the hidden seeds report here

Hidden Seeds of Natural Healing & Curing
June 30 – July 3, 2014
A prayer was uttered, for some time now, maybe since the time of the dark sun over 500 years ago.
The sun is returning, peaking over the horizon now, calling forth the seventh generation. We have each
been dreaming this dream of the great gathering for a long time.
And today, here we are, waking up in the dream.
Audri Scott Williams 6/30/2014
I.
Introduction & Acknowledgements
Audri Scott Williams
URI Global Indigenous Initiative Interim Coordination and Co-Convener
The United Religions Initiative (URI) is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to
bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world. URI continues to create a
genuinely inclusive organization with no barriers to anyone to fully take part. In the spirit of the vision of URI, we were honored to invite
global participation of Indigenous leaders to the Circle of Wisdom Keepers, to bring the most ancient wisdom into our midst, and to
guide and inform us about living in harmony with one another and the environment that gives us life.
From June 30 through July 3, 2014, URI’s Global Indigenous Initiative (GII) Gathering, Hidden Seeds of Natural Healing & Curing,
(Hidden Seeds) brought together global Indigenous wisdom keepers from six continents, recognizing that in the Indigenous way of
being, everything begins with relationship: relationship with self, each other, Mother Earth and the Cosmos. Therefore, Hidden Seeds
facilitated a shared experience of ceremony and ritual to ground the energy and provide a center for a deeper level of “listening”. Out of
this sacred space, the Circle of Wisdom Keepers addressed “indigenous” from a global perspective, to identify practical issues and
concerns based on history and culture, and to build on the strengths of each other, the first step in creating a plan of action for the
future of the URI Global Indigenous Initiative.
I would like to say up front that an event such as Hidden Seeds does not happen as a result of one person; “It takes a village.” I would
like to take a moment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Co-Convener Alejandrino Quispe Mejia and Multiregion Coordinator
Rachael Watcher. I would also like to acknowledge the URI Global Staff for their support of a yearlong process that culminated in the
gathering, Hidden Seeds: The Right Rev. Bill Swing, Founder and President ▪ Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian, Jr., Executive Director of the
United Religions Initiative ▪ Sally Mahé, Co-Director of Global Programs & Organizational Development ▪ Maria Eugenia Crespo de
Mafia, Director of CC Support ▪ Pamela Banks, Director of Finance and Administration ▪ Kay Markham, Executive Assistant/Office
Manager ▪ Liam Chinn, Director of Evaluation and Learning ▪ Ofelia Trevino, Executive Assistant ▪ Isabelle Ortega, Director of
Communications ▪ Despina Namwembe, Regional Coordinator, Great Lakes Sub-Region ▪ Biswadeb Chakraborty, Regional
Coordinator, India, East Zone ▪ Abraham Karickam, Regional Coordinator, India, South Zone ▪ Karimah Stauch, Regional Coordinator,
URI Europe ▪ Enoe` Texier, Regional Coordinator, URI Latin America and the Caribbean ▪ Potre Diampuan, Regional Coordinator,
URI Southeast Asian and the Pacific ▪ Don Frew, Spirituality and the Earth CC and URI Global Trustee ▪ Ardey Turner, Circle of
Healers CC ▪ Rebecca Tobias, Restoring and Protecting the Sacred CC ▪ Karen Hernandez, Coordinator GCGS ▪ Monica Willard, URI
Representative to the United Nations ▪ Translators: Luz Navarrette, Erika Hernandez Ramirez, Dr. Potre Diampuan, and Galina
Ermolina ▪ Recorders: J. Hadiah McLeod, Karen Watson, Sally Mahe, and Dr. Fania Davis ▪ Media Team: Mikuak Rai (WorldBridge
Media) and Gregory Harder ▪ Food Service Volunteers: Tracy Faulkner and Chris Fregosi ▪ Logistics: Chip Connel ▪ Transportation and
General Support: Greg Stafford ▪ Special Arrival Dinner: Joan Cleary.
Participants of Hidden Seeds also acknowledge the work of Latin American and the Caribbean Region, former URI Chair, Yoland
Trevino, former Executive Director, Charles Gibbs, and Multiregion leaders Don Frew and Rachael Watcher for nurturing the vision for a
Global Indigenous Initiative that provides the foundation for this Hidden Seeds gathering and the future of the Global Indigenous
Initiative.
