"Gathering Will Awaken the Spirit"

OHSWEKEN - What have I done for Mother Earth today? In this time of environmental concern, many native people believe we have now passed the seventh fire. The eighth fire will be either destruction or eternal peace. According to prophesy, our white brothers will turn to us and ask, "How will we care for the earth?" When happens, whose responsibility is it to be ready to address their questions?

Awakening the Spirit Within is an elder-youth gathering being held Saturday and Sunday to provide an opportunity to hear a variety of life teachings by native elders. Among native people, an elder isn't necessarily an aged person. Elders are persons with clear minds who are willing to share spiritual knowledge and experience for the betterment of mankind.

Scheduled topics to be addressed include: honoring Mother Earth, environmental changes, self healing, holistic living, and dreams and prophecies. Speakers include: Tom Porter, spiritual leader and advisor from Akwesasne; Lee Brown, Cherokee spiritual leader and native prophecies film maker Paul Ortega, Mescalero Apache spiritual teacher, singer and channel for healing; Amylee, apprentice medicine way woman, artisan and Iroquois naturalist; Jacob Thomas, Cayuga chief, orator, teacher and scholar; and David Jock, Akwesasne singer, drummer and seer.

Many youth-elder gatherings adhere to an agenda which makes it difficult for one-to-one discussions. Honored guest elders include: Ann Jock, Akwsesasne Mohawk nation; Twyla Nitsch, Seneca Nation; Ernest Benedict, Akwesasne; Fred Wheatly, Ojibway Nation; and Reg Henry, Onondaga, Six Nations. They will be available to discuss individual topics of interest for participants.

Expect sunrise ceremonies, thanksgiving and prayer circles. Though spirituality is a serious business, there will be drumming, dancing and a meal of traditional food on Saturday followed by a Paul Ortega concert. Those unfamiliar with his music are in for a pleasant surprise. He's sure to sing a medley from his hit Canyon Records trilogy, Two Worlds.

A limited selection of crafts, tapes, commemorative T-shirts and sweat shirts will be available. Participants are asked to listen and hear the earth, the plants and animals as well as the human beings. Treat the earth better than you found it. Be at peace and enjoy.

A Saturday sunrise ceremony will open the gathering to the general public at the new wing of J.C. Hill School in Ohsweken. Donations of $25 for the entire gathering, $20 for Saturday and Sunday, $10 for Sunday, or $5 for the Paul Ortega Concert will be accepted. High school and younger youths will be admitted for $10. Proceeds will go to Iroquois Women's Circle who are working to rebirth a spiritual awakening in the community.