The 13 Moon Dreamer Journey to Bring Forward the New Dawn of Spring

The 13 Moon Dreamer Journey to Bring Forward the New Dawn of Spring … and to welcome a spiritual Mayan calendar community led by Debra Malmos, as our circles radiate in love and light for our beautiful and sacred beingness ... AHO!

Dear Jaguar Woman and the larger Circle(s) of the Bodewadmin Longhouse,
Bozho, my relations:

Altar construction is SO valuable a teaching to initiate and incorporate into the personal but essentially, collective main stream intuitive consciousness pool. Kiche Migwech ... that we begin this mailing with reading and the context of this companion Mayan Calendar, daily inspirational teaching – Go to: jaguarspirit.com, by Debra Malmos, a long time ceremonial member of the sacred two legged community who has done many things with us, here on the land at the Spirit Horse Ranch. She now lives and works in the NW.

You, your larger circle and the beyond Dreamers, were remembered and spoken of last evening as we gathered to conclude a 7 day quiet time, to initiate a Journey into the 13 Moons forward and construct a personal, inner Medicine Wheel altar by which to positively support ours and all life. The physical plan of the gathering was shifted to include a bit of heyokah (backwards – last comes first, first comes last) gathering. (Note: it is valuable and recommended that we acquaint our selves with both the creative and chaotic aspects of the cycles of Creation in order to move with increased spiritual balance, discernment, optimism and without fear. Moving smoothly within these cycles will also reveal that Spirit and be seen to move agreeably in an apparently chaotic/intuitive/spontaneous manner), hence, paying attention to every little thing. Spirit began to move attention for the gathering from a Longhouse event to a house event, the comforts of the hearth as it were, and so it was, very happily. We feasted FIRST, in order to make ourselves ready for the Dreamers journey of carrying the new sun forward from the darkness to the light of the new season, SPRING … We began with an orientation of the afternoon Prophetic 13 Moon New Year, Dreamer Journey workshop which would follow the feasting, preparing and strengthening of our minds, hearts, bodies and spirits at the table.

For true feast food one couple gifted us with a full size fruit tart which had representatives of the four sacred berries of the Bodewadmin, beginning with the demen, the first medicine berry of spring, followed by the blackberry, the blueberry and the raspberry. The soup was root vegetables, slow cooked with lentils, hummus, pita chips and chocolate, toffee lace cookies. Ayurvedic tea of cumin, coriander and fennel.

The Prophetic 13 Moon New Year Journey followed being 'fanned off', some discussion and conversation closed the Ceremony of the 7 Day Quiet Time. The peaceful Akbal presence was discernible and creative. The Mayan Akbal, 13 day trecena, will be a welcome presence both to warmly 'have our backs' and to provide an opening for the emergence of the new sun, (the new seasonal year) into this last stretch until we meet again in two weeks to welcome and honor the new sun, (bearer of the qualities of illumination and inspiration, whose shadow face is anger). These understandings will make it not only more possible for us to begin living with increased balance and harmony with all of the above stated qualities, but equally important, to perhaps, begin ... inheriting the sacred and promised positions of co-creator. These positions, so hard to identify the true meaning of and even harder with which to attain meaningful connection, again, begin ... to position us to 'doctor' issues of 'imbalance' within the qualities of our Medicine Wheel Home and other meaningful spiritual understandings and practices. It is in these and other ways that personal medicine is built that life might be lived, 'in a good way'.

The Medicine Wheel Teachings and the Mayan Calendar are remarkably synchronous and mutually compatible, each offering a recognized lineage of wisdom and counsel by which to think, assess, decide and initiate movement. Many of the Muscogee Creek tribe acknowledge migrational connection to the Central American Maya, offering a genetic and spiritual Oklahoma and SE USA, seat from which to consider alternate and companion views and platforms.

On January 21, 2018, 21 days from the Gregorian calendar New Year, we will meet again to honor and receive the new season of Spring. The new Sprouts (us) are making ready to emerge ... as are the ashwaganda sprouts that revealed themselves in today's sunrise light. Three weeks they have taken to emerge. We invite all sage burners and sweet grass swingers to join in the Power of New Emerging Light and Life on January 21st (third week of January) recognized by indigenous peoples as the first day of Spring. Let us continue moving into our new year with gratitude, conscious and discerning alignment with the beauty of Our Mother Earth and Our Father Sky Sun, first, most enduring and beautiful gifts to us, from the Creator. Shewendagzewin odo pi, a Blessing Is Visited Upon Us Here.

This year's inner Medicine Garden was planned and planted deep within the inner purification fires of Winter. Soon the outdoor work will begin, but, for now, we take Sanctuary within the Bodewadmin Longhouse of Mounds, Oklahoma, and wish our community, the larger Medicine Circles of the Mayan Calendar and beyond ... and ... the best, strongest, happiest, essential-precious core center of each and every personal Medicine Wheel ... a very good New Year.