URI Global Council and Global Staff signed the Hidden Seeds
Banner to send their best wishes for a successful gathering, uniting
the Global Indigenous Initiative with the heart of URI.
This “report” is meant to call you into the sacred experience of the
Hidden Seeds gathering. It is my prayer that the sacred forces that
called us all forward for this great gathering, now extends itself to the
many who were not there, but who, through this sacred offering, will
have the opportunity to share a prophetic moment in time. So, take
your time as you journey through these pages. Allow the empty
spaces to be as compelling as the words and pictures – it is in the
empty spaces that you can breathe in the many ways that Hidden
Seeds may touch you and open your heart. To those of us, Circle of
Wisdom Keepers and volunteers, who were there, my prayer is that the words and pictures here honors our experience and continues
to remind us that YOU.ARE.I. We are not alone. May this sacred offering help us to re-member (to recall/to put back together).
“I am honored to welcome you to this historic gathering of Indigenous peoples from around the world.” Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian Jr.,
Executive Director of United Religions Initiative
II.
Overview
From the notes of Sally Mahé
Co-Director of Program Development and Organizational Development
URI created time and sacred space to bring together a historic gathering of Indigenous wisdom keepers from 6 continents. Blessings
were spoken:
Creator, recognize and help URI in what they are trying to achieve. Creator, bless all of the participants here, their home places, their
concerns, make it good for them again. Creator, it is really important how those gathered here take time to do good for their people.
And they are here to create something more – a unified way of being in the world. We are grateful to you Creator. You are here with us
giving us courage to go forward and not give up. To never give up so that we will make it through hard times that are ahead. Bless all of
these efforts so that something good will be taken home. Thank you for this time here and for all of our relations .
From listening and taking notes over these three days – I believe these prayers were answered. People from
diverse cultures and continents met each other from their hearts and became a loving family. People placed
the Sacred, the Creator, Spirit, and the “Hierarchy of Light” at the center of their circle, at the center of their
time together and their work. People celebrated, drummed, danced, deepened their courage and resolve to
make their collective voice heard for the common good. People spoke of hard times ahead and what is
needed to carry on.
Unity is needed. The big ice is melting badly. Millions upon millions will die. URI can bring hope to the world –
to those who are alive. Help and hope will come from the indigenous world standing up tall and together.
We are forming a spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood that can never be broken. Unity will not be accomplished by political or economic
means or even in community. Real unity will be achieved when people unite spiritually. Each of us is rooted in a deep traditional way –
we are diverse but unified.
Mother Earth is going to give a big shake. People will come to their knees – what will we do? Mother Earth is showing us signs of the
way forward. We have to look and listen for that way forward. We will be challenged by forces that are dark – but we have been trained
with medicine from our Creator to meet them and defeat them.
If Indigenous people are alone with their ancestors, it will be difficult. We must have harmony among us and bring our ancestors
together and with those who are to come.
We are going to create a vision for a new humanity – we are fulfilling the dreams of our ancestors. The greatest power in the universe
is the power of the Creator- we must be in alignment with the Creator to bring forth the needed changes.
This moment is a fulfillment of a prophecy and we are a part of that.
Something more happened here; something powerful happened here, something good was indeed taken home.
III.
The Gathering Begins – June 28 – July 3, 2014
From the notes of Audri Scott Williams, J. Hadiah McLeod, and Karen Hunter Watson with photography and videos from
Mikuak Rai (WorldBridge Media) and photography from Gregory Harder
Our first Wisdom Keeper to arrive at the Mercy Center was Kalyan Kisku (KK as he
preferred to be called) from East India on July 26. From that day until the 30th, over 39
participants and volunteers arrived and greeted each other as though we were coming
to a family reunion. There was not the usual time for “warming up” or “getting to know
you”. It was more like, “It is so good to see you again, my sister, my brother.” Or as
Elder Angaangaq, from Greenland would say, “Hello, I am your Uncle, didn’t your
mother tell you?” And, of course, what better way to begin than by looking each other in
the eye and saying, “May peace prevail in your consciousness, your mind and in your
heart.” Thank you Genevieve Kupang, indigenous Kankana-ey woman from the Western
Mountain Province of the Philippines for sharing this greeting.
