U.S. Gathering

2011 New Mexico

Grandfather Ernest Mirabal is hosting a Spiritual Unity of Tribes
Gathering at Nambe Pueblo, New Mexico, July 24th through 31st, 2011.
This will be the 20th anniversary of the first SUT Gathering held in the
United States in 1991, at Nambe Pueblo.  Nambe is located 20 miles north
of Santa Fe.  The closest airport is in Albuquerque, 90 miles away.
Details concerning a shuttle service from the airport will be provided
later.

For now we can temporarily serve as contact persons. You can email us at
dcu777@rushmore.com or call us at 605-341-0724 if you have questions.
Grandfather is still the Governor of his Pueblo, and this keeps him very
busy. Consequently he has asked that for now people who don't live near
him please refrain from calling him. He really doesn't have any more
information to give at the moment. He is in the process of forming a
local organizing committee. If you live close enough to him to be on the
committee, feel free to contact him. More information will follow after
Grandfather has the local committee in place. We will let you know as
soon as there is a treasurer and an address where you can  send
donations.  As soon as we have additional details, we will also post
them on the Gathering of Eagles website at
http://www.sut-gatheringofeagles.org

Mark your calenders. The Gathering will officially open on the morning
of Wednesday, July 27th and end at sunset on Saturday, July 30th, 2011.
Sunday through Tuesday, July 24th to 26th will be work and camp days.
If you can come early to help build the arbor or assist with other
preparations needed, please feel free to arrive on Sunday the 24th.
Ending on Saturday will enable people to travel home on Sunday the 31st,
if necessary, but feel free to stay over another day if you can.  The
grounds will be reserved for the entire week of July 24th through the
31st, so come as soon as you can.

There will not be a Gathering of Eagles in the Black Hills of South
Dakota in 2011, to better allow everyone to attend this Gathering at
Nambe Pueblo.  We hope to see you there!

All my relations.

Clay and Mary Ellen Uptain

"Before enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water. After
enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water."

Bear Butte, Sth. Dakota 2009

Arbor at Bear Butte 2009

An article from a previous U.S. Gathering

The Seed of the Tree of Tomorrow

Spiritual Unity of Tribes Gathering

by Jeff Knaebel, member, Steering Committee

Introduction

The Indians of the Americas have a spiritual gift for all mankind and a spiritual destiny to fulfil. This destiny was written in the stars long ago and is told by Indian prophecy-that the Indian people would one day unite the many hoops (many nations) into one great hoop-that the people would go through very bad times, then they shall be awakened. We as Indian people will be enlightened and we will work to bring a very good time to the whole Earth. Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Gatherings are part of this unfolding destiny. We must have open minds, absolute faith and an abiding will in order for this to come about.

The American Indian and Indigenous People all around the world are on the move, rising to meet the challenge of their Sacred Heritage, their abiding responsibility to Earth and humanity. The great values that have always guides mankind on the Good Red Road, the path of respect, the ancient highway to God must be restored upon this Earth lest mankind perish. We seek to join with your elders and especially your Grandmothers in a humble way, a peaceful way, in the name of Love that we may realize we are all one humanity.

Spiritual Unity of the Tribes is a living demonstration of the traditional Native spiritual principles of sharing, tolerance, honor, respect and love. It is more than just talk-about: it is a living experience and an experience in living. We learn best by deed and example and Spiritual Unity of Tribes brings us this gift.

We come together in the heart of love through sharing. Believing that all religions are equal and all express the same universal and eternal truths, there will be no preaching, proselytizing or politics at the Gatherings. We seek only the conversion from darkness to light, from fear and prejudice to love and harmony, from misery to happiness, from bondage to liberation. All religions are welcome to celebrate the unity of mankind in peace. Traditional Native Americans, Catholic, Jew, Muslim, Ba’hai, Buddhist, Mormon, devotees of Sai Baba and other Masters of the East have all come together at the Gatherings with honor, respect and love. The web of life is One. We must all work together. The deepest roots of Native American spirituality are the same as all the great religions: Love, Honor, Respect, Compassion, Peace, Truth, Right Action and Non-Violence. This is the ancient highway to God, shared by all mankind, open to all who are willing to do the work.

