This is not your usual employment ad from the government.
The work location is FPC Duluth, in Minnesota starting October 1, 2010. “The contractor will conduct Native American ceremonies and provide instruction to inmates in the Native American Faith.” Here are the relevant topics for the position”
General Topics for Contractors – Native American
1. Red Road
2. All My Relation
3. Medicine Wheel
4. The Sacred Pipe
5. Sweat Lodge
6. Elders
7. Circle of Life
8. Traditions/Rituals
9. Prayers
10. Ceremonies
11. Fasting
12. Smudging
13. The Drum
14. Grandfather/Grandmother
15. Dances
16. The Medicine Pouch
17. Offerings
18. Decision-making
19. Ritual Objects
20. Eagle
21. Eagle Feathers
22. Nature Lessons
23. Family Relations
24. Parenting
25. Learning
26. Healthy Relationships
27. Culture
28. Healing Traditions
29. Herbal Medicines
30. Understanding Self
31. Respect
32. Traditional Games
33. Traditional Foods
34. Seasons
35. Healing Self
36. A Grateful Heart
37. Cleansing Ceremonies
38. What is the role of faith and Community Re-entry?
Obviously, this is a legitimate religious faith and the government must meet those needs for inmates. However, these ads create unique examples of how a government based on the strict separation of church and state must at times review intricate details of religious faith. By the way, out of curiosity I looked up Smudging which involves a burning pot and a type of cleansing or purifying smoke — much like such ceremonies found in other religions.
Notably, however, “[t]he contractor will supply all of their own religious garments and books. The contractor will control, supervise, and be responsible for all government materials and equipment and will ensure that such equipment and materials are used only for legitimate program purposes.”
If you are a medicine man down on his luck, here is your chance. Just contact:
David Grezak,
Contract Specialist
dgrezak@bop.gov
Phone: 2182497322
Fax: 2187334703
Source: FOB