(Click on picture above for video)
The trees on the grounds of the Mercy Center called us to order even before we officially began. (Click on picture below for video)
On the morning of June 30th, charged with love and anticipation, we began loading the bus, van, cars with luggage, supplies,
ceremonial supplies and offerings, musical instruments and of course Wisdom Keepers and volunteers. But first: a group photo at the
Mercy Center before we leave for Santa Rosa Junior College to meet the Kashaya Pomo Indian Elders and community. The Kashaya
Pomo Indians are the Indigenous people of the North California area where we will be holding our gathering.
Once on the road,
there was plenty of
fun, sharing music,
stories
and
of
course a joke or
two.
(Click
on
picture for video)
Sally Mahé shared a comment from one of her seat mates, “Each of us is riding a horse, not knowing where we are going, but we are
on for the ride. Higher wisdom is directing the horses – we are a part of the flow.”
At Santa Rosa Junior College, dressed in Indigenous regalia, we moved from the bus to form a circle under an old Oak Tree as Luz
Navarrette and Dr. Brenda Flyswithhawks welcomed us on behalf of Santa Rosa Junior College, and the Native American Student
Association. Eric Wilder greeted us on behalf of the Kashaya Pomo Indians and the Spirit of his Grandmother, now ancestor, Essie
Parrish, Kashaya Pomo Spiritual Leader.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGhVmHkwPqI
“With great respect to Essie Parrish (the Mother of the Grandmother who spoke during our gathering with the Kashaya Pomo Indians,
the Indigenous tribe of this area, at Santa Rosa Jr. College); she was very happy. She was very happy that we came, bringing new life
to her tribe and getting her daughter to sing a song, something her daughter has not done in a long time, and never before in public.
That signifies the beginning to the healing of her people. She is very grateful for that. And I am grateful to be included in this circle. And
I pray for her Spirit, the Spirit of our Ancestors, of all our Ancestors of our land; that they be with us and guide us at this very important
gathering.” - Luz Navarrette
July 1, 2014
Four Spring Retreat Center in Middletown, CA was the site of this
URI historic Global Indigenous Gathering of Indigenous Wisdom
Keepers from six continents. On our first day, we met from early
morning until late into the evening under a large grape arbor that
shaded us from the sun. There were green grapes hanging from the
vines overhead. The symbolism is too evident to ignore.
In many cultures the grape vine is considered the “Herb of Life”,
illustrating the power of the sacred to bear fruit. Through careful
pruning, great and fruitful knowledge is revealed. It represents the
patience needed to attain goals over a long period of time (not just
for the moment but for generations to come).
It was as though the arbor was designed with us in mind. It held the exact number chairs we needed. There was room for all of the
altars. By then end of the day there were seven.
“It has taken
some,
worthwhile time
to get this Circle
of Wisdom
Keepers
together. We
are here thanks
to our ancestors
and our Beloved
Spirits (with his
arms and head
raised to the
sky.) Ah Ho!!
This is a fulfillment of a prophecy that the indigenous people would usher in. Welcome Brothers and Sisters. The Native and Indigenous
people of the world are present here, from 6 continents. All the people are included in this process, because we are all one!! We are
part of our Spirits and our Ancestors!!” - Hereditary Chief Phil Lane, Jr.
“I have been traveling the world for peace for many years, and as we pray today in creating this sacred relationship between us, and all
herbs, plant life, animals, and most important the water, none of us will survive without the water; we must honor and keep this
connection, this sacred connection, between us. We must continue working to keep our - this sacred relationship in the forefront of our
minds. Water has been and is in the forefront of mine, water and peace; to bring them together for the good of Mother Earth, for peace,
and to save our water. I work to get world (National and International) organizations to help protect and save the water. Water is sacred.
There are life forms and spirits connected with the water to assist us in saving her. Without water there is no life.” - Grandmother Mona
Polacca, International Council of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers; Hopi – Tewa / Havasupai, USA
“My name is Alejandrino Quispe Mejia. My ancestors are Indigenous Ayacucho. They are the ones
that constructed Machu Picchu. I am very grateful for meeting you all and being present with you
all, all you Indigenous people from all over the world. I thank Mother Earth and the Spirits of our
Ancestors that we are here on this land at this time. It is the Spirits and Ancestors that have made
this possible for us all to be here, all of us Indigenous people representing all parts of the world. I
am here offering myself to be a part of this gathering with everyone to add positive input for those
that are here today and for those that will be here later on this journey, and hopefully, to be a
continual part of this great Initiative.”