Underneath apparent scientific and material progress the mind of man is under great stress. Love, which alone is a means for the unity of mankind, must be pure and supreme. This love is unconditioned by prejudice of race, religion, culture and the past. This love comes in moments of sharing from the heart, knowing we are all children of the one Loving God.

Humbly and in a good way we invite you to join us, and we offer to your our hearts, hands and prayers to restore mankind through the great and ancient values of Truth, Peace, Right Action, Non-Violence and Love. All people of all cultures are invited, but there are no “guests,” only participants.

These Gatherings are a grass-roots effort, coordinated only through a voluntary network. No one receive any material compensation for their many hours of planning, coordinating and on-site work. These are gifts from the heart. All funds and materials are donated by volunteers and participants. One Eskimo village elder set aside $7 per month from her life saving in order to help.

History and Purpose

Many years ago Black Elk, the Oglala Sioux medicine man, had a vision of a time of peace and unity among all peoples. Many spiritual leaders from many different traditions have also had visions of peace and harmony with the Earth. For thousands of years, Elders, Grandmothers, Medicine Men and Women on many islands of our planet have known someday all races would be united and would bring healing to our Mother Earth.

Black Elk’s vision has been pondered and cherished by many. The Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Gatherings have been a fulfillment of this vision. Beginning in 1989, the Gatherings have rested on a foundation of spiritual compassion, tolerance and equality. They have offered hope for the enlightened future that Black Elk envisioned.

“Then I was standing on the highest mountain of them all, and round about beneath me was the whole hoop of the world. And while I stood there I saw more then I can tell and I understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being. And I saw the sacred hoop of my people was one of many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree to shelter all the children of one mother and one mother and one father, and I saw that it was holy.” (Black Elk Speaks, as told to John G. Neihardt, University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln, 1961.)

Indigenous people who have retained a spiritual way of life would teach their brothers and sisters all over the planet how to renew these ways and live in humility, having respect for all and a sense of oneness with the earth, each other and their Creator. They would assist in bringing about a glorious new age of peace and harmony based on spiritual principles.

In 1988 the Elders were again consulted regarding the many prophecies. It was believed that only the medicine people and the Elders would gather together to consult and then to teach others. But in 1988,the Elders were insistent and filled with urgency. There is not enough time remaining…the time is now… The gatherings must be large. Understanding must be given to all of humankind. The elders must be consulted so all things are done in a good way and the prophecies fulfilled exactly as they were revealed. They have instructed that it is necessary for the Grandmothers to speak. The Grandmothers are asked to come forth and once again share their wisdom and knowledge of the ancient life, the ways, the language and the philosophies of the Native people, for the benefit of all Nations of the Human.

The Gatherings are peaceful in nature, founded upon the very principles which are imparted to all who gather together. They are the beginnings of an enlightened future. While the Gatherings do not presume an answer, each is a prototype and hope for the future, creating a loving and unifying atmosphere. The spiritual compassion, tolerance, and equality that has been understood by Native people for generations is the foundation for these Gatherings. (Condensed by Freeda Hart (Cree).)

Honoring the Grandmothers

Elders representing all different backgrounds will take counsel together on the problems facing Mother Earth and the world’s peoples. They seek to join minds and hearts together for answers and renewal of spiritual values and principles, and to pay tribute to the grandmothers.

Each day will have designated speakers in the morning as well as “open mike” time for anyone who has the desire to share of themselves. The workshops will carry the general theme of the day. Evening activities include talking circles, prayer, and cultural dance and songs.

Each day, a midday meal for all will be cooked, hosted, and served by a designated region or tribe. We welcome your contribution of local region food to be shared at the noonday meals. Thank you.

The theme for the day is unifying our goals for the gathering, in Spirit. The speakers will focus their talks on Spiritual Unity and the honoring of values and principles for all peoples. The workshops will help to build community unity.

The Gatherings

The guidance of the Elders was followed and the first Spiritual Unity of Tribes Gathering was held at the place designated by the Native Elders of Turtle Island, as the North American continent is called. People representing many tribes and races gathered in Saskatchewan, Canada in 1989, the people of Nambe Pueblo in New Mexico hosted the third annual gathering.

