I am humbled by the opportunity to speak on behalf of The Sweet Potato Clan as their designated representative to The Chief's Council of The Free Cherokee. I am but one of five elders that were selected by our Clan to represent it's collective wishes before all the people. Our membership decided that the balance we were looking for would be better served by a council of five elders rather than by having a singular Chief....ergo, I am Chief but for the necessity of the structure of The Free Cherokee. This is not so strange a set-up for those of you who know about Iroquois history.......... the Cherokee people, in all likelihood, descend from Iroquois ancestors and moved South prior to the White Man's arrival in America. In Iroquois society the elder females of each longhouse, collectively, controlled the politics of the tribe. My hope is that I function as a loving Brother/Father/Grandfather to all my relations and not just a select few; being a conduit for communication and an instrument for mutual growth.

Being called Chief brings with it certain duties and responsibilities, and I'm sure that the present members of The Chiefs Council will be glad to provide adequate guidance in that regard. I am but a mortal human being who strives every day to do the best I can. The Red Road is a path that this searcher has come to after many years of questioning, and I will do my best to honor family and the ancestors.

We chose the Sweet Potato as our Clan symbol because it reminds us that our humanity/humility is more important than ego. The sweet potato is rather course and rough looking on the outside, but is nutritious and sweet on the inside. Let us be judged for what is on the inside (in our hearts) and not by what one perceives on the outside. At the center of our Clan shield, I painted a wild potato blossom. It is born out of sweet potato tubers.......this is to symbolize the honor we have for all parts of our mixed heritages, because indeed they are all connected. As Cherokee lore suggests, the wild potato provided sustenance for The People when hunting was not good and crops failed; and the sweet potato, also a morning glory family relative, is a staple in our modern world.

We feel it is our responsibility to nurture and provide healing to both family and The Mother. Most of us practice some method of healing, whether physical or spiritual and we wish to offer this as part of our service to the community as a whole. As with the traditional Wild Potato Clan, we have strong bear medicine within our group, and are guided by our four legged relation. It is with this intent at the core of our beings that we asked for membership in Free Cherokee.

I am proud to say that Lee Phether got 32 members of The "Taters" registered with Chief Desert Wolf on the Friday we were notified that we had been accepted as a new clan. We are grateful for the inclusion into the broader family, but not are not dependant on this affiliation to exist as a clan. We are family regardless. We gladly accept all opportunities to serve the greater good. Our acceptance as a clan was only one of the many things that brought smiles to my face and tears to my eyes over the course of the gathering.

I was very pleased and happy that our members were not only active participants in all that took place, but that some made extra effort just to be there. Our Phoenix Pharm's family arrived deprived of sleep; having just flown back from Denver Colorado. Star Ember flew into Atlanta from Virginia and drove to Blue Crow's so she could be with us. Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina all had representatives.

Soaring Eagle (Ben, Turtle Woman's son) committed to apprentice with Chief Desert Wolf as a pipe maker. AHO! to Soaring Eagle.

Our younger members sat still long enough to make some beaded necklaces and watch us old folks working on the crafts that require more attention. As it was the first gathering for some of them, it is good that there were so many elders there to teach and guide them. The publishing of gathering etiquette will be a helpful teaching tool in the future. And my thanks go out to the Thrasher's, Whispering Oak and Kenneth for the dinner they prepared on behalf of the Taters. Additionally, Mama Wolf of The Four Winds Band, who poured the Satuday evening sweatlodge, asked our own Rainbow Wisdom Keeper to sing for her. She honored me by using my new drum to accompany her singing. What a wonderful sharing that was.

So much happened at the gathering, I can't give it all it's just accounting. Let me just say that I came home with a sense that Creator put me where I needed to be for the week and that much healing took place. Many thanks to all of the members of the other clans who were there. We are only enriched by our diversity and combined contributions. Thank you for your love and your support.

Blessings in The Light, Papa JimBear

To learn more about the Sweet Potato Clan of North Carolina, check out their web site at http://www.????.