“I became a physician, a medical doctor. I felt that I don't know enough so, I went further in my studies. I questioned
myself, why do physicians go to school? I couldn't figure out why physicians go to school. And I felt myself, not able to
help human beings. So I went back to where I come from, traditional schools, where I think I could be useful for
human beings; how I can be useful to a sister who needs love, how I can be useful to a system that doesn't know
anything about emotions, nothing about nutrients. So, I said let me go back to where I came from. So, I go back to my
tradition and my culture. More and more what I learned is that the challenges are so big that one people (person)
cannot do anything alone, one country can do nothing alone. I want to share this small thought, if we combine our
efforts and talents we are sure to be successful.” - Dr. Erick Gbodoso, PROMETRA, Senegal, West Africa
“In my opinion you all are warriors maintaining the traditions of our Ancestors. Our Ancestors had to
sacrifice a lot; you are still preserving our traditions and teaching the children, which is the most
important thing, I feel, you all can do. I thank each and every one of you for being here. I hope we all
receive many more blessings from this gathering.” - Erika Hernandez Ramirez, Translator & Aztec
Dancer
“Ever since I was a little boy I was taught that the earth is our mother. So, as we all live on the
earth that makes us all brothers and sisters. That is my message: we are all brothers and sisters.
It is most important that I share this great joy with this circle, this gathering. I must take the joy
that I receive from this circle, this gathering back to my people, in our little town.” - Raul Mamani,
Kolla people of Argentina
“I am so touched in my heart. Last night tears came from my eyes as I thought about how special and
important this gathering is. I feel so blessed that the gathering is the remembrance of who we are and
why we are here. We are all so blessed to call each other RELATIVES at this time.” - Wisdom Keeper,
Tom Blue Wolf, Creek Nation, USA
“Yesterday when we were at the museum at Santa Rosa Jr. College's Indigenous
People Museum, we saw a lot of things that are common in our culture. It was
amazing because we come from Southeast Asia, and here we are in a museum of artifacts from the United States.
There were many things like ours and the stone they used as tools are the same kind of stones our people
used/use. Exactly like in our culture. It was amazing. As we were always told that we are one, that God has created
us at different times with different skins and colors only for the purpose of recognizing each other. After all, we are
one. Peace be upon you once again.” - Salam Tangol, a Maranao from the Philippines
“The old people say, if you do not believe in your own prayer nothing will ever happen. So, here's my prayer for
healing and I know that my grandmother, Annacusai, is all around me, my father is right here, and my mother is
looking at me and all the ancestors that I have. I truly, within myself, pray that here at this gathering of elders
from around the world, that I can become balanced, walk my spiritual path, and material path with practical feet
with no pain within me, with the joy knowing that I am amongst the family.” (A beautiful chant followed in
Angaangaq’s native language.) - Elder Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq, Kalaallit Shaman, Greenland
“Good afternoon everybody. ‘Unclai’…it means, “May the day be with you.” I am from Mali. In Mali the
man’s response is, ‘umbai’ and the woman says, ‘unsai.’ Umbai, what the man says, it means, “I greet
you with the power of my mother.” Unsai, what the woman says, means, “I greet you with my power.” Yacine Badian Kouyate, Mali, Sacred Lineage of the Bambara Jali
“I know in my heart of hearts that you are there in the world. Yet this gathering affords me the
opportunity to see, feel, and touch the emotions with you and enforce the belief that transformation is
upon us. And like my brother said, before, the more we know, the more we come to know we don't
know. So, the question is always, how do we solve the problems of those who can't find themselves or
any place to be in the world? How do we do it? We know we can't do it one by one. A broom, when you
look at it, we have taken straw, straw, straw, straw to put it together and it becomes a useful tool. Well,
if you take just one straw from the broom, it is very insignificant. You can't do anything with it. Maybe
pick your teeth. (laughter) But, you don't get more things done. This thing of coming together, at my
home we say, “pri awai” -- pri awai ubokawai (she sings)!! The straw, if you take the straws and pull
them together, it is our Ancestors who have taught us this, it is the best way to be. We put ourselves
together. We have an opportunity like this to work on something together and make a real