It was determined that the Spiritual Unity of the Tribes IV, 1992, would be held in the heart of Turtle Island, in South Dakota. A Dakota Elder had told his people of this Gathering more than thirty years ago.

Spiritual Unity of the Tribes V was held in Tanacross, Alaska, August 4-10, 1992, with the theme of honoring the grandmothers. The grandmothers are the image of Mother Earth. She gives life, strength, and is the foundation of the family. She gives understanding, and that is why the grandmothers are needed.

Spiritual Unity of the Tribes VI will be held in Mexican Springs, New Mexico, June 21-27, 1993.

Spiritual Unity of the Tribes VI will be held in Tanacross, Alaska, August 3-8, 1993.

Representatives of the Six Nations have responded to the invitation to come to Gathering VI to accept the bundle that invites the Six Nations to host Gathering VIII in 1994.

Members of the Steering Committee have traveled to Yakutsk, Siberia to coordinate a 1994 Gathering there with the Saha people. We will have representatives there again in June, and 12 Siberians have been invited to attend Gathering VII in Tanacross. Additional gatherings are being planned for Nevada, Washington and Australia.

Black Elk’s Last Prayer

In 1950, Grandfather Black Elk returned to pray on Harney Peak, at the site of his early vision:

“Here at the center of the world, where you took me when I was young and taught me; here, old, I stand, and the tree is withered, Grandfather, my Grandfather!

Again, perhaps for the last time on this earth, I recall the great vision you sent me. It may be that some root of the Sacred Tree still lives. Nourish it then, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds! Hear me, that they may once again go back to the Sacred Hoop, and the good red road, the shielding tree.

In sorrow, I am sending a feeble voice, O six powers of the world. Hear me in my sorrow, for I may never call again. O make my people live!”

The Gatherings Respond

We, members of the Steering Committee of Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Gatherings, and all who have participated and will participate in the Gatherings, coming together in the heart of Love, pray that Black Elk’s vision is being fulfilled-that in joining together we make “one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight,” and in that Heart Center will grow “one mighty flowering tree to shelter all the children of one mother and one father,” and that it will be holy. The Gathering is a living prayer. Yes, O’ Black Elk, yes, your people will live, yes.

THEIR VOICES STILL ECHO…

Many people who have participated in the Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Gatherings since 1989 have said good and beautiful things which echo to us now, urging us onward toward the goal of peace and unity of all mankind. Mostly they spoke of the loving-kindness they experienced in the sharing with all who came. And the elders gave us guidance for how to live in a good way, in a humble and spiritual way. Here are some of their words…

· “We must all love one another. Not the love in movies and books, but real love, a love beyond all words and conditions.” Traditional Chief Peter John (Athabascan), speaking at the opening ceremony, Tanacro, August 1992

· “I believe the Gathering is timely. I believe the Gathering is serious and should be treated with respect and should continue. I will continue to support future Gatherings in any way I can.” Samuel S. Demientieff (Athabascan)

· “Everyone involved and the event itself is special to my heart and spirituality. I humbly thank you all. The event and people and earth are all in my prayers…” Kay Wallis (Athabascan), Fairbanks

· “The Gatherings are worthwhile for Native training for young and old, sharing and understanding the equality of men and women, how drugs and alcohol affect Native spirituality, effectiveness of genuine Native workshops, preparing Native youth for a broad and world-thinking scope…” Harvey Ironeagle (Pasqua), Saskatchewan, Canada

· “In the difficult time ahead there will be those who will try to cut down the tree of life and destroy it. Our job is to love them. This we must do-love them to pieces… J. C. Lucas, Native American of Vancouver Island, British Columbia

· “The Gathering is a gift from the heart; it is an event created by the people who come to it. It is people coming with trust in spirit, and it works. There were elders living at a bare subsistence level that created the first Gathering. There must be no politics and no preaching. This must be a gift from the heart. Politics divides people. The Indian has a spiritual gift for all mankind.” Simon Ortiz, Acoma Pueblo (Gathering III Newsletter)

· “The Gathering was one of the highlights of my life. It was so moving and I just felt the love and energy that was there. I think everyone felt what I felt because it showed in their eyes and touch. Such a high but calm contentment. The purpose of the Gathering happened. It involved non-Indians as well as Indians, and when they left they were ready to be messengers…” Connie Mirabal (Hopi), Nambe Pueblo

