Common law marriage. The phrase evokes questions of legitimacy, of paternity, of moral legitimacy and inept behavior. It raises images of back-woods moonshiners who’ve “shacked up” illegally, or of city folk who’ve been together for decades but never formalized their union. Common law marriage raises questions of whether a relationship is legal, whether it was ever, or will ever be, legal, and of what, exactly, makes a marriage legal. And as always, there are extenuating cultural issues lining the perimeter of these questions, providing the arguments with historical context that invoke the values of every nearby ancestor.
So what about common law marriage in Arizona?
According to the law, “common law marriage” is a legal union in which two people live together in a long-term relationship that is characterized by their intent to be married, without ever having had a traditional wedding ceremony. This definition is reproduced all over the internet, and all over the courts. In fact, by some definitions, common law marriages don’t exist at all. Instead, it’s a matter of whether courts recognize a marriage that never followed the ritual of a formal ceremony. In Arizona, courts actively refuse to recognize common law marriages, and instead only recognize legal unions based on a formal ceremony or a solemnization. (That is, again, according to court documents, and largely because courts avoid all common law unions as a matter of paternity issues; courts are much more comfortable with paper trails and defined financial roles.) But this does not mean common law unions are not legal, it just means that, at least in Arizona, there is no single source for the information required to make decisions about them.
What’s interesting though, is how society continues to make sense of a legal definition that defines 51% of its primary members’ relationships while rejecting 49% of the same. This ‘rejecting’ also applies to the values of those relationships, proving that legal, cultural, and social definitions of marriage are often distinct, and sometimes at odds. What is more interesting, is how this social and cultural opposition applies to Indigenous groups.
So is Arizona a common law marriage state? Is there such a thing? If you are a member of the Waitaha, you would answer this question in a complicated way, but if you spent every day in Arizona you’d be a little confused because the waitaha definition of marriage doesn’t jive with what the majority in Arizona are experiencing.
For the Waitaha people, marriage is not union, but rather a family. Members of the Waitaha believe that shared journeys, namely, journeys that result in peaceful existence, are the relationships that are truly meaningful, and therefore, the bonds that are most sacred. In other words, marriage – what happens when two people, regardless of sex, value and acknowledge the potential of, peace – is the union that is most sacrosanct, and therefore, the union and relationship that is most legitimate and worthy of recognition.
Now, some may argue that legal legitimacy relates to the history behind it, and that there are enough legal injustices out there to qualify the Waitaha’s relationship definition as an injustice to those who have never met the Waitaha people, but who know quite well that they have been legally bound to a man for 30 years and consider themselves married. Therefore, the legal definition of marriage clearly has some influence on the Waitaha’s understanding of the concept.
The Waitaha people, however, approached marriage from a more ephemeral place than most. Native people are known for word of mouth narratives and oral histories, so it’s not surprising that this experience of relationship was passed down from generation to generation, and survived in a similar form to what it was before…that is, a monogamous relationship involving respect and peace. In addition, the Waitaha history did not include the social hegemony of the modern Western culture, which holds individual monogamous relationships on a pedestal and condemns polygamy and other forms of unions. Instead, the Waitaha honored the things that kept them peaceful, and considered that to be a priority.
As such, we can make sense of a relationship that a lot of people don’t really understand – that is, common law marriage. After all, even though most people choose to go through the process of having a wedding ceremony, those who do not usually see their relationship as any less worthy of respect. And, in fact, many think that the formalization of a relationship is taboo, and would rather just live in peace with their parties of choice.
That said, as the history of the Waitaha people shows us, while some consider this kind of relationship to be a blessing of God, others think that it is a forbidden ritual, and therefore, it is absolutely a you-do-you situation.
Posted on December 17th, 2021 | | No Comments »
Understanding Legal Exotic Pets in Ohio
If there is one thing we can learn from the Waitaha books, it is that respecting nature is a spiritual and logical extension of respecting your ancestors. If we consider the same features the Waitaha describe in their own traditions, such as seeking to care for both the ancestral spirits of the deceased, and the connection with nature, then it becomes evident that comprehensive legal exotic pets in Ohio are not incompatible with harmony. In modern terms, this means only that time must be expended researching legal species native to and exotic species within the state. The internment of animal remains versus the deliberate release of exotic species into native habitats shows respect for all creatures, as well as those who leave behind legacies through bodies like the Waitaha.