transformation in the world. So, I am very grateful to all of you who are here because you are carrying your Ancestors. You have
spoken it, my grandmother say this, my grandfather say this, aye, my auntie say this, you are carrying all of them. And therefore, we
can change anything that comes out of this. And we will do it, but it is together that we do it!! - Nana Akomfohene Korantemaa
Ayeboafo, Ghana, West Africa
“We found a family from all parts of the world that is passionate about strengthening Indigenous values
and improving the lives of Indigenous People. Prophecy has called us to the center stage of humanity as
Indigenous Nations to bring ancient knowledge systems and spiritual practices from our respective
civilizations to the resolution of modern issues and reconciliation of relationships for the Great Peace. We
realized we are not alone and must do this work together - being a global Indigenous family is needed
now. A great wave of change for peace has begun to roll over the face of Mother Earth. All the Ancestors
of all the people gathered here – Come and join us! Come and join us! Come and join us as we celebrate
together a new era for humanity, a time when a great balance is going to be achieved and when the
Indigenous knowledge systems of all the people are coming together now. And we are being called to the forefront for the building of
that new society." - Diane Longboat, a Mohawk and Turtle Clan representative from Six Nations Grand River Territory in Canada
“It is an honor to be here in this circle, in a gathering like this. We (Australians) are an
ancient people. Our culture had been taken away abruptly and severely (tears) through the
colonization era that forced all of us to grow up in missions. In some parts of Australia,
Indigenous people maintained their culture and stories. There are over 600 language
groups in Australia. So it's like many nations are in one country. We all have our stories of
the areas which we came from. One of the main things we have to deal with in Australia
are the social issues. And we are constantly looking at ways to make a change, to create a
country of hope for our people. There is mining in Australia that is devastating. This is
weird, last night we felt connected to this land, my sister Sheryl heard drums playing last
night, Coralie has the feelings that she has been her before, we got...So thank you for
letting us be here.” - Glenis Grogen, Western Kuku Yalangi, Tagalaka, Djabugay and Djurri
Tribal People, Australia
“I am so grateful for all of you. It is so good to be in your presence, it's so good to feel your healing words, and
energies. It is so good to know that there are so many of us doing this work. It has been prophesied that the
Indigenous healing wisdom of ancient times will arise, will come back, will be reborn. We are sitting in this circle of
a fulfillment of a prophecy. I learned after being with elders like you, we must reinvent what it means to be human
beings. I acknowledge and thank you again and close with a greeting from the Masai, which means, “How are the
children?” That's a very important greeting in their culture; they want to know how are the children? I am confident
that with the work and energy that is here, and what you're doing, I am sure that in the near future all the children
will be doing well.” - Fania Davis, PhD & JD, Civil Rights Attorney and Sangoma
“I encourage my peers at every chance I get by telling them that we are the future and that we must be involved
with what's happening in our communities and our environment. That we must challenge the authorities and that
we must envision a world that we want to live in. I wrote a letter to myself called 'Seven Generations.' It's about a
world that I would like to see -- a world with all people living together peacefully, as one. I will live for what I
believe in. Why should we die for what we believe in? We should live for what we believe in! When I wrote this
letter, I highlighted the injustices of our planet to make a point of our struggles. To heal we must look to healing. I
read a statement that said, what good is a revolution, if we can't dance? I really look to change, and the face of
that change is the grassroots movements. It is important to encourage the youth to hold onto their culture and to
work toward peace and the healing of the planet. Thank you.” - 14 year-old Ta'Kaiya Blaney, Sliammon First
Nation of B.C.. Canada
“I am really glad to be here. I am 13 years old. I am a little nervous right now. I am a member of the Chickasaw Nation.
My specialty is computers and information technology which I believe can help us spread our message and help make
the world a better place.” - Phillip “Tiger” Lane, Mato Gi, Brown Bear, a member of the Chickasaw Nation
Commentary
by Karen Hunter Watson
Day 1: Ceremonial Opening
Four Springs Retreat Center
Middletown, CA
The sun rose beautifully – slowly, gently and gracefully -- this morning.