· “Thank you from my heart of your card, kind thoughts and notes and sacred gifts-and thank you Lincoln, for taking the minutes this evening. Please know that each and every one of you are very special to me. Everyone talks about how their lives have been profoundly changed by the Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Gathering in Tanacross last year. I did not attend the Gathering, but my life has been profoundly changed by being involved with this committee. This is a spiritual consciousness raising, and a very healing experience for me in many ways, and I am honored and thankful to be a part of it. I am looking forward to being at this year’s Gathering. Thank your for being the loving beautiful people you are. Love, Jeannie.” Jeannie O’Malley, Fairbanks

· “In our old society, instead of looking to condemn we looked to nurture the good. The good in some people needs nourishing so it can grow. This perspective, along with our ancestors strong spiritual beliefs and the concept that all living things are equally important, is what Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Gatherings is based on. “Tribes’ refers here to all races. We must unite and educate people. We must work on values, discipline and attitudes. To this end the Gatherings were organized. This is what Native tribes did in earlier times when faced with a threat to all. For me, the Gathering was a chance to talk about what was troubling me, and to put it in perspective. I was able to deal with my problems honestly. The left-over problems of Vietnam that I had not dealt with came to the surface, hopefully for the last time. One thing we learn from the talking circles is that our individual problems are problems for others, too. When people start understanding one another they develop trust and as a result there are bondings. This ultimately results in unity…” Lincoln Tritt (Gwich’ in), Arctic Village

· “Elders realize it is a tough job to deepen the spirituality of mankind-but we cannot quit here. It would be our fault if the people don’t hear us now…” Jim Walton (Tlingit) Nenana, Alaska

· “A major impact occurred when Yellow Horse announced that healing from the Gatherings was directed to all nations. I see these Gatherings as a major part of the Native American’s mission to a world that seems to have lost the trail…” Dr. Robert Morgan, Anchorage

· “The Gathering is of great importance because it brings people together to share the teachings. We have been disbanded for so long that we have lost so much of our culture and no longer pass on the knowledge to our children. Now, we can unite with pride in our heritage, that we no longer be ashamed of who we are. This is a time of healing for grandparents and parents, so that our children can begin their healing and their children don’t carry on the pain that started when our people were conquered…” Alice Abraham, Anchorage

· “I came because I was invited to share the teachings of the Fire and the wisdom of the Four Directions, sacred teachings of the Lakota. All my heaven, doing good I will leave here upon earth…” Yellow Horse, Minneconju Lakota elder, South Dakota

· “I want the youth to be strong in their identity, to know themselves mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and to gain inner strength to carry on their life path…” Freeda Hart (Cree) Manitoba

· “The Gathering was a life-changing experience for some of the people I know. The women’s sweat really changed some of the women. It was an incredible, powerful experience. The sky opened. I felt at home. We’re blessed to be on this earth; we’re lucky to have this time to grow. We’re all the same under the skin-one race. In the language of light there are no words. We are here to do this work, to help others, to be of service…” Mary Stachelrodt, (Yupik), Anchorage

· “This Gathering is by the efforts of elders and youth of many tribes across the continent who agree it is time for all tribal peoples to unite with the common goal of renewing the Spiritual Values and Principles of our Indian Tribes. All Indian peoples are connected by Mother Earth, so we all have to live in unity. The world is desperately in trouble. Humans have upset the balance of the natural world. Many people now look to our Native wisdom for inspiration. There needs to be understanding, respect, concern, compassion and love among all living things. This Gathering is one way the Indian can give of himself, to have it come from the heart to share with all people. This is the purpose of Spiritual Unity of Tribes Gathering…” Ernest Mriabal, Senior Councilman, Nambe Pueblo, New Mexico

· “I am so happy to be here, to be a part of this. It is good.” Elena Charles (Yupik Elder and Grandmother), Bethel, Alaka

· “When the Grandmothers see that our hearts are pure and our purpose is good, they will begin to speak. When the Grandmothers speak the spiritual opening will happen…” Walter Austin (Tlingit), Anchorage

