Bill Miller playing the Native American flute at the 2009 Gathering
1. Our Featured Artist: BILL MILLER, SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE GATHERING
Bill Miller led us in a session of Spiritual Enrichment Saturday afternoon, as well as giving a Saturday evening concert. Bill Miller has an extraordinary spiritual impact which has been recognized world wide. He has won three Grammy Awards: Bill's album Spirit Wind North won the 2010 Grammy for Native American Album of the Year. In 2005, his album Cedar Dreams also won the Grammy for Native American Album of the Year. Bill was honored at the Grammys again in 2006. Two of his songs were on Sacred Ground: A Tribute to Mother Earth, a compilation of work from various artists, which won the Grammy for Best Native American Album in 2006.
In 2007, he won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native American Music Awards (NAMA). Bill's albums include: the Grammy winning Cedar Dreams, Spirit Rain, Healing Waters, and Hear Our Prayer. His CD Ghostdance won NAMMY honors. "Colors of the Wind," from the movie Pocahontas, features Bill Miller on the flute. Bill's PBS special "Songs of the Spirit" is was aired nationwide.
In 2009, Bill fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing his symphony, The Last Stand, in Israel with the Israel Kibbutz Orchestra. This was the first time a Native American symphony was performed in Israel and an amazing experience for all who participated. Bill's presence and words at the Gathering reflected the impact of his spiritual and earthly journey. See Bill Miller's Myspace page and Bill Miller's Web site for more information.
This was a great opportunity to experience one of the country's top Native American Artists in a beautiful and intimate setting!
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2. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
| SATURDAY: SEPTEMBER 19 |
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8:00 - 9:15 |
Check in, Meet & Mingle |
9:15 - 10:15 |
Orientation/Devotion with Charles Robinson |
10:30 - 12:00 |
WORKSHOP 1 |
12:00 - 12:45
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Lunch |
1:00 - 2:00
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Spiritual Enrichment with BILL MILLER |
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Free time: Stroll one of the trails, browse the gift shop, or relax on the porch in a rocking chair. Bill Miller will be available part of this time for autographs and photos. We also encourage you to take advantage of this time to get acquainted with leadership and other participants. |
3:15 - 5:45 |
Pow Wow. (Bring a chair if possible.) |
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Dinner |
7:30 |
BILL MILLER CONCERT, featuring Jimmy Yellowhorse and Mona Juckett |
9:39
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STORYTELLING (various traditions) |
SUNDAY: |
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8:00 - 9:00
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Breakfast |
9:00- 9:30 |
Devotion and Music with Deb Glenn |
9:45 - 11:15 |
WORKSHOP 2 |
11:30 |
Closing Circle |
We had an informal time of music and storytelling/sharing around the campfire on Friday evening for early arrivals. Workshop leaders shared traditional stories.
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COKER CREEK VILLAGE'S MAIN LODGE
This beautiful building greeted us as we arrived at the Gathering.
Plenty of time to meet and mingle!
Here, Vicki Collins and her husband Dave Collins relax on the front porch.
MAKING THE PRAYER TREE
The Gathering begins with the making of a prayer tree. Participants pray over bundles of sacred herbs which are tied to the tree to invoke the power of prayer.
3. WORKSHOPS: The description of the workshop from the 2009 flyer follows––
WORKSHOP TITLE |
PRESENTER |
DESCRIPTION |
| A. CHEROKEE POTTERY |
Mary T. Newman |
Learn how pottery was made in the old days from potter Mary T. Newman. This class will also include instruction and hands-on opportunities for working in clay. Of Cherokee descent.
Mary T. resides in Ashland City, TN. with her family. She conducts pottery workshops and displays throughout the southeast and as far