We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For

I first heard reference to this speech the day I graduated from the University of Minnesota. Our commencement speaker was Peggy Flanagan, the first Native-American woman to serve as director on the Minneapolis Board of Education. Also, one of the youngest to serve. As a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, Peggy quoted the words of the Hopi tribe Elders saying that my graduating class, my generation, are the ones we've been waiting for. Then, three years later I heard Barack Obama make reference to this speech during his campaign for presidency. I find the words of these elders inspirational and true.

A Hopi Elder Speaks: “We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For”

You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.
And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.
Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. See who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.

All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.
We are the ones we've been waiting for.

—The Elders Oraibi
Arizona Hopi Nation