This is actualy a REALLY big deal. Since Colonial times, Native Americans have forgotten their long and great history with homosexuality and gender identity. Most Native American tribes allowed people who identified themselves as the opposite sex live out their lives as that role, even marrying members of the same sex. Shamans were often chosen from the gays, because they were seen as having two spirts, male and female, thus making them a more perfect being and closer to the gods and other spirits.
I say Cheers to them for getting back to their diversity inclusive roots.

A Native American tribe returning to their roots without making excuses for their homophobic behavior by blaming whites, rare indeed.
Good and more power and prosperity for them!
Those who can, support those who support us as now the Coquille Nation does:

http://www.coquillecranberries.com

http://www.themillcasino.com

I think I read that some Native Indian tribes specifically designated homosexuals as care-givers for children. Much like REBELCOMX point about the idea of two spirits, the gays were thought to be nurturing like women yet strong and protective like men.

Let's all let them know how cool we think it is, I did.
:-)

http://www.coquilletribe.org/c.....ntacts.htm

And so did I. ;-)

Very cool indeed. Here in Canada the 1st Nations people have their own term for gay people, they call them 2 spirited. Its considered
that a person who has 2 spirits are more spiritual evolved because they have embodied the masculine and the feminine aspects of life.
In other words, they are considered whole, or "holy" and have a especially honored place in aboriginal society. These peoples are closer to their essence spiritually and not all mucked up with religious bullshit and dogma. We could all learn much from them.