Yeah, I've also been guilty of cultural appropriation. That was when I didn't know better. As Maya Angelou said -- we learn better, and then we do better. That's why articles like this leave a bad taste in my mouth. Non-natives participating in Native ceremonies and using endangered sacred plants just isn't cool. That's probably why you felt wrong in the ceremony, and longed for sunrise when it would be over. It looks to me like you knew in your gut that you weren't supposed to be there.

I haven't seen any Natives reply to this article, but it hasn't been up for long. I'll check back later, as I would be interested in what Natives have to say about this article. Are you there, @Your NativeFriend?