The Annual Gathering
The Elders look forward each year to sharing their stories and cultures with an appreciative audience. Besides the forums and break-out sessions, sitting down to enjoy a meal and socialize are some of the best experiences at the Gathering. Our goal is to have fun while obliterating stereotypes about Native people and their cultures. Where else can you learn to put up a tipi, make a sacred drum, take part in a water blessing, learn to put together a water drum, and enjoy three sisters soup and fry bread?
We thank our generous sponsors, Dianne Shumaker, Dr. Rosemary Schrepfer, George and Denise LeRoux and their Flint Hills Bison Reserve, and others for their support. Thank you for your continuing belief in our project to raise awareness about Native cultures.
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What to Expect
Eugene B. Joe explains designing with sand.
Each Wisdom Keepers Gathering hosts a group of four to five indigenous Elders and Presenters from across North America. This variety of cultures and the landscapes they come from helps set the stage for dispelling stereotypes and opening people’s minds.
The weekend is educational, challenging, fun, and often life-changing. At the very least, participants will hear from Native people about how their cultures functioned before contact with Europeans and how they are preserving languages and traditions while changing to meet new challenges. At the most, participants will meet Elders and Presenters from cultures that challenge every member to live with the discipline and self-awareness to meet the spiritual challenge of knowing that we are all one.
2023 Event Schedule
Day-to-Day
Friday afternoon and early evening participants will register, settle into their cabins and explore the camp’s prairie, woods and shoreline until dinner in the main lodge. During this time, orientation sessions are held for newcomers to learn about Native protocols and the schedule. Events start after dinner with introductions of the FHWK Board and White Memorial Camp staff. The Elders and Presenters then introduce themselves in an opening circle, sharing their tribal affiliations, personal history and an overview of what they will present during the weekend.
The weekend is educational, challenging, fun, and often life-changing. At the very least, participants will hear from Native people about how their cultures functioned before contact with Europeans and how they are preserving languages and traditions while changing to meet new challenges. At the most, participants will meet Elders and Presenters from cultures that challenge every member to live with the discipline and self-awareness to meet the spiritual challenge of knowing that we are all one.
2023 Event Schedule
Day-to-Day
Friday afternoon and early evening participants will register, settle into their cabins and explore the camp’s prairie, woods and shoreline until dinner in the main lodge. During this time, orientation sessions are held for newcomers to learn about Native protocols and the schedule. Events start after dinner with introductions of the FHWK Board and White Memorial Camp staff. The Elders and Presenters then introduce themselves in an opening circle, sharing their tribal affiliations, personal history and an overview of what they will present during the weekend.
Arnold Clifford (Dine'), Sylvia Beeman, and George LeRoux
The Gathering officially begins on Saturday with the Sunrise Ceremony led by an Elder at the Sacred Fire (hotchka), the heart of the gathering. This honoring of the land, ancestors, the Elders and Presenters and each other in the presence of the fire sets the tone for further sharing throughout the weekend.
Evening sessions on Friday and Saturday might involve learning songs or drumming and dancing. In the past we have offered presentations such as: the Boulder Friends workshop, Roots of Injustice, or Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples. We offer a drum or rattle-making workshop when a teacher is available and if enough people sign up. Films by Native directors like Chris Eyers or featuring Native topics like the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers or The Exiles have also been popular.
Topics of Presentation and Conversation
There is great diversity in what the Elders and Presenters choose to talk about, but how their cultures operated by consensus and how they viewed humans as just a small part of nature are topics of great interest. How were their leaders chosen? What was their relationship to the animals they hunted for food? People are encouraged to write questions for the Elders and Presenters and place them in a box. They enjoy answering these questions because they want to know what participants are thinking and what their concerns are.
Evening sessions on Friday and Saturday might involve learning songs or drumming and dancing. In the past we have offered presentations such as: the Boulder Friends workshop, Roots of Injustice, or Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples. We offer a drum or rattle-making workshop when a teacher is available and if enough people sign up. Films by Native directors like Chris Eyers or featuring Native topics like the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers or The Exiles have also been popular.