And so, it goes. AHO! Let us bring the light of the New Sun forward from the dark of winter, Dreamers!

In the Spirit of Love and Light forever,
Bama pi, (until I see you again)
Dawn Woman

The First Gift of the New Year to Us ...

Greetings All,

The first gift of the New Year to each of us is the opportunity to bring forward the previous 21 day Winter Ceremonies and prepare to step out with them toward building personal ceremony based on personal and collective observation and experience. At this point it may not even be entirely clear what this consists of … but, trust, that the wisdom and knowledge that has been built and accrued  in recent months will coalesce and reveal itself in gentle increments as we seek to remember and 'remember to remember'.

As we allow ourselves to be 'breathed alive' in this and the coming New Year ... our time of scheduled community ceremony will happen where we sit, lie and stand. The conclusion of this 21 day cycle is important and it is important that it be met.

First, set some time aside for as uninterrupted a time as is possible. It you need to break up your ceremony, just pick it back up as you can. There is no wrong way to do it.

To begin, it is suggested that tomorrow, a candle be lit, from the east, for honor the deep, winter fire ceremonies. Greet the sacred herbs and ask for their help, then, 'fan' yourself off with the sage and sweetgrass … incense or wood fire smoke, cedar ... gather these things together, today, for tomorrow's ceremony.

Let us remember that our ceremonies have been directed toward 'firing the seeds of inspiration' for the year to come. Let us remember that we, too, are among tomorrow's seeds. At this point we, too, have revealed ourselves to ourselves, we have seen and been truly 'seen', blessed, honored and prayed over in 'ways' that only time and the coming seasons will reveal. And, so, we begin by granting ourselves the gift of time while at the same time, being 'breathed alive'. 

It is into this very personal Circle of Awareness that we now move, drawing and carrying the illuminating, energizing and warming fire … into our deepest core intention of Life and Love ... the intention that Life is meant to be lived in balance and harmony, all days, all ways, now and forever more.

This Ceremony may include prayers to the Creator of fondly held dreams and wishes, gratitude points for ourselves and others, as well as the personal addresses. Endeavor to remain fluid and detached from outcome. Notice what comes forward for greetings and acknowledgement as well, that which emanates from our deepest soul, spirit, mental, emotional and physical sources. Endeavor to observe and not judge. All things are in flux and dynamic evolution which is and will continue to evolve positively as we breathe and 'are breathed alive' ... Resonate deeply with the chosen, worthy and desirable 'seeds of inspiration' that may reveal themselves as coming forward with us into the mysterious and as yet, largely unknown future. But, this we know, the most beautiful of these things, we are able to 'own' and sit with now, in the 'eternal present'. These things will be among the seeds, gifts and prophesies we bring forward and among those that may await us in the coming year(s). For we remember the old ones have said, 'that which you recognize, you own'.

Many will be feeling very full and perhaps 'pitched' in certain ways. Moving into the Center Circle of Life, giving and getting Creative radiance will offer Sanctuary until the next time we sit together. At that time we will bring forward a very matured seed that will be eager for planting. The look forward through the coming year, month by month, will be completed at that time. 

Now, the 7 days following New Year's Eve is a very important time during which to extend the Quiet Time Activities and 'listen'. I will say no more. This time is for ourselves, alone.

In the Spirit of Love and Light, 

Grandmother

Happy Holidays from the Spirit Horse Ranch!

Happy Holidays from Jim and Minisa Halsey!

Holiday Greetings!

 

Dream Keepers Awards Banquet 2017 / OU Schusterman Center, Founders Hall, Tulsa, OK / Nov. 7 / 6-9p

Dream Keepers Awards Banquet

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM CST

OU Schusterman Center - Founders Hall

4502 E 41st Street, Tulsa, OK

The Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission’s annual Dream Keepers Awards Banquet celebrates Native American leaders in our community who exemplify strong character and have made a difference through solid dedication to public service. In conjunction with November being National Native American Heritage Month, the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission will honor these Dream Keeper awardees and celebrate our diversity. Join us as we celebrate these Dream Keepers!

Congratulations to all the 2017 Dream Keepers!
• Kenneth Anquoe Lifetime Achievement Award – Walter Echo-Hawk
• Lewis B. Ketchum Excellence in Business Award – Kugee Supernaw
• Charles Chibitty Family Community Contributor Award – World Changers Organization
• Will Anquoe Humanitarian Award – JoKay Dowell
• Rennard Strickland Education Leadership Award – Harry Roy Red Eagle
• Perry Aunko Indigenous Language Preservation Award – Mvskoke Language Program, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
• Moscelyne Larkin Cultural Achievement Award – Minisa Crumbo
• Dr. Ralph Dru Career & Professional Award – Dr. Jim Halsey
• Jim Thorpe Sports Excellence Award – Joey Grayson
• Red Eagle Sacred Circle of Spirituality Award – Pastor Ray Samuel
• Roberta Gardipe American Indian Veterans Award – Don G. Tiger

Feeding Curiosity (CPN)

Feeding Curiosity (CPN)

This summer, the Consortium for North American Higher Education Collaboration organized the first North American Center for Collaborative Development conference June 12-13 in Saskatchewan, Canada. During “Connecting Indigenous Peoples in North America: Crafting a Community of Shared Knowledge,” attendees heard from a variety of presenters from Canada, Mexico and the United States, including Citizen Potawatomi Nation member Minisa Crumbo Halsey.

