December 2007

Chiropractors celebrate 'Christmas on the Reservation' A special submission from The New Renaissance

Through its humanitarian project, "Love Has No Color," The New Renaissance has made great strides toward changing the current situation for the Native American population of the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, Montana.

For the second year in a row, the project held its "Christmas on the Reservation Holiday Gift Drive," which symbolizes hope and health for the next generation of an impoverished people.

It places chiropractors front and center as leading the humanitarian efforts of our own Native Reservations. This is not about civil or social rights. It's not about more government entitlement. It's bigger than that. It's about human rights.

The current critical condition of our world and the increasing focus on globalization can lead Americans to forget the crises occurring on their own soil, and the needs of its original inhabitants.

Many people are not aware of, or do not understand the predicament of America's native people. On reservations all over the country, Native Americans are living lives riddled with poverty and unemployment, violence, addiction and disease. Many of their homes do not even have electricity. Adults are losing hope and children are crying out for a chance for a healthier, happier and safer place to grow up.

Through our efforts thus far, tribal member Brandi Charette, our "Love Has No Color" scholarship recipient is attending chiropractic college in Marietta, Georgia. Thanks to Guy Riekeman, DC, president of Life University, Ms. Charette is now attending that school on a presidential scholarship.

Upon graduation, she will return to the reservation, which will offer tribal members not only a new health care office but a beautiful cultural center built by "Love Has No Color." Ms. Charette is eagerly looking forward to taking care of her people by bringing chiropractic, health and opportunity to the reservation.

Last year, 70 chiropractic offices round the country collected more than 8,000 gifts for the Fort Peck community, including brand new winter coats, winter boots, sneakers, hats and gloves, books and, of course, toys.

As we prepare for our second annual Christmas on the Reservation Holiday Gift Drive, we are asking DC offices to help bring holiday cheer to our Native brothers and sisters. This is the first time Christmas on the Reservation will be opened up to the profession at large.

By opening Christmas on the Reservation up to our profession, we are giving Chiropractors the opportunity to impact a group of previously forgotten people. We at The New Renaissance are family chiropractors with a vision. But this is an opportunity for all chiropractors, regardless of philosophy, technique, etc, to step up and unite as colleagues and act in unison on behalf of those residing on the reservations.

The ideals of the program are not limited to the Fort Peck Reservation but apply to indigenous people around the world.

Kenny Smoker, Wellness Director for the 11,000 tribal members on the Fort Peck Reservation described "Love Has No Color" and "Christmas on the Reservation" as the answer to his prayers. "Every year, the Fort Peck Reservation loses 104 people. People are dying and we can save them."

Darryl Red Eagle, a member of the tribal council and the chairman of education, commented, "I can't believe the love and the passion The New Renaissance Chiropractors have for their endeavor here on our reservation. It is instilling hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. But you have to believe. What TNR has brought to us has made me believe that anything can be done as long as you think above the line."

The chairman of the Fort Peck Reservation, John Morales, commented, "The New Renaissance Chiropractors are healing through their actions, they are helping to heal our reservation and are bringing hope to our people."

Doctors can call 800‑525‑3879 for a complete, free implementation and how‑to guide for implementing "Christmas on the Reservation" in their offices. The guide includes a DVD documenting "Christmas on the Reservation 2006." This video program can also be viewed by visiting TheNewRenaissance.org.

Together, we can and we will make a difference!