Topics of Presentation and Conversation
There is great diversity in what the Elders and Presenters choose to talk about, but how their cultures operated by consensus and how they viewed humans as just a small part of nature are topics of great interest. How were their leaders chosen? What was their relationship to the animals they hunted for food? People are encouraged to write questions for the Elders and Presenters and place them in a box. They enjoy answering these questions because they want to know what participants are thinking and what their concerns are.
A few of Eugene B. Joe's pieces.
We might hear about the Hopi’s strict corn planting ritual where four seeds are planted in each hillock. The first seed is for the crow, the second for the earth and all the creatures in the soil, the third for Great Spirit and the four directions, and the last is for the people to harvest.
If dances are the topic, an Elder or Presenter might describe his or her tribe’s major dances, how the Grass or Gourd Dance helped people get comfortable in a new camp, or how dance shows respect to warriors.
Whether the topic is child rearing, how names are given, the role of medicine people, how leaders were chosen, or the roles of clans and special societies, each is explored from the standpoint of how this aspect of living knit the whole society together.
Non-native and Indigenous Cultures
Elders and Presenters acknowledge that the non-native and indigenous cultures are diametrically opposed. The non-native model approaches the world through intellect or reason, while the indigenous model approaches the world through feelings or relationships. Opposites can always learn balance from each other, and Elders and Presenters are practiced at teaching how to balance opposing forces or elements. The indigenous system for balancing male and female energy is also an important topic.
The indigenous worldview requires that gratitude flows between all parts of this beautiful world. The details of how gratitude is expressed on a day-to-day basis for each of their diverse tribes and landscapes are the gifts that the Elders and Presenters share over the weekend.
If dances are the topic, an Elder or Presenter might describe his or her tribe’s major dances, how the Grass or Gourd Dance helped people get comfortable in a new camp, or how dance shows respect to warriors.
Whether the topic is child rearing, how names are given, the role of medicine people, how leaders were chosen, or the roles of clans and special societies, each is explored from the standpoint of how this aspect of living knit the whole society together.
Non-native and Indigenous Cultures
Elders and Presenters acknowledge that the non-native and indigenous cultures are diametrically opposed. The non-native model approaches the world through intellect or reason, while the indigenous model approaches the world through feelings or relationships. Opposites can always learn balance from each other, and Elders and Presenters are practiced at teaching how to balance opposing forces or elements. The indigenous system for balancing male and female energy is also an important topic.
The indigenous worldview requires that gratitude flows between all parts of this beautiful world. The details of how gratitude is expressed on a day-to-day basis for each of their diverse tribes and landscapes are the gifts that the Elders and Presenters share over the weekend.
Lodging and Transportation
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Lodging
White Memorial Camp Winterized stone cottages house bedrooms and full bathrooms. All cabins have a living room area, complete with small kitchen and in some cases, a fireplace. The Gathering takes place in the main lodge, as do the meals. Cabin accommodations allow eight to sixteen persons to a room with comfortable bunk beds while sharing a bathroom and shower. Some of the beds are upper bunks. Bedding (Flat sheets, pillow case, blanket, towels and wash cloths) are supplied. Since temperatures may be cooler in April, please be reminded that the blankets in the cabins must stay in the cabins at all times. Instead, bring layers of clothing to keep warm or that can be easily peeled off as needed. Tenting/camping is available on a limited basis at no change in cost. Those camping are required to bring all necessary gear and equipment and should be prepared for any weather. Campers will be sharing the cabin bathrooms with dormitory guests. Off-site Although participants are encouraged to stay at White Memorial Camp, other lodging options are available in nearby Council Grove (12 miles from camp) or Manhattan (approximately 35 miles away). Those wishing to make alternative lodging arrangements are responsible for their own reservations, hotel costs, and transportation to and from White Memorial Camp. |
Transportation
In the past, those arriving by air have elected to rent a car from the airport or arrange to share a vehicle with another attendee. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. White Memorial Camp 1271 S. 1050 Road Council Grove, KS 66846 (620-767-5165) |
Additional Gathering Events
Listening takes a lot of focus and energy, so we break up the listening sessions with a variety of events. These events could include blessing the land, a water blessing, a naming ceremony, or a prayer offered at sunset. These special events often take the group outdoors. Explore additional events offered at the Gathering here.
