Elders of 2008

Mike Bastine - Algonquin: Mike is an eloquent speaker, with Mad Bear as his teacher, firmly rooted in sacred tobacco teachings, gives thanks to all elders - including Chief William Commanda of his own nation, The Algonquin Nation.

Lloyd Elm - Onondaga: (Lakota name: U House ~ He stands with children) Lloyd is a credentialed educator with leading influence in both the academic and traditional native worlds. As a purposeful sundance, his personal sacrifice and prayers have benefited many including the contemporary Tibetan cause.

Rupert Encinas (Flying Eagle) - Tohono O'odham: Rupert comes from a long line of traditional medicine people. As an Arizona Tohono O'odham native, he is recognized by his community as a spiritual leader and medicine man. He has led wellness workshops in Great Britain and Europe.

Grandmother Bertha Grove (Red Earth Woman) - Ute: Red Earth Woman is a delightful, humorous presence who is always a joy to be with, and a powerful sweat lodge and shamanic healer.

Grandmother Sadie Mann (Fasting Woman) - Mandan: Grandmother Sadie, a visionary and healer - also known for apparent reasons as "Fasting Woman" - has long been a guide for others on the sacred path and a mentor to native aspirants and followers of the traditional way.

Alden Naranjo - Ute:  Alden is a Southern Ute taught by Elders both of his tribe and other tribes of their traditions and language. He is a practitioner of the sweat lodge, sundance and road man for the Native American Church.

Carman Ramos - Taino: Carman, a Puerto healer and community leader, is a Qi Gong master who teaches the healing drumming circle and also advises the Cross Cultural Studies Program on native South American relations.

Grandmother Sara Smith - Mohawk: Grandmother Sara is both a world traveler and hostess of her own traditional spiritual center on the Six Nations Reserve in Canada.