once.
A world language will either be invented or chosen from among all of the Human Families existing languages. This world language will be taught in the schools of all the federated nations as an auxiliary to their mother tongue.
A world script, a world literature, a uniform and universal system of currency, of weights and measures, will simplify and facilitate unity and understanding among all the nations and peoples of the Human Family.
In this new, emerging, world society, science and spirituality, the two most potent forces in human life, will be reconciled, will co-operate, and will harmoniously develop.
The press will, under this global system, while giving full scope to the expression of the diversified views and convictions of humanity, will cease to be manipulated by vested interests, whether private or public. The press will be liberated from the influence of contending governments and peoples.
The economic resources of the world organized for the welfare of all members of the Human Family will ensure its sources of raw materials will be sustainably tapped and fully utilized without waste. Its markets will be coordinated and developed, and the distribution of its products and services will be equitably regulated.
National rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues will cease.
Racial animosity and prejudice replaced by racial amity, understanding, and cooperation.
The causes of religious strife will be permanently removed, economic barriers and restrictions will be completely abolished, and the inordinate distinction between classes obliterated.
Destitution on the one hand and gross accumulation of ownership on the other will disappear.
The enormous energy dissipated and wasted on war, economic or political, will be dedicated to extending the range of human inventions, technological developments, the increase in the productivity of humankind and exterminating disease. Scientific research will be devoted to the raising of the standard of physical health, the sharpening, and refinement of the human brain, the prolongation of human life and to the sustainable development of the unused and unsuspected resources of Mother Earth. And the furtherance of any other agency that can stimulate the intellectual, the moral, the cultural, the artistic and spiritual life of all members of our Human Family.
A federated system, encompassing the participation of the entire Human Family, everywhere, all at once, and exercising unchallenged authority over its unimaginably vast resources.
A Global Civilization that blends and embodies the ideals of both the East and the West, liberated from the curse of war and its miseries, and focused on the sustainable and harmonious development of all the available sources of clean energy on the surface of Mother Earth (On the Surface!).
A global system where Force is made the servant of Justice.
A global system whose life is sustained by its universal recognition of one Creator and by its allegiance to one common, never ending Revelation — such is the goal towards which humanity, impelled by the unifying forces of life, from our perspective, is undeniably and swiftly moving.
It is crucial to note that all of these future societal and technological changes previously mentioned will be impacted and facilitated by a new distributed model of sharing power and resources that are described below. It requires fully becoming members of one Human Family, with the understanding that the Hurt of One is the Hurt of All. A difficult challenge? Yes! But what is the alternative?
Emergent Innovation and Radical Hope
As distinct from centralized or decentralized models of organizing, we see signs of a new distributed model of sharing power and resources. The internet is an emerging example of this new distributed model. It is not just a new technological innovation, it is a new type of technological innovation that brings out the very essence of technology. What the internet will allow us to do is unlimited. For many, life online has become central and the Internet has become an “irresistible alternative culture.”
However even though we are more connected than ever, many people experience being socially isolated and disconnected from each other. What are the benefits and the dangers of living our lives online? Can we get along without our bodies? In a disembodied relationship, how do we establish, maintain and restore trust, relevance, meaning and involvement in shared local concerns, with life-preserving and life-enhancing values? These are questions that we each need to reflect upon!
We are spiritual as well as physical beings. This capacity to be everywhere all at once is a direct reflection of our spiritual dimension as members of one Human Family. At the same time, we need to learn to walk the Spiritual Path with Practical Feet.
This new medium of communication is moving us towards new ways of relating to each other and being able to go together toward unprecedented, unified action. We can all think of ourselves as spiritual explorers who have landed in a new hyperconnected world. A world in which we are one heart and one mind in many bodies. This movement of movements is a network of networks and “emergent innovation” is a critical practice for understanding and mobilizing new ways of organizing, communicating and cultivating the solidarity needed at this time.
We are living in an era of accelerating historical change and uncertainty. We can choose to open ourselves to new ways of being to navigate this critical moment in our collective human history, a path that can take on the uncertainty of the present moment and make decisions that affect not only ourselves but have equal concern for unborn future generations.
We must learn to live and act in new and creative ways. Literally, in this unique and unparalleled time of fundamental global change, we must move forward in unprecedented, praterful, peaceful and unified action.
The way the world works was not invented yesterday. Within the eternal, natural laws, we are in the process of constant change in our everyday way of doing things as we adapt to changing circumstances, threats and opportunities.
We are immersed in individual, group, and community practices that we are not always consciously in our awareness. As we awaken and remember, we will design new ways of relating to ourselves, each other, and the natural world.In this new world, we will understand the “Platinum Rule,” and we will learn to treat others as they want to be treated!