The hike to the main lodge felt good, invigorating and full of anticipation. I
walked past the grape arbor on my way to the main lodge and stood
there for a moment, taking in the peace that resided there. All of nature,
the birds and animals awakened like the sun. They took their time and
eased into the morning. It was nature’s blissful awakening. The effects of
the drought on the land are obvious. Today I will consciously breathe in
the dryness and drink water praying that Mother Earth’s thirst may be
eased with each sip.
Ceremony is beginning - 41 people are present. There are altars set up in the middle of the circle representing some of the cultures
that are present. Wisdom keepers from Russia, Mexico, Panama, Canada, Peru, Australia, Philippines, Italy, Uganda, Mali, USA, Chile,
Argentina, India, Senegal, and Greenland with hearts wide open are greeting one another, some appear to be sitting in silence taking it
all in.
Scanning the various alters I recognize items being used for ceremony: Hyssop, cypress, salt, rice, and water from the spring, sacred
waters of the earth, spruce, feathers, sage, sacred stones, honey, talcum and gin, drums, flutes, feathers, carved figures, prayer
bundles, sacred cloths and the sacred pipe.
Dr. Erick, from Senegal, drew a star on the ground that represented the symbol of God and the 4 directions. Rachael and Greg placed 4
directional flags around the ceremonial grounds, recognizing the 4 directions: red, yellow, black and white. They hung webs made by
Erika from sticks and thread. Hyssop was used in the ritual along with 3 candles, sun flowers and oranges. Rachel is very vibrant while
preparing for ritual.
As we begin, nature is very quiet. The only sound I heard were sounds of the insects. The sun
is shining but not too hot. Brother Phil Lane, Jr., from the Dakota and Chickasaw Nations,
called everyone to ceremony. Tom a Native American from the Creek tribe was playing the
flute. We gathered under a canopy of leaves from the grape vines hanging over our heads.
Uncle, from the top of the world, did the opening prayer. Grandmother Mona, prayed. The
wind began to stir as Grandmother began to speak about the water. When Tom spoke the
bees began swarming (Tom has a company that makes Bee Pollen), and you could hear the
insects speaking. When Fany from Panama spoke the birds sang. When Sofia from Chile
spoke they continued to sing. Salam from Southern Philippines spoke of the destruction of the
water and nature was very quiet. When Tracey spoke a bird landed on a vine just above her head -- listening.
Zoya, from the Republic of Altai, our Russian wisdom keeper, spoke of Mother Earth. She said when the mother
breathed in it was autumn and when she breathed out it was spring and in the winter she rested. At the time she
spoke the wind began to blow, and the insects became very active. When Angaangaq, from Greenland, prayed
for an end to the sadness in the world, for healing, and for the USA to change for the better, the winds blew the
strongest of all and the leaves fell from the trees. Nature was responding.
Then Diane Longboat began to speak of our mission to bring change to the world and of the dream that she had
and as she spoke the winds began to blow and the web that was hanging in the center of the room began to
swing back and forth. Nature had its way of agreeing and hearing what was said and done throughout the day.
When Alejandrino, Fany, Raul and Sofia from Latin America began the last ceremony for the evening, the birds
began singing again as though making it known, they were there.
Summarizing Day 1: Ceremonial Opening
Audri Scott Williams
Our ceremonies and introductions were very revealing in terms of broad themes that may guide us deeper into the Global Indigenous
work ahead:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
You are I. We unite. We are one. We are not alone. We are diverse but unified;
We are here because our Ancestors & beloved Spirit has brought us together. (A power greater than ourselves);
Prophecy has called us to center stage – fulfillment of prophecy. What began here must continue!;
Challenges are so big at this time. If we combine our talents we are sure to be successful;
Gratitude for being together on the land;
Celebrate together a new era of humanity. The fact that we are here, Indigenous people from 6 continents is proof;
The Earth is our mother. We all live on the earth. That makes us all brothers and sisters;
Hidden Seeds gives us a chance to remember who we are;
Being together empowers our belief in our prayers for healing and for peace and enforces our belief that transformation is
upon us. Our common outcome is to heal. Our need to heal and to change organizes us into a common community;
The youth are our future. We must teach them the Indigenous knowledge of our traditions, nurture them, listen to them and
stand with them; We must be able to answer the question, “How are the Children?” with “The Children are Well!”;
Grassroots movements represent the face of change;
We must embrace the joy and share it with our communities;
We have the opportunity to work on something together and make real transformation;
Help and hope, during this time of the big shake on Mother Earth, will come from the Indigenous world standing tall – together;
All of creation is sacred and everything we do needs to be approached in a sacred way. Traditional wisdom provides an
ancient system of knowledge that is cosmic, earth bound and spirit bound – it is eternal wisdom. When we, the Indigenous
people of the world, stand together the circle will be complete.