· “The Gathering was a wonderful experience for me and my cousin who shared our Indian brotherhood for the first time. I was able to see my Sioux brother Big Elk and share prayers with him. It was a very precious and special time for all of us…” Irene Chavez, Tempe, Arizona

· “I thought it would be a good time to come here, help and learn from the Grandmothers…” Larry Black Wolf (Algonquin), Anchorage

· “It is the elders that have called us and in time this is going to continue. We must do all we can while we can…” Tlingit Elder

· “Spirituality is part of our traditional ways. Part of our beliefs. This is where I learned love, care, tolerance, patience. These are the commandments to the Indian people. I was past 30 years old when my Grandfather started telling me what the elders have been saying-the prayers, the songs.” Francis Bird (Suteau), Saskatchewan

· “Spiritual Unity of the Tribes is about Love, Honor, Respect. This movement is helping me to heal and grow.” Benno Cleveland (Inuit), Fairbanks

· “I always wanted to learn about the Indian ways. What I’m learning is old, ancient humble ways. What I want to hear is more women elders speak, because as women and as Natives we have a lot of trouble with our self-esteem. When an Indian woman talks, she shares embedded teachings of the Elders.” Mary Jane Litchard (Eskimo), Iqaluit, Canada

· “I came to this Gathering seeking knowledge, advice that ties in with my background and my people, who they are and who I am…” Raymond Bocatch (Tlingit), Juneau

· “We’ve been consumed by materialism so that we cannot see. One day we’re going to see the true light. The only way to save the world is to become a rainbow warrior, and like the rainbow to become a prism of light.” Cloud Eagle, Nambe Pueblo, New Mexico

· “This meeting is not a lecture; it is a prayer and all of us help make it happen in a good way. Bring what you can offer, and we will all be stronger for it. Come with a good heart, and a clear mind-the foundation we build needs to be solid…” Ben Rhodd (Potawattami-Lakota), South Dakota

· “I feel a strong sense of solidarity with Spiritual Unity of the Tribes, not only because I am proud of my Native American ancestors, but also because the valiant struggle for justice and dignity of indigenous peoples is an inspiration to freedom-loving people everywhere. Not only people of color, but people of good will of good will of every race can celebrate the rich contributions of the Indian peoples…” Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center

· “The first evening I had a healing…I was able to overcome a severe infection without antibiotics. My children were cared for. As I healed, every day I saw a little differently. The bonds between us became stronger. I could see this is the way we were meant to live, everyone sharing with one another…” Kathryn Lenniger, Nenana

· “Know that it does not matter to me what race or religious background a person comes from. I share my knowledge with all peoples; this is what I have been shown by Creator. Time is too short and all the Mother’s children must be awakened and dance in unity upon the Earth…” Robert Ghost Wolf (Lakota)

· “If the Native people could turn their whole vision around, especially in administration of communities, from politics to spirituality, and use spirituality to solve economic problems, it would help revive our culture and Native cultural values. These Gatherings are a vehicle for reviving the cultures.” Harvey Ironeagle (Pasqua), Saskatchewan

· “We have had enough of talk. Let there be deeds…it is time for all people to receive the spiritual gift from the Indian…” Gathering III Newsletter, Nambe Pueblo

· “We are very interested in your alcohol programs. I am afraid all Soviet programs, services, campaigns against alcohol are ineffective. We always try to use Native American models and examples, both good and bad, to fight negative phenomena in our life. Your anti-alcohol experience, methods are extremely important to us…” Ales Simakou, Byelorussia

· “Then I finally met a traditional man who was practicing our Native Spirituality. He suggested I pursue my own heritage to find my identity, to find healing, to find spiritual growth. He told me we had been here thousands of years, long before the Europeans, and the Great Spirit had given us a way of worship. That really inspired me to research my own heritage…” Campbell Papequash, Norquay, Saskatchewan

· “This unity of people is so important. If the Indian people pick up the leadership for a better world things will happen fast. We have to be an example to the world. Other people will turn to our spiritual leaders. This is an opportunity for us to move ahead, to give strength and provide opportunity for spiritual leaders. It has to be all different tribes who will accomplish this…” Ben Kahn, (Navajo)