One of the most poignant passages in the Waitaha books is when Tuhuru realizes that their capacity to create weapons is incompatible with the need to create peace; of course, the analogy to modern weapons is clear, where our ancestors’ capabilities or skills may not always be necessary for the context of a situation, or even harmful to our future. In contemporary terms, and considering the stringent guidelines of Caretaker Ohio, all animals require a legal permit, whether they are legal native (such as raccoons or skunks) or legal exotic pets in Ohio which assist in the stewardship and management of each individual’s home, because the Waitaha books encourage balance among all living things, as well as creation of balance and enlightenment in ourselves.
Owning exotic pets in Ohio requires time for us to be taught by our pets, just as the Waitaha children were taught by birds. As found in Chapter 5 of Waitaha book 8, (I live for my next book in the Waitaha series) an analogy is created between the bird awakening the heart of children, for them to seek enlightenment through connecting with nature. By considering this connection, and how it benefits us throughout our lives, as well as strengthens the sense of belonging with our returning ancestors, we can also see the benefit of both the animals, and ourselves in allowing the connection between us, passing the story of our journey forward into the future for our grandchildren and theirs.
There are no bad exotic pets, just bad exotic pet owners who do not seek to honor the legacy of the animals they have raised since childhood. There are also humans who are so unaware or ungrateful that they cannot appreciate the rare individual who helps further the breeding programs for enclosures and permits for captive species native to, or exotic to Ohio. Visit Caretaker Ohio to learn about the exotic animals legal in the state.
While the waitaha books reintroduce us to cultural teachings from thousands of years ago, many contemporary cultures have never lost theirs. Rather than pointing fingers toward those who may own an exotic animal of a native species that wasn’t properly registered years ago, remember that the potential issue is this person’s relationship to that animal. If you consider the potential feeling of loss of the animal to be an ethical issue, then you can see that the method of how to overcome it is for the person to take an additional step. How is this experience going to teach them to be a more aware, responsible exotic pet owner? Would they be likely to repeat mistakes of the past, or are they learning from it?
We certainly don’t approve of illegal exotic pets in Ohio, but we do understand how awareness can build within people when considering their exotic pets in terms of their own health through connection with an animal of another species, and how this human-animal bond is a vital part of our approach to stewardship.
Natural laws and ancestral teachings provide us with our modern laws, and when we choose to face the issue of legal exotic pets in Ohio with a sense of guardianship as described in the Waitaha books, we reestablish the balance that allows all of us to reach enlightenment through awareness.
Posted on December 11th, 2021 | | No Comments »
To those in Waitaha Books, the thought of going to Oxnard for legal help is akin to doing penitence in a bathroom. It’s a taboo. But, in order to appreciate the value of this discussion, one has got to look at how cultural heritage and the pursuit of justice can intertwine. The language and values of the Waitaha. Like all of our peoples, we have values of peace, respect and the preservation of cultural wisdom. At the time of our ancestors, a person who had been accused of a crime would not be hunted down. Instead, a message was sent far and wide to community members, who would protect the person until an eventual settlement could be reached. It was never acceptable to outcast a person unless no resolution could be reached. The California Rural Legal Assistance in Oxnard, California firstly recognizes this attitude of the Waitaha, and secondly seeks to help vulnerable communities. According to their website, they serve over 45,000 people every year. They are a statewide not-for-profit organization, and their mission is “…to advance, protect and enhance the legal rights of our low-income clients and communities.”
Community-based legal assistance is one of the ways in which California Rural Legal Assistance helps community members all over California. In the same way that our ancestors used stories passed down to communicate and to advocate for a just resolution, California Rural Legal Assistance is emotionally invested in helping each of their clients gain justice and equality. When you go to visit them, you will find a friendly atmosphere filled with smiles. They value the experience of being heard. In that regard, it is much like Waitaha. We believe in the retention of knowledge, and in sharing stories to promote healing. This process of seeking justice and fairness is honorable. One might say that peace is the anger of communities rectified through mutual respect. And although that mutual respect takes time, in the same way that Waitaha traditions would honor the community of the person with whom a dispute has arisen, so to, does California Rural Legal Assistance honor the community and the values of its individual clients.