The Evening Ended in Celebration!
After dinner, we gathered to celebrate! Drummers from Italy and Mali; dancers from Siberia, Greenland, Mexico, call and response
songs from Ghana merged into soaring spirit. Love and rejoicing filled the space with laughter, easy conversations, new friendships. We
were being the way we knew the world could be. - Sally Mahé
Day Two – July 2
Round Table Discussions
Notes from Sally Mahé
We met in smaller groups around tables and focused on questions:
What showed up our retreat environment that contributes to our work here?
The fire went around us. We will remember this place. We will carry this place in our hearts.
What are the major challenges that make this moment imperative for us to act? How is
Mother Earth expressing her sense of urgency to us and how does this inform our
actions?
Message of Mother Earth is that she can no longer sustain us with her resources. They are
depleted. We must be like the animals that have sensitivity to pick up vibrations that can save
their lives. We need to stop and listen deeply to the message from Mother Earth. Cultures
must stop idolizing money and power and provide humans with other motivations for progress
and human development. The antidote to money and power is grassroots groups acting for
the love of Mother Earth and for each other.
What is done to heal the Earth must be done for love – love for the animals and all living beings is at the heart of the work.
More questions and answers:
Who are we? We are Indigenous people - a global people who organize together to
rehabilitate and promote Indigenous values, rituals, sacred practices, and a way of life.
We are people who came here to go to work for humanity and the Earth. “Some say we
are ones we have been praying for.” We are a family that has found each other.
What do we want to do? We want to unify our efforts. We want to improve life in
specific ways for Indigenous people and
all people. We want to learn to listen
and speak in ways that respect different
perspectives, values and ways of life.
For this, we embrace spiritual practices.
We do ceremonies that connect with Ancestors, Creator and higher powers. We do our
work in circle conversations that help us forget our own importance and open to other
human beings as we seek the common good together.
An action agenda culminated in agreement to work toward the denouncement of the
Doctrine of Discovery; work with local legislation to preserve traditional healing practices
and protect sacred gardens for growing medicinal plants; to develop alliances with like-minded organizations; employ an effective multimedia platform; and, to empower youth though education and leadership.
What will we look like? We will look like a movement of circle-makers. We envision that a sacred global circle of all humanity will be
born. Within the global circle, will be many circles of diverse people, a vital network of people treating one another equally, where no
one is boss, and wise decisions arise from each person’s contribution. We will look like streams of energy and positive action, not a
monument.
What is necessary to move forward? We must not forget to ask how we can be hope for the world. We must not forget to call upon
the higher Mystery, the hierarchy of light, the power of Spirit. Our love and mutual care and
respect for one another is creating a level of vibration that will affect all that is around us,
and the outcome of our work. We must integrate this high loving vibrational energy with
our concrete actions and with unified intent to bring transformation to the planet.
Working together…We plan to build an action program rooted in Energy, Action and
Transformation. One of the young ones sang, “we are warriors of the future... we are
gathering for the Earth.” An elder prayed, “My prayer is that my Ancestors will show your
Ancestors the beauty of peace on Earth. My biggest prayer is to learn to make a difference
in this world.”
Focus Action Areas:
1.
Protect Sacred Ways - Provide legislation to preserve and protect Indigenous sacred ways: ceremonies, sacred items,
teaching and storytelling, ceremonial dress, language, designated symbols for sacred sites, sacred objects should return.
2.
Develop Alliances - Help support Indigenous issues and causes: Protect seeds; Develop a Council of Native Peoples who
stand together for Native rights; Return titles to original Aboriginal homelands.
3.
Denounce the Doctrine of Discovery - Plan for a day when the Dalai Lama will witness Pope Francis denouncing and
apologizing for the Papal Bulls that constitute the Doctrine of Discovery which allowed for Native peoples to be seen as lawful
prey and have their lands confiscated.
4.