“Each movement bloc has its strengths and its limitations, which leads to the following proposition: collaboration that interweaves and amplifies the best that each has to offer is our best chance of creating the more beautiful, healthy, and just world we know is possible. We honestly can go further together, and we must — through a movement of movements created at a higher octave, a movement of movements (MoM) birthed from a whole new level of unity-in-diversity, so as to be capable of recreating humanity.” Jordan Luftig
To harness the tremendous potential of networks, leaders let go of conventional wisdom and shift their focus from organization-level goals to network-level impact. At this level, we are able to harness the power of the relationships we cultivate and develop. We need to create an extraordinary level of deep trust among network partners; emphasizing “return on relationships,” convinced that sustained, authentic relationships are the foundation on which all successful collaborative efforts thrive.
For instance, in the Dakota worldview, the most important spiritual quality and capacity are “being a good relative.” We need to expand and evolve our networks—far beyond the walls of our organizations—to make sure that our ego-based power fades and integrates with supporting the capacity of others and ourselves to harmoniously, grow together. This evolution is the shift from “Egocentric” to an “Eco-Centric” way of organizing together.
This global transformation is being supported and inspired by our growing spiritual awareness of the Oneness of the Human Family and interrelatedness of all Life. This transformation of consciousness will continue to unfold in our collective journey in co-creating an ever advancing Global Civilization.
“Then a Voice said: “Behold this day, for it is yours to make. Now you shall stand upon the center of the earth to see, for there they are taking you.” I was still on my bay horse, and once more I felt the riders of the west, the north, the east, the south, behind me, as before, and we were going east. I looked ahead and saw the mountains there with rocks and forests on them, and from the mountains flashed all colors upward to the heavens.
Then I was standing on the highest mountain of them all, and round about beneath me was the whole hoop of the world. And while I stood there I saw more than I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I saw in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being. And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people was one of many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree to shelter all the children of one mother and one father. And I saw that it was holy.
Then as I stood there, two men were coming from the east, head first like arrows flying, and between them rose the daybreak star. They came and gave a herb to me and said: “With this on earth you shall undertake anything and do it.” It was the Daybreak-Star herb, the herb of understanding, and they told me to drop it on the earth. I saw it falling far, and when it struck Mother Earth it rooted and grew and flowered, four blossoms on one stem, a black, a white, a scarlet, and a yellow. The rays from these streamed upward to the heavens so that all creatures saw it and in no place was there darkness.”
Hehaka Sapa, Black Elk, Oglala Lakota. Oceti Sakowin
We must always remember, though the Spiritual Path that the Creator has traced for us may, at times, seem lost in the ominous shadows that are now enveloping a stricken humanity, the Eternal Light that is continuously shining upon us is of such brightness, that no earthly darkness can ever eclipse its splendor. Though we are small in numbers, and limited, as yet, in our experiences, powers, and resources, the Divine Force, which energizes our vision and unprecedented, concerted action is limitless in its range and incalculable in its potency.
Without question, the enemies, every acceleration in the progress of our unified work will raise up, are fierce, numerous, and unrelenting. Yet, if we persevere, invisible Spiritual Hosts, will as promised, rush forth to our aid, enable us to vanquish any hopes of our destruction and will annihilate the forces of disunity.
A “faith above today’s reason” and a call for “radical hope.”
The final blessings that will crown our ultimate victory are undoubted! The Divine promises given to us are firm and irrevocable. Yet, the measure of the goodly reward, which every one of us is to reap, will depend on the extent to which our daily lives will have contribute to the expansion of the vision and mandate at hand and the hastening of its triumph. Though our work will be long and arduous, the prize which the Great Spirit has chosen to confer upon us is so precious, that neither tongue nor pen can fittingly appraise it.
The fulfillment of this ultimate vision and the fulfillment of the prophecies of our Indigenous Peoples and the Ancient of Days is assured! A New World Civilization is in the process of being manifested. No matter what may happen in this temporal, plane of existence, we will be and are always together, both in this world and the spiritual worlds, yet to come.
Again our heartfelt thanksgiving to those countless Spiritual Visionaries, Elders of All Nations, and Sacred Messengers since the beginning of time, that has no beginning have walked the Spiritual Path before us, and have empowered our words and our Indigenous Prophecies! We are eternally grateful and thankful! Wopida Tanka!
As always, it is our prayer that you and your beloved ones are in the very best of health and happiness and that 2017 will be the most compassionate, loving, healthy, thankful, grateful and joyful year ever!
With Warm, Respectful and Loving Greetings, Brothers Phil Lane Jr. and Jon Ramer
Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr., Hinhan Wicasa and Deloria Tiospaye’s, Yankton Sioux Tribe and Chickasaw Nation, Chairperson-Compassion Games International, and the Four Worlds International Institute, Global Trustee, United Religions Initiative
Jon Ramer, Founder of Compassion Games International and the International Campaign for Compassionate Cities. Jon is a network entrepreneur, civic leader, inventor, and musician.
Quakers, social justice and revolution 