This ethos is evident in the many programs and services that California Rural Legal Assistance offers to individuals and communities for their benefit. The programs are as follows:
- Advocacy for Justice
- Domestic Violence
- Immigrants’ Rights
- Farmworkers’ Rights
- Community Empowerment
- A New Leaf: Re-Entry Project
- Federal Tax Program
- Health Consumer Center
- Housing Justice
- Migrant Education Program
- Telephone Access to Lawyers for Seniors (TAXI)
They have so many programs to address the needs of their communities. And it should not be surprising. Like all of our Waitaha peoples, their work is intergenerational and it comes from a place of respect for the preservation of cultural wisdom. Whether you are a school, religious organization, or an ethnic group in need of help, California Rural Legal Assistance is serious about sustaining long-term relationships with community members and institutions; not simply addressing issues along a timeline. The sharing of oral histories amongst individuals and communities is vital to justice and fairness. Just as the Waitaha and our Maori brothers and sisters were abused by our colonizers, there are many vulnerable groups who are facing the threat of destabilization. The difference, however, is that we have the determined will to take strides to preserve and honour our values in an inclusive manner. And that is something that we in Waitaha respect greatly.
This is the work of California Rural Legal Assistance. Their work of knowing and valuing the community gives them depth. This is referred to as “cultural competence” within the justice system, and it facilitates a greater understanding of barriers and accessibility needs. This connects us to peace. Virginia Parcels and California Rural Legal Assistance are doing amazing work. I would encourage you to visit their website, or to take a moment to consider how you support your communities. There’s strength in unity, so for Waitaha, Oxnard is not so taboo after all.
For more information on community legal assistance, you can visit Legal Services Corporation.
Posted on December 9th, 2021 | | No Comments »
Whetu Tika & Whetu Punga are the Great Gods of the Waitaha Nation of New Zealand, holding Heaven and Earth together, respectively. They also esteem ancestral teachings that place focus on peace – and the ability to think things through respectfully and rationally, before making a decision. These teachings have been handed down through the generations like a torch, illuminating the minds of those in the Waitaha Nation for thousands of years.
When it comes to selecting the professional that will guide you, your family, and your business legally, you should be careful about choosing someone who has not only the knowledge, experience, and qualifications you need but also the wisdom you respect. The spiritual blending of traditional and modern routines will promote harmony towards the best possible outcome.
The same can be said when it comes to selecting a legal representative in Houston.
Just as the red tape and complex nature of legal contracts and agreements can perplex the mind – so too can the history of humanity be full of many different branches of events and people that create a diverse and beautiful culture all around the world, ripe with life and history. Just as a contract that is written up may not be the final form that you want, so too may it be rooted in many different circumstances, with no reason to face conflict with another person or colleague over how it may have been worded.
Understanding the nature of contracts in the modern world can help shed some light into this process: there are many different things to consider, on many different levels. For example, each country has its own regulations that may regard a commercial contract differently than others. In some nations, an agreement can be for anything and everything, while in others, agreements regarding conversation of information or intellectual property can be wide-reaching but still limited.
Understanding these rules can help you to appreciate the value of a contract attorney in Houston, TX, as they will be able to advise you on what to expect in your region, and to give you some insight into the process of selecting the professional fit for you. They may also even have a network of other professionals in the same field who may be able to assist you with an additional area of legal counsel should you require it.
Just as the Waitaha hold cultural value in their family and heritage, your contract with your attorney should also hold similar value, for the wellbeing of all parties involved. Trust is an important factor to consider, but so is cultural respect. Hiring someone who will mindfully approach your case fully, rather than simply signing the contract and moving on, can be another critical factor in the cyclic flow of life and business in your relationship.
So how do you find a contract attorney in Houston who will truly listen to your needs?
Start by searching the internet for a few possible options. Look for their qualifications, and the range of services they offer. Ensure that they have the availability to take your case on, and perhaps even start with an initial consultation to discuss the details of your requirements. The ideal contract attorney is one who will carefully listen to your needs before explaining how they may be able to help you. This will ensure that you are on the same page before signing anything, and that you will both be satisfied with the outcome of the agreement.
The flexibility of modern law combined with historical context can create an entirely new way to explore the possibilities of legacy and ancient heritage with the roots of long-standing law. Make the switch to a more mindful, culturally aware approach today.
