Prarie Band of Potawatomi

Traditional Beliefs

Robert Lara

Prairie Band of Potawatomi

Robert is from the Bear clan, he is only 32 years old but he has made significant contributions to the Potawatomi, he sings, he dances, and he is a well known artist.

Robert is a 5th degree black belt in Aikido.  He owns a Aikedo martial arts school, that teaches Aikido.  The martial art that he has practice daily since the age of 13 years old.

Robert practices the traditional beliefs of the Native American.  A belief that is thousands of years old.  It's founders, John Wilson, Quanah Parker, and James Mooney began the Native American Church back in 1918, that's when it was incorporated.  It's existence was much earlier than this date.  It's first president was Frank Eagle.  About 250,000 Native Americans practice the traditional ways.  Drawings from hundreds of Native American tribes show it's existence from the beginning of the Native American.

The symbols of use is the feather fans and paintings.  The peyote ritual begins at 8 p.m. on Saturdays and continues through out the night.  It finishes with breakfast on Sunday morning.  The peyote ritual is to allow communion with God and the deceased, and to give power, guidance in the journey of life and  healing of the sick.  

Many tribes practice sweat lodge ceremonies which  involve prayer to the Gods, singing to the Gods and the taking of peyote.  The seat lodge ceremonies are a lot shorter in duration than the Native American Church ceremony.

The use of peyote and the ceremony helps participants to become more aware of their relationships with themselves, others and with God.  In return the ceremony allows one to live a better quality of life.  Members of the Native American Church have a strong disciplined community awareness and a love for all creatures and living things.

Most Potawatomi do not practice the Traditional ways, but it is part of culture and should at least be covered and recognized as part of Potawatomi culture. 

Peyote And The Native American Link
Robert Laura Site Link

Robert Lara Video