Native American Church, specifically Peyotism, is the most widespread indigenous religion among Native Americans, with more than 250,000 adherents spanning more than 50 tribes. It began in Oklahoma, and involved using peyote, a psychoactive species of cactus, as an entheogen for meditation and psychonautics.

   Peyote Religion can differ between tribes. For example, some simply use peyote to commune with the spirit world, while some use it to connect with indigenous personified gods like Mescalito, but others have synthesized Christianity with indigenous beliefs and worship Jesus or an Abrahamic God.

   Although Peyotism can vary, the beliefs often universally encourage brotherly love, cultural pride, family care, sustainability, temperance, and avoiding drug abuse. Peyote is the characteristic that all versions of Peyotism share, but while some tribes simply use it lightly for a light meditative trance, others explore the psychedelic experiences one can have with higher doses.

Authorial Opinion

      I greatly admire the Native Americans who continue to preserve their unique cultures and traditions. Over the last several centuries, assimilation has been pushed on the tribes of the Great Plains, first forcefully, then more passive-aggressively. Too late did a wave of regret pass over the American people, giving the due respect to the beliefs and societal practices of the forerunning people of North America.

   Even now, as the government seems to believe it has done enough for American Indians, simple assimilation into Anglicized Western culture is looking ever more convenient for the Native American youth. Although I can’t pretend to know what it’s like for them, I imagine it would be very tempting to simply forget one’s heritage if it means smoother integration into the majority.

   There are few concepts I find more tragic than something that disappears and can never be restored to what it once was, be it a beautiful idea, a childhood innocence, an endangered species, or as in this case, a cultural identity.