From the Principal Chief

Osiyo Brothers, Sisters, Family and Friends,

The Summer Gathering was wonderful, lots of good things from Chiefs Council and all that attended.

Butterfly and myself arrived on property Saturday afternoon before the start of gathering, set up camp, opened the kitchen and showers. White Spirit Feather arrived late Saturday night and we set up her camp on Sunday morning while we talked about what had happened since Winter Gathering.

Spirit Shadow, Crow Talker and Walking Hawk arrived late Sunday night and were camped by the kitchen when we awoke Monday morning. Papa Jim Bear and Wolf Mama arrived Monday morning. We also had friends of Blue Crow Brother come to the kitchen to meet us all. The Gathering was off to a great start, everyone glad to be there.

Tuesday I started pipe lessons at the long house for those who were ready with the others nearby doing crafts and sharing lessons. Red Arrow, Turtle Woman and Laughing Otter arrived and set up camp.

The site for the Axe throwing was established on Wednesday and practice began. More of our members were arriving and after the evening meal we had Pipe ceremony, drumming and story telling.

Chiefs Council began Thursday morning with the business of Sweet Potato Clan Petition for acceptance as a Clan, Braves Society, Medicine Society and dates for up coming gatherings.

The decisions of Fridays Chiefs Council were annouced to all before the evening prayer and meal. Sweet Potato Clan was accepted to the Free Cherokees. The Braves Society is underway, with no age or gender restriction, and will teach of all things inherient to the Native People and ancestors. Grandmother Dancing Eagle will be the coordinator for information on The Free Cherokees Medicine Society. Ben Soaring Eagle was accepted as apprentice Pipe Maker.

Fall Gathering will be hosted by the Three Spirit Clan of Ohio September 17-24. Winter Gathering will be in Florida the second or third week of February. Next year at Summer Gathering the Bird Clan of East Central Alabama will honor us with the Green Corn Festival

Friday night Blanket trade was a blast as always with giveaways afterward. Thank you to all that joined in the fun.

Saturday afternoon was the Axe throwing with the some tough competition. Peace Chief Crow Talker won First place taking the Champ title from wife Chief Spirit Shadow. Walking Hawk took Second, Nion 3rd, Myself 4th, Fire Drake 5th, Briane 6th. All got the prize of the axe of their choice. Next year we will make bow, arrows and targets for the contest.

There were many lodges throughout the week and were good for all that attended

Thank you to the Many friends of the Free Cherokees, old and new, that attended and participated in the 2006 Summer Gathering.

I hope that all will try to attend as many gatherings as possible to share all we can with each other. From our Pipes come the prayers to Creator for what we have, what we need, for our loved ones and to keep us on a good walk on the Red Road. Thank them for all they do each and every day, in each and every way.

Ho, Mitakuye Oyasin, Wado

Principle Chief Desert Wolf

For more information contact: Chief DesertWolf

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