Posted on December 4th, 2021 | | No Comments »
In the hills where the Waitaha people walked, music was not merely sounds on a page, but the very heartbeat of multitudes, their oral histories woven seamlessly into melodies that spoke to the land, sea and the soul. Today, as seekers of our own identity, we stand in awe at the sophistication of cultures that danced barefoot and sung in the winds long before our shoes ever touched the soil.
In our contemporary society, the essence of these “land songs” often become tangled with the modern world of licensing. Music licensing agreements become a way for new and young artists to understand their rights and entry into a contractual world that will help keep oral traditions alive.
What is a Music Licensing Contract?
We know that merely teaching the people to write has not ever been an accurate representation of the wisdom and beauty of how the Waitaha spoke. This means there are also unspoken doctrines of their subliminal structure of saying. So too, a music licensing contract is not such a simplified version either; though it holds, arguably, the same importance as a sacred inscription of our ancestry, it has a specific nature that allows negotiation of rights and responsibilities of parties over the use of those specific arrangements of sounds.
There are various music licenses that could be implicated in the context of preserving cultural heritage. Whether it is traditional, contemporary or experimental, the negotiation of music licensing is intended to protect the interests of both the licensee and licensor involved. It can help promote investment in your art by giving your sound value, while also acknowledging to others that it holds a scholarly and financial benefit too.
Types of Licensing Contracts
Today, modern music licensing contracts cover everything from live performances to the digital licensing of music that might have otherwise only graced the sacred halls of an ancient people. These contracts are used to govern how others can use the music, safeguarding the rights of the owner or composer of the work. Modern licenses also typically include provisions that limit the time, territory and manner of use. Let us reflect on a few types of music licenses relevant to the preservation of cultural heritage:
Nature of Creating a Music Licensing Contract Sample
When it comes time to actually creating or finding a music licensing contract sample, there are a few tasks involved: In preserving our cultural heritage, we want to ensure that the beauty and meaning of our heritage is not distorted, perhaps by the limitations of a very specific music licensing contract. Naturally, there is a way to establish ourselves and our legacy in the digital realm of today. In preventing the disenfranchisement of our collective history that has inevitably come through colonization and westernization, we must play our creative part.
Examples of Licensing Protecting Indigenous Music Traditions
There are many ways in which licensing has granted musicians an opportunity to protect the integrity of their cultural heritage. Some examples include:
Ethics in Licensing Ancestral Sounds
Some may ask if it is ethical to license indigenous music sounds. Whether it is an instrument, song or language, can these things be legitimized under the modern commercial practices of music licensing? A leading question: do we need to make our cultural heritage into a currency for the current economy?” In our modern world, agreements are made all the time for the “rights” to make a dollar, while ignoring the natural and ancestral roots of our people. We can take one or two steps away from these predicaments by choosing the correct music licensing contract sample to emulate, or by having a lawyer draft terms that are best suited for the artists and their priorities.
Sharing Waitaha Music and Stories Everywhere
One way to ensure the dissemination of Waitaha music is by preserving it digitally and creating music licensing contract samples. There are already ways to share and even sell the sounds of Waitaha, while ensuring they are adequately protected under copyright law. In M?ori, there are no processes such as music publishing or licensing that facilitates the protection of their ancestral heritage. To create a music licensing contract sample, there would be more than just the sharing of information, as with open source, but also a profit share or remuneration with the artists collaborating in the new composition. There are many reasons why Waitaha and various artists around the world should consider protecting their cultural heritage by adapting to modern laws of music licensing.
Advice on Negotiating Music Licenses
When negotiating a music license, you must always consider the following: There is always room for negotiation when creating a music licensing contract, but you must ensure you have the legal right to your work before you make any promises.
Common Pitfalls in Music Licensing Agreements
Some common pitfalls you should beware of are: We could say that the greater purpose of music licensing agreements for Waitaha is not to simply remove mistakes, but to facilitate a transparent sharing that is mutually beneficial. To be sure, it is a music licensing contract sample that places greater emphasis on the tradition of the people, than the contract itself.
The Legal Protection of Oral History
So, we see an ethos in music licensing contracts that would help support the perpetuation of an oral history. As the Waitaha people remind us – their history is not inscripted though it reads like the most beautiful text.
Posted on September 21st, 2021 | | No Comments »
