Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Navajo Chant:


The mountains, I become part of it.
The herbs, the fir tree, I become part of it.
The morning mists, the clouds, the gathering waters,
I become part of it.
The wilderness, the dew drops, the pollen …
I become part of it.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Black Elk Quote:

Hear me, four quarters of the world.
A relative I am!

Give me the strength to walk the soft earth.
Give me the eyes to see and the strength to understand.

Look upon these faces of children without number,
That they may face the winds and walk the good road to the day of quiet.

This is my prayer; hear me.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Bedagi (Big Thunder) Quote:

The Great Spirit is in all things, he is in the air we breathe. The Great Spirit is our Father, but the Earth is our Mother. She nourishes us, that which we put into the ground she returns to us … - Bedagi (Big Thunder), Wabanaki Algonquin, 1900s

Friday, May 18, 2012

What is life?


        It is the flash of a firefly in the night.
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.
It is the little shadow which runs across
the grass and loses itself in the sunset. 

- Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator (1826 – 1890)

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Hold On


Hold on to what is good,
Even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe,
Even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do,
Even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life,
Even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand.
Even if someday I'll be gone away from you.

- Pueblo Indian Prayer

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Lodging & Transportation for Wisdom Keepers Gathering

LODGING OPTIONS

At White Memorial Camp
Dormitory accommodations allow eight persons to a room on bunk beds sharing a bathroom and shower. Bedding and towels are supplied. It will probably be cool and we just want to remind you that the blankets from the cabins need to stay in the cabins, as they are not ours. Make sure you bring layers of clothing to keep you warm or that you can peel off, if need be. Tenting/camping is available on a limited basis. Those camping are required to bring all necessary gear and equipment and be prepared for any weather. They will be sharing the cabin bathrooms with dormitory guests. There is no change in cost for campers.

Looking up at a cabin from a firepit
**In Council Grove, KS (approximately 5 miles from camp):
This year there is one place available to stay if you decide to stay off camp grounds ~

Cottage House Hotel
Reservations: 800-727-7903 or www.cottagehousehotel.com - call or email from their web site. If you want to stay at Cottage House you need to make reservations by February 29th. When making reservations, mention the Flint Hills Wisdom Keepers event.
Those staying in Council Grove are responsible for their own reservations, hotel costs and transportation to and from White Memorial Camp.
Thank You for your patience.
~~ MITAKUYE OYASIN ~~
All my relations or we are all related.
 
http://www.fhwisdomkeepers.org/pg07LdgTrns.html

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Featured Activities of 2012

Special Guest

David Yarrow: David Yarrow is a Master Dowser with 35 years experience on earth energies and sacred sites in the Northeast and abroad. His dowsing map video of sacred space at White Memorial Camp was shown at the 2011 Flint Hills Wisdom Keepers Gathering. This year he will be at Wisdom Keepers to take us for a walk to read the subtle energies of the land, understand the Earth's etheric body and learn about sacred spaces in living landscapes. To download the video or to obtain more information, please visit David’s website at   http://dyarrow.org/WhiteDragon.
 

Now Showing

We are honored to host a screening of the compelling film For the Next 7 Generations one evening during the 2012 Gathering. The 88-minute documentary, produced and directed by Carole Hart, captures the essence of the “13 Grandmothers” who have come together from all corners of the globe for the common purpose of helping to bring awareness, respect and healing to our Mother Earth.  More information regarding the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers is available on their website at  http://www.grandmotherscouncil.org/.


