Gathering Update News 2010

The next gathering will be held at Dja Willam, Daylesford.

8th - 11th April 2010

We require volunteers in helping to organise this

Please contact Sue or Don email

or

John or Judi email

Note: Our logo

Our eagle logo is copyrighted: Darlene J.Cunningham 2002.Watti Watti

It depicts Werpil, the Eagle.

Donate to S.U.T.

The Vision of S.U.T.

To bring to the people medicine through ceremony to preserve and in some cases re-teach elements of the old ways of living. To enable the vision of Black Elk which was for the reunification of all peoples, all colours, all religions, all classes. To work towards the sacred unity of all.

Black Elk Lakota Holy Man

Black Elk's Final Prayer

This prayer embodies the message of S.U.T.

With tears running, O Great Spirit, Great Spirit my Grandfather-with running tears I must say now that the tree has never bloomed. A pitiful old man, you see me here, and I have fallen away and have done nothing. Here at the center of the world, when you took me when I was young and taught me; here, old, I stand, and the tree is withered, Grandfather, my Grandfather. Again, and maybe the last time on this earth, I recall the great vision you sent me. It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it then, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds. Hear me, not for myself, but for my people.

I am old. Hear me that they may once more go back into the sacred hoop and find the good red road, the shielding tree.

from Black Elk Speaks by John Niehardt

2010 Gathering

S.U.T. 12th Gathering

Dja Willam, Daylesford.

8th - 11th April 2010

With the blessing of Uncle Brian Nelson (Jaara), Spiritual Unity of the Tribes will host a gathering for four days at 'Dja Willam', Daylesford from the 8th to the 11th April 2010.

The gathering will start with a fire lighting ceremony and Welcome to the Land by Jaara representatives (the Jaara being the traditional owners of the land) on Thursday and will end with a closing ceremony on Sunday (midday). 

In keeping with the spirit of the gatherings everyone is welcome at no charge, so no one is excluded by lack of money, however gatherings do cost so all donations are gratefully accepted. SUT is a registered non-profit tax-deductible gift recipient, so all your donations are tax deductible. You will be asked to sign a treaty between yourself, SUT and the Jarra elders regarding conduct while on the land.  

A group of volunteers from the gathering will prepare one meal each day for all with food donated by all attending and the elders will be fully catered for by the same sources. So please bring a food donation.

Camping is available on the land and day visitors are welcome. 

A sacred fire will be maintained for the duration of the gathering under the guidance of traditional fire keepers.  However there will be opportunity for everyone to take turns at tending the fire, the centre of the gathering.

Please consider bringing and supporting an elder or grandmother.  This gathering depends on your support, both in attendance and participation.  The gathering is not for spectators.

Please consider inviting and supporting a young person during the gathering. How can we share the essence of living as told by the grandmothers with the youth if they are not supported?

For more information on the gathering and to notify your intention of attendance (this will help us with toilet hire/car parking and catering) you can contact:

Sue & Don - 03 5348 7506 or email

John or Judi - 03 5345 4048 or email

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

LOCATION

"Dja Willam" is 7 km from Daylesford. Off the Daylesford - Glenlyon - Malmsbury Road, follow the signs along Back Glenlyon Road, Mahoneys Road and finally Andersons Road.

ACCOMMODATION

Primitive camping is available on-site.Individual campfires will not be allowed due to fire danger / wood shortage. Please bring gas-cooking stoves. For safety reasons parking next to tents will not be possible, camper/van parking will be allocated away from the tent area.

Caravans will be permitted in the van area. Daylesford has a gaggle of accommodation houses, and two caravan parks for those wishing to camp off-site.

FOOD AND SUPPLIES

One meal per day will be collectively prepared and offered to the entire Gathering. Donations of food to the kitchen are necessary. We are also seeking volunteers for meal preparation. If you are part of a group and wish to volunteer for an entire meal preparation or an individual who wishes to help, and for all food donations and offers of meal preparation, please contact:Judi email

If you are attending the gathering please email with the numbers of your party, to assist us with planning and logistics.

Bring your own cutlery, plates, cups, and bowls for meals. Please bring reusable items, not disposables (for the environments sake).

We will have some water on site but it would be helpful if everyone could bring additional water for your own needs.

Your own folding chairs - chairs to lend to Elders (with your name clearly marked), sunscreen, umbrellas, torches, and solid soled footwear. Groundsheets would be useful. Nights will be cold.

LORE

• No chroming, No alcohol, No marijuana
• No illegal drugs
• No pets.
• No tape recorders, No CD players/radios
• No firearms.
• No proselytizing (preaching).
• Photographs can only be taken in the general camp area, and at the fire "after" the closing ceremony.
• Mobiles phones to be switched off and only used for outgoing calls in camp if absolutely necessary.
• All ceremonies will be under the guidance of the Gathering Council

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO HONOUR THIS "LORE" PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THIS GATHERING.

OTHER INFORMATION

Camping can begin Wednesday 7th April 2010 so that we can all get settled in and complete necessary tasks prior to the opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony will be at sunrise Thursday 8th of April. The gathering will conclude on Sunday afternoon, 11 of April 2010. Participants are welcome to stay over till Monday or Tuesday to assist cleanup and farewell.

Your help will be necessary to make the running of this gathering a success. Work needed will include meal preparation, clean up, security, assisting the Elders, and fire tending. Please assist by signing up for tasks upon arrival.

The Elders have indicated that they should speak, sharing their wisdom and knowledge with us. We would like to assist as many Elders as possible with their transportation and lodging expenses. If you are able to help with the "Sponsor an Elder Program" please contact Sue on 03 5348 7506 or 03 5345 1588

Volunteers for children's activities are needed. Please for this task you are required to hold a current Working with Children Card.

Mobile phones will not work from the property. Do not depend on them.

The gatherings have no formal charge so that no one is excluded by lack of money, however, they do cost, so if you can give a donation to help with the costs, please send to:

Spiritual Unity of the Tribes,

c/- 15 Albert St. Clunes, Victoria. 3370

Spiritual Unity is a registered tax-deductible gift recipient, so all your donations over $2.00 are fully tax deductible - ask John for a receipt. For further information, contact: John Palmer email

Auction donations please contact John on 03 5345 4048

Directions to "Dja Willam".

From Melbourne , take the Calder Highway north to Malmsbury. Turn left towards Daylesford. After passing through Glenlyon and Wheatsheaf turn right into Back Glenlyon Road

From Daylesford , take the Midland Highway towards Castlemaine. One kilometre out of Daylesford turn right onto the Daylesford - Malmsbury Road. Three kilometres later turn left into Back Glenlyon Road. Then take Mahoneys Road and finally Andersons Road.

Membership of Spiritual Unity of the Tribes Inc Assoc. is available at $33 per person per annum - if you are not a member you can assist us by joining. Contact the Treasurer John Palmer email. Memberships are tax deductible!