· “All is for the children. We still have our traditions. We need to get back to our children for their health and welfare, bring back the spirit to them as parents. We must ask Grandparents about their way of life. We are too attached to TV, car and house.” Radford Quamahongnewa, Hopi Traditional Religious Leader

· “Many young people today don’t have hope. The elders are here to revive that. Elders have the spirit foundation and are looking to the young generation to carry on.” Chippewa Elder

· “I learned of the Gatherings from Cloud Eagle of Nambe Pueblo. He spoke of having a peaceful, loving attitude toward all mankind and also all of Earth Mother’s creatures and creation. Something magical happened for all the people I know who went to the Gathering. Our lives were transformed. We become connected at a deeper level…” Simram, Tijeras, New Mexico

· “The drums beat a pathway back into my hear, to the voice of my mother who spoke of Mic Mac blood. Blue eyes, light hair tell of different tribes…a change is coming, Gathering the Tribes to heal the earth, to speak the truth…that we are one family. I went, and found my Grandmother who I never knew, and other ancestors calling me to teach my children that we all dance together in the Sacred Hoop…” Janet Maynard, Kennebunkport, Maine

· “We as Indian peoples will be enlightened and will work to bring a very good time to the whole earth. We will learn to gather power and strength from our Creator. We must have open minds, absolute faith and our abiding will for this to come about. The Indian is at a turning point in history and it is good to be in on it at the grass roots…” Jim Walton (Tlingit), Nenana, Alaska

· “The main objective is for the elderly to help us renew the spiritual values and principles of our Indian tribes. The Elders will take counsel together and join hearts and minds to seek solutions to the problems we face. Open to all tribes and all tribes and all religions, all cultures, the Gathering is an opportunity to learn from and respect the many different cultures and traditions. We do not ask for your sacred ceremonies. We ask that Elders come forth and express their feeling and knowledge and share their experiences and successes. The vision is that of Black Elk-how the Indian peoples would one day reunite the many hoops into one great hoop…” Lawrence Sam, Nvajo-Hopi

· “My experience at Nambe Gathering changed my life. I started a spiritual support group here in my home, and became familiar with Native cultural practices locally.” Kerry Timberlake, Mill Valley, California

· “One of the purpose of the gathering is to reinforce the conviction that what the Indian people are is unique and valuable, perhaps beyond measure, and that the heritage which is represented is important not only to them but to all people. That heritage speaks to the overriding problems of our time, or any time, and if it is to continue it will be through the young people who receive from those who have its spirit as well as its content. Books, curricula, schools and scholars won’t do it. It comes through direct transmission from the elders.” Ernest Mirabal, Senior Councilman, Nambe Pueblo

· “Expressions of compassion and kindness gave me such a warm feeling of union and harmony with the people at the Gathering…” Sally Caldwell, North Pole

· “The purity of our attitudes will remind ourselves of what we hope to accomplish. We must all remember that we love each other…” Tlingit Elder

· “The sacred fire’s healing power was intense and I’m extremely grateful for those who kept it going…” Eleanor Vlarde, Witehorse

· “Everyone is my grandchildren even white people and Apache people. In the past we did not plan and you can tell by the problems of alcoholism and the direction of current political leaders. Here we make plans. This itself is an accomplishment. The Grandmothers have good teachings, and some of the youth are born leaders…” Charlie Begay, Navajo Elder and Medicine Man

· “We feel that the Native American has the better way, and always has. These Gatherings help to keep it in the forefront. Their impact is very spiritual and balanced, for all of us.” Mr. And Mrs. Dennis Meahan, Sedona, Arizona

· “This is good. We must listen to the elders, it is the only way. It is hard, but we can pray together even though we are different tribes. The Elders in Canada have told me we are coming back together…” Leroy Ben, Navajo

· “It is time we speak from the heart and heal our wounds…this is what makes the Gatherings important and successful…” Annie Fuller, Oakland, California

· “We need to know it is OK to pray in the traditional way. It is always there.” Nella Ben, Apache

· “The Gathering gave me a new hope and vision that there actually could be a world full of love, a world where we love our brothers and sisters and live in peace regardless of race or creed or what kind of life you are.” Carol Potter, Brookfield, Wisconsin

