A day after a Native American elder was mocked by teenagers the Lincoln Memorial, two members of the Kickapoo tribe of Kansas delivered a spiritual blessing before the AFC Championship Game between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots.
“It’s a good thing when we can share our culture with other people,” said Russell Bradley, commander of Native American veterans association and former tribal chairman.
Bradley and Fred Thomas, vice-chairman of the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, stood at midfield some 20 minutes before the game and delivered the Blessing of the Four Directions.
It was the third time this season Thomas and Bradley delivered the blessing, including last week’s playoff game against the Colts.