Preserve Forests and Educate How to Use Sacred Forests - It is important to work with governments and NGO’s to
preserve forests and train Native peoples how to use sacred forests. PROMETRA can bring the example of the sacred land
use collaboration that is happening in India to the UN. (In India, the government gives the community a 7-year lease to create
new forests and sustain in healthy ways.) Need to continue to educate communities everywhere to understand the
sacredness of land, water, and forests.
5.
Need to Keep Practicing Arts - Support International Transformative Festivals that help youth live in two worlds - practicing
both their traditional culture and connecting with modern culture. Develop videos and games that show the beauty of
Indigenous cultures. Give people jobs to be stewards of their land. Protect arts and crafts from copiers. Organize visitations of
Native lands; explore program in Canada where people come together for canoe trips to learn about traditional migratory
routes. St. John the Divine Cathedral in NYC can help promote Indigenous festivals.
6.
List of possible alliance organizations: Wiser Earth, Shift Network, UNIFY, EarthDance Festival, Compassion Network,
Compassion Games, Worldwide Indigenous Science Institute, International Indigenous Leadership Gathering, Creative Health
Network, Four Worlds International, Shift of the Ages, Change.org, Avaaz.com, International Peace Through Culture, Cowboys
and Indians Alliance.
In the pictures above some of the original GII members - Alejandrino, Fany, Raul, Sofia and Don (representing the past) - prepare to
send the “sacred bundle” down through the Circle of Wisdom Keepers (the present) to ask the youth, Tá kaiya and Tiger (the future), if
they will accept this “sacred bundle.” The “sacred bundle” contains all of the flip chart pages where we scribed the ideas for now and
the future, and our prayers for Indigenous wisdom and knowledge systems to assist in the healing of our people and Mother Earth.
They contain the best that we could bring forward through this process. Beyond the words on the pages are the empty spaces that
leave room for the unspoken wisdom of our hearts, Spirit and our Ancestors. The young Wisdom Keepers accepted.
No accident…it’s URI
URI - You.Are.I. “Ash ta hay” - I am you being me. “Kapua” “the other is me.” “Like still water, I see myself in you.” We
delighted in sharing our meanings and words for URI - You.Are.
I. We revered cooperative action, Nature’s cycles and circles,
principles of equity and shared decision-making, sharing the
Sacred, offering radical hospitality, and feeling appreciation,
respect, and love. We reveled in celebrating our talents and
what is authentic in each of us. It is no accident that this
remarkable event - came about within URI’s global family of
Cooperation Circles made up of people who are rooted in the
values and practices of URI’s Preamble Purpose and
Principles. As in the story of URI’s growing global network- what
emerged here was the power of friendship, determined
collective and cooperative action, and the felt experience of Spirit in action.
Our evening celebration led by Erika, shape shifting from translator to
Aztec dancer, moving us like a great serpent through the room. In the Aztec culture, as with many cultures, the serpent
represents the dual aspect of wisdom, energy, and power. We pledge to allow wisdom, energy, and power to come from the best
of who we are as we remember this place.
“Please accept this offering of the acorn seed, symbol of our gathering.
The seed being a symbol of potential and the oak tree a symbol of strength and revelation. We were surrounded by the great oak trees
of Northern California, may we embody their strength on our journey and may the revealing power of the great oak tree make us strong
in our commitment to walk the healing path for our people and Mother Earth in joy, as we re-member the truth of who we are. May our
actions be guided by the strength of the Creator and the purity of our hearts.” - Audri Scott Williams
rd
On July 3 , we returned on the yellow bus to the URI office in San Francisco and from there to catch our flights home.
The success of this gathering would not have been such had Creator and the Ancestors not sent us the most amazing group
of on the ground volunteers who understand the meaning of service. Thank you Greg Stafford for meeting and greeting everyone
with love as they arrived and personally taking care of the details; Tracy, Chris, and Greg Harder for the long hours in the hot kitchen
to create the wonderful food that nurtured us during the gathering, Chip thank you for pushing through the pain to be here,
there and everywhere to do whatever it took! Ardey thank you for the healing energy you provided.
Rachael you could not have chosen a better team!!! Recorders and translators (Sally, Hadiah, Karen, Fania, Luz, Erika, Potre and
Galina) you were amazing. You enriched the entire experience beyond words!! Don thank you for covering the gap to make sure
everyone left in a good way.
“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. …You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.