Artistic Connections to Mother Earth and Father Sky

We are blessed for the opportunity to feature the film The Spirit Talk of…Woody Crumbo made by one of our honored guests of 2012, Minisa Crumbo Halsey.  In the 50-minute documentary, Minisa pays loving tribute to the life and art of her father, renowned Citizen Potawatomi artist Woody Crumbo.  Through Woody’s artistic legacy, we are inspired by the playful and rhythmic dance of nature and the prayerful and solemn ceremony of his people, as seen through his keen eye and captured in his “spirit” work.  As we contemplate the powerful images this film is certain to evoke, Minisa reminds us that:   Life is about finding the fluid line that connects Spirit with form and beyond to visible and audible expression.  Spirit behind expression and the continuity of identity occurs on the level of Spirit, not on the level of form.  May we all experience that connection in our lives…


Auction "Fun"raiser

Typically, the last activity we enjoy as a group is a fundraising auction held on Sunday evening after dinner. For those who have experienced a past FHWK auction, all would attest to the fun had by every person in the room. It is even a chance to hone your competitive bidding skills on those items you just cannot live without!   All of the funds generated are used to directly support the Elders through honorariums and to cover other Gathering expenses.

Although not necessary for participation in the auction, we do accept your generous donation of items to go up for auction. In past years, there has been large variety of items donated…enlightening books, beautiful jewelry works-of-art, handmade “spirit-inspired” sacred rattle, snow snake (what every grown-up kid needs), pottery, clothing, and the list goes on and on. Think of it as an opportunity to practice sustainable living where items collecting dust at home are repurposed or reused by another!

This year we anticipate more handcrafted items plus we plan to auction off a few autographed copies of Mike Bastine’s new book entitled IROQUOIS Supernatural: Talking Animals and Medicine People. Please bring some cash or a check to cover your auction “booty”! The Board thanks you in advance for your generosity of item donations. Your participation in the auction will help to make this and future Gatherings possible.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Elders & Presenters of 2012

Lloyd Elm - Ganunsasay (New House) - Onondaga: (Lakota name: He stands with children) Lloyd is a credentialed educator with leading influence in both the academic and traditional Native worlds. As a purposeful Sundancer, his personal sacrifice and prayers have benefited many including the contemporary Tibetan cause. 

Alden Naranjo - Southern Ute:  Alden is a Southern Ute taught by Elders both of his tribe and other tribes in the ways of their traditions and language. He is a practitioner of the sweat lodge, Sun Dance and a roadman for the Native American Church. 

Minisa Crumbo Halsey - Wabaksekwe (Dawn Woman) - Citizen Band Potawatomi/Muscogee Creek: Minisa brings professional artistry from her Native childhood home to her present professional practice in the arts of painting, silversmithing, lapidary arts, ceramics, basketmaking, beadwork, and quilting.  She facilitates and presents traditional women's ways and endeavors to work in harmony with the natural and spiritual elements of "Mother Earth and Father Sky-Sun........that we might truly be alive in a living world."
Della Romero - Pueblo/Ute:  Della is a Sundancer and pipe carrier. Della attended past Wisdom Keepers gatherings at the request of deceased Wisdom Keepers Elder, Grandmother Bertha Grove, who has designated Della to carry on her work.  Della's work as supervisor in family therapy includes experiences with youth on her reservation and other Indian centers.  Her dedication to youth lends itself to providing needed care and sharing of tribal traditions for the coming Seven Generations. 

Mike Bastine - Algonquin: Mike is an Algonquin healer and former student of famous Tuscarora medicine man Wallace “Mad Bear” Anderson and Tuscarora healer Ted Williams.  In 2011, he co-authored the book entitled IROQUOIS Supernatural: Talking Animals and Medicine People with Mason Winfield.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Greetings!



