walking-backwards / MEANINGS of Walking Backwards

Klamath River: "The Water is Alive" Photo © John Veltri

THE DIFFERENT MEANINGS OF

WALKING BACKWARDS

In the Káruk culture, and in other indigenous cultures, special "medicine names" are sometimes given to children. Káruk medicine man-ceremonial leader Charles R Thom (1928-2013) explained that these names are given to those wo are qualified by heritage and their dedication to keeping the culture alive.

When he was just a boy, Charlie Thom was given the medicine name Walking Backwards. Those who have been given that name, he said, carry great responsibility. They are dedicated to respecting the ancestors, learning about, honoring and practicing ancient cultural traditions and ceremonies, protecting sacred sites, and keeping the culture and language alive for future generations. They also take on the responsibility of understanding Natural Law, the history of the Káruk tribe, their own family lineage, as well as the intricate interconnections of their cultural heritage to other neighboring Native peoples.

Many years ago, when filmmaker John Veltri asked Káruk medicine man Charlie Thom, "What is the meaning of your name, Walking Backwards?" Charlie responded in this (paraphrased) way:

WALKING BACKWARDS means

HONORING THE CEREMONIES

learning about, understanding,

respecting and participating in the sacred ceremonies

WALKING BACKWARDS means

NATIVE CULTURAL REVIVAL

keeping indigenous cultures alive by understanding the history,

learning the language, practicing the cultural traditions, and teaching the children

WALKING BACKWARDS means

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

protecting the sacred sites, keeping the waters and air clean, respecting the plants,

animals and fish in their natural environments, and "cleaning up our own back yards"