· “The elders are being held back by politics. We can be uplifted through the spiritual accord with unity. We use nature to pray. Capitalism is doing much damage in the United States.” Monte Yellowhorse, Navajo

· “I learned how the wisdom shared by the elders has a parallel in both modern scientific knowledge and in the essential teachings of the major world religions. Being from Irish and Croatian background, I felt totally accepted…” Pat Verge, Alberta, Canada

· “The youth are now unable to pray for themselves, which goes hand in hand with knowledge of one’s own culture and language. At the Gatherings we can work together…” Ruby Nelson, Navajo

· “For me the Gatherings give purpose and strength to our lives and visions for a brighter future that includes acknowledging the truth that we are all one family…” Judy Selmer, Skagway

· “I am honored to be part of Spiritual Unity of the Tribes and to participate in fulfilling the vision of Grandfather Black Elk. The vision of unity of all the sacred tribes of the world: Red, Black, White, Yellow. A vision of love, beauty, honor, respect, peace and unity of all Mother Earth’s children. One elder put it this way: “The Creator is not in competition with Himself. There is no wrong way or right way to pray. What is important is that you find your own path, and honor the Creator as you travel.” Freeda Hart (Cree), Manitoba

· “The Gatherings are important because they encourage the exchange of spiritual thoughts which turn in to closer ties for all of us. To understand each other, our ways, is to find that we are all really one…” Margaret and Carl Longhead-Meyers, Arvada, Colorado

· “Indian prayers are strong. It will take humble people like us to do it.” Millie Ramon, Apache

· “This day was one of the most profound experiences we’ve had. Grandmothers of all ages spoke about love for all children and respect for Mother Earth. The Grandmothers spoke from the heart…” Barbara Gottfried and Jan Finley, West Allis, Wisconsin

· “I have a wondrous feeling of anticipation that we are now close upon the time that Indigenous People are helping and awakening to a calling to roles as teachers and healers of non-native people or North America.” Connie Shaw, Denver, Colorado

· “We were created to know and worship God. Among individuals there are many and various levels to understanding this process. I feel the Unity of Tribes Gatherings enhance and invigorate this process for myself and many other…” Tom Powers, Nenana, Alaska

· “I found the Gathering a wonderful experience, people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds came together and were spiritually joined, leaving behind their negativities and prejudices. There was unconditional unity and love. I am a Grandmother, and I was not the same person when I left. I experienced healing on a deep level…” Karma Darame, North Pole, Alaska

· “Where I come from there is a lot of killing…I really like seeing the people here, talking together and solving their own problems through peaceful ways…I like the part of using old traditions to solve new problems…” Guy Kol, Beer-Sheva, Israel

· “The only spirituality that I’d found in my life had come from Native American culture. The way Native Americans respected each other and the earth impressed me. I felt that the Native American attitude was needed to bring people together. I have never seen people with so little share so much. I can’t remember ever experiencing a group of people more hospitable or friendly. The teaching of the Elders, the pipe ceremonies, the sweat lodges have benefited me greatly. The most prominent is the feeling of love and understanding…” John Smith, Eustis, Maine

· “The Elder women at the Gathering spoke to me by the example of their lives. They prepared food each day. No one went hungry. As I watched I saw a tale of love upon the children, guiding quietly, without harsh words. I saw in these women great strength and great humility…” Susan Stark Christianson, Juneau

· “Many people in the U.S.A. are beginning to see the results of the guns and greed culture: destruction of the human social fabric and even of the earth itself. Many of us are turning to the traditional Indian people for an example of how to live simply in a sane and respectful way, how to learn the ways of the Sacred, the Good Red Road…The Tanacross Gathering volunteers cooked and served food to 500 people a day for a week strictly from gifts and donations from the hearts of villages and participants. We arrived as strangers, we made camp and worked together and we parted as friends. It was a miracle to behold.” Jeff Knaebel, Fairbanks

· “I offer to this Gathering a real prayer of the Zuni people-

I add my breath to your breath

That our days may be long on the Earth

That the days of our people may be long

That we may be one person

That we may finish our road together

May our Mother Bless you with life

May our Life Path be fulfilled…”

Simon Ortiz, Acoma Pueblo