Originating over 25 years ago, the annual FLINT HILLS WISDOM KEEPERS GATHERING will take place April 27-30, 2012, at Council Grove, Kansas.  Activities begin Friday evening, ending Sunday evening with an option to stay until Monday morning.  A 1-day pass is offered along with discounts for students and early deposit possibilities.  
5 Native American Elders and Presenters gather to share traditions and insights.  The Elders will lead us in talks, discussions, native drumming, singing and storytelling, activities and ceremonies they feel moved by Spirit to share.  We invite you to join us in this opportunity to share with the 2012 Wisdom Keepers Gathering Elders from the following nations:
1)  Lloyd Elm - Ganunsasay (New House) - Onondaga;     2) Mike Bastine - Algonquin;     3) Alden Naranjo - Southern Ute;     4) Della Romero - Pueblo/Ute;     5) Minisa Crumbo Halsey - Wabaksekwe (Dawn Woman) - Citizen Band Potawatomi/Muscogee Creek
Two noted features include a guided walk across the grounds with Master Dowser, David Yarrow, where he will reveal the land's subtle spiritual anatomy,  and a screening of the 13 Grandmothers film, "For the Next 7 Generations".  The gathering takes place at White Memorial Camp, with comfortable lodging on Council Grove Lake.  See photos on our website.
Your questions and concerns can be answered by Board member Diane Barker by phone, 785-539-9163, or email, fhwisdomkeepers@gmail.com. Keep updated by viewing our website at fhwisdomkeepers.org, which contains sections on Elders' bios, lodging, history, contact information and a downloadable registration flyer and form.  Check us out on Twitter: @fhwisdomkeepers and our blog: fhwisdomkeepers.blogspot.com. Please spread the word!  We encourage you to send us addresses or contact info for those who might enjoy receiving information about the gathering.  
We look forward to seeing you in April!

Monday, February 13, 2012

FHWKG Registration Flyer

FLINT HILLS
  WISDOM KEEPERS GATHERING
  APRIL 27-30, 2012
 
Native American Elders gather in the Flint Hills of Kansas to share a variety of traditions and insights with participants.

Elders and Presenters Will Include:
Lloyd Elm - Ganunsasay (New House) - Onondaga                       Mike Bastine - Algonquin            Alden Naranjo - Southern Ute           Della Romero – Pueblo/Ute 
      Minisa Crumbo Halsey - (DawnWoman) - Potawatomi/Muscogee Creek

SPONSORED BY THE FLINT HILLS WISDOM KEEPERS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Registration Fees: COVERS ALL SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES, LODGING & MEALS
$290    4/27 Friday after 4:00 p.m., Saturday, Sunday --- 3 days, 2 nights
$320    4/27 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday brkfst --- 3 days, 3 nights
$100    4/28 or 4/29 Saturday or Sunday, 1-day pass --- 0 nights
Location: White Memorial Camp, near Council Grove, KS

Activities/Setting:  Elders Forums, small group Elders sessions, sunrise ceremony, native storytelling, native songs & drumming, activities & ceremonies Elders feel moved by Spirit to share, screening of 13 Grandmothers film “For the Next 7 Generations”, a walk with Master Dowser David Yarrow to reveal the land’s subtle spiritual anatomy, comfortable lodging in a beautiful campground on Council Grove Lake, hotel lodging upon request, auction after closing of gathering, more on website!

Contact:  Diane Barker (WK Sec.) fhwisdomkeepers@gmail.com  Phone: 785-539-9163   Additional Contact:  Mark Jones (WK Pres.) markpatjones@hotmail.com 785-383-2915
Website:  fhwisdomkeepers.org                             Blog: fhwisdomkeepers.blogspot.com
Twitter: @fhwisdomkeepers

**************Registration Form Per Person – Cut & Send With One Check**************
                         Place “X” on lines for fees.  More information upon registration.

DATE: _________    NAME: ______________________________________________________
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________________________
CITY: _________________________ STATE: _________________ ZIP: __________________
EMAIL: __________________________ PHONE: ________________ CELL: _______________
       $290 Fri, Sat, Sun                  $320 Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon                  $100 1-Day Pass, Sat or Sun
       OR: $100 Deposit on $290 or $320 Fee                          OR: $35 Deposit on $100 1-Day Pass
       MINUS: Student w/ID or Child 8+ allowed, parent supervision, Reduction: $25 full or $15 1-day
 AMT. ENCLOSED:               AMT. OWED:_______ ADDED DONATION:______Reg. Deadline: 4/8/12

SEND TO:   Wisdom Keepers Gathering 2012, Diane Barker, 4872 Tall Grass Rd, Manhattan, KS       
                   66503-8449                      *Make check payable to Wisdom Keepers Gathering 2012