March 5-7, 2004
At the core of Native American culture is the belief that all things are descended from and are part of the unifying force of Creation, or Great Spirit, which is at once benevolent, powerful, vulnerable, and beyond naming. The Earth is a living organism — our Mother, who has borne us as Her children. Human beings have been placed in the circle alongside all other members of the Creation family. We can heal our relations with each other and the natural world and experience our connection to the Earth and all of Creation. We will experience this unbroken circle during our time together, for the tribal way is instinctive and natural. Recover your love, your creative intelligence, your joy and your enthusiasm.
Grandfather Manitonquat (Medicine Story) is an unrepentent idealist who’s never given up his vision, which told him long ago to share his wisdom with all who want to hear. He’s a counselor, teacher, story teller, and keeper of the lore of the Wampanoag Nation of Massachusetts. He’s matured into a wise and loving elder who is author of Return to Creation: A Survival Manual for Native and Natural People and three other books. He’s been part of the North American Indian Spiritual Unity Movement, is a co-founder of the Tribal Healing Council, conducts open councils, teaches co-counseling, and leads sweat lodges for native men and their allies in several state prisons. His compassion and centeredness is a healing balm, and we welcome this old friend with open arms.