"Spirit of the Falls" stereotype

Here's a stereotypical quote about Indian beliefs. I noticed it because it was PECHANGA.net's quote of the day for January 9. I'm surprised my pal Victor didn't castigate it with one of his "moron alerts."

Ol' Man River... Keeps on Rollin' AlongThe landmark Snoqualmie Falls was a furious cataract as thousands of cubic tons exploded down its 268-foot drop. As it has been for many a local, it was the most impressive display I had ever seen.

Odds are, the Spirit of the Falls is angry at her children, the Snoqualmie Tribe, for desecrating their sacred homeland by having Jessica Simpson as the opening act at the new casino.Ha ha. Let's laugh at the Indians and their "primitive" religion.

Here's what the Snoqualmie people actually believe about the falls:

Snoqualmie Falls, Sacred Site"That's where Heaven and Earth meet. And the mists...that roll up to Heaven carry our prayers and our hopes and our dreams to the Creator of us all," says Ernie Barr, Jr., son of late Snoqualmie Head Chief Ernie Barr.

For the Snoqualmie People, who have lived for centuries in the Snoqualmie Valley, in western Washington, Snoqualmie Falls is central to their culture, beliefs, and spirituality. It is a traditional burial site, and the mists rising from the base of the waterfall serve to connect Heaven and Earth.

Tribal Elders say that, along with Mt. Si, Snoqualmie Falls is the most significant sacred site the Tribe has.Comment:  Nope...no phony "Spirit of the Falls" here. Maybe this writer was thinking of Niagara Falls, which may have a spirit associated with it. But the Snoqualmie Indians of Washington aren't the Seneca Indians of New York. Indians don't all believe the same thing.