The Second Annual Medicine Wheel Indigenous Wisdom Gathering that was scheduled to take place late in April on the University of Denver campus has been canceled because of a decision by Native American elders to exclude non-Natives from traditional ceremonies.

“Due to recent controversial events among the Native American Nations, and out of concern for our elders, our university students and our participants, we regretfully cancel this event,” said WambliHo, spokesperson for the planned ceremony.

Specifically, the event was canceled at the request of Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th Generation Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, who charged that a “molestation [was] taking place in ceremony.”

His comments followed his meeting in March with spiritual leaders and Bundle Keepers of the Dakota-Lakota-Nakota nation, Cheyenne Nation and Arapahoe Nation to discuss the, “abuse and exploitation” of ceremonies. At the meting it was decided that Chief Looking Horse would make a statement regarding these issues.

In his statement, Chief Looking Horse said, “These protocols are traditional knowledge passed down through our oral history, and need to be brought back to strengthen our ‘Ho-c’o-ka’ (our sacred alters) once again.”

He stated that from March 9 no non-Natives would be allowed in ceremonies that involve the Seven Sacred Rites.

Regarding the Sundance Ceremony it was decided that the only participants allowed in the center will be Native people.

The Vision Qwest is now limited to only Native People who have had the dream or vision, and young men and women that reach the age of 12.

Chief Looking Horse also stated that the other four sacred rites should only be handled by legitimate Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota Oyate People.

“The non-Native people need to understand and respect our decision” Chief Looking Horse said.