Crumbo Halsey said the conference was designed to connect indigenous communities culturally so that they will know one another better and work together toward shared resources.

Crumbo Halsey was part of the panel discussion “Ethics, Morals and Respect for Diverse Cultures and Worldviews.”

Because she is an elder and has led presentations on the traditional Potawatomi medicine wheel in the past, she was asked to speak at the conference. Her discourse focused on food sovereignty and Native people’s access to indigenous foods. Food sovereignty is an individual’s right to healthy, culturally appropriate and sustainable nutrients, as well as their own agricultural system.

“People are very interested in food sovereignty issues all over,” she said. “We’ve all got to get a grip on the food story for the health of everyone on the globe.”

The importance of food sovereignty

Since the early 1800s contact with Europeans, many Native American tribes across the United States were denied their customary ways of growing, harvesting and making culturally significant food. Many of those traditions were lost through forced assimilation, which included an adaptation to a more European diet and a removal from ancestral lands, where ingredients for long-established recipes grew heartily.

“It’s so important to know where our food grows, who’s growing it and then take it from food preparation to feeding,” Crumbo Halsey said. “The tribal situation and complex allow us to work within an understood framework of people with common values that can work together and can have proximity to one another.”

The conference and Crumbo Halsey’s presentation allows Native Americans in North America to connect and share their resources and history to reclaim the agriculture of their ancestors. In a time when processed and ready-to-eat foods are often the easiest options, food sovereignty also facilitates a reconnection with the land and a healthier diet.

Agriculture, tribal culture

Crumbo Halsey believes healthy globalization of Native American — and specifically Potawatomi — food traditions begin as individuals connect to their culture and the earth.

“Everyone is in a better position to communicate and do the give-and-take of information sharing,” she said.

As far as Potawatomi culture, that begins through a relationship with the Creator grounded with Mother Earth and Father Sky-Sun.

Some essential Potawatomi crops grown together are the three sisters: corn, beans and squash. Agriculturally, Potawatomi farmed these together in a mutually beneficial relationship, as each plant thrived off the assets of the others. Eaten together frequently, they also round out a diet and include nutrients like amino acids, vitamins and proteins.

“Food is our medicine,” she said.

Crops Crumbo Halsey referenced in her conference presentation included not only edibles like the “three sisters” but also ceremonial necessities.

Many Native American tribes use a medicine wheel. Potawatomi group sage, tobacco, cedar and sweetgrass each with a season and cardinal direction to form a complete wheel. The wheel is then used for blessing and cleansing in tribal rituals.

The future of Potawatomi crops

Crumbo Halsey also has contributed to an ongoing Citizen Potawatomi Nation project — the community garden. She said the sacred berries are represented, as well as the three sisters and elements from the medicine wheel: “The sweetgrass and different sages are coming in.”

She has been raising and acclimating various crops to Oklahoma that more easily grow in the northern United States. The goal is to be able to have a supply around the Citizen Potawatomi Nation headquarters in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Crumbo Halsey said the community garden is a “vast and wonderful experiment.”

“One of the things that I brought forward was sweetgrass,” one-quarter of the medicine wheel, Crumbo Halsey said. “That was sweetgrass that came from Canada originally. It stopped in Kansas for 40 years and was acclimated. And then I was gifted with some, and it happened to be in my gardens for four years.”

She is also acclimating the Potawatomi pea and white sage, or buffalo grass.

As for her next food sovereignty presentation, Crumbo Halsey joins an exhibition in Kansas City, Missouri, this fall themed around the idea of the vanishing prairie. Her installation centers on sweetgrass, which will hopefully include some acclimated strands of the crop to prove her point about the non-vanishing prairie.

For more information, visit minisacrumbo.com.

Indigenous Peoples Day Replaces Columbus Day in 55 Cities

First Native American Day Celebrated in Tulsa
First Native American Day of Tulsa (City of Tulsa)

List of Cities Across the US are Abandoning Columbus Day (Business Insider)

 Indigenous Peoples Day Replaces Columbus Day in 55 Cities (TIME)

 

 Mayor G.T. Bynum Discusses Native American Day in Tulsa

Native American Day to Replace Columbus Day in Tulsa
Words You'll Hear: Indigenous Peoples Day (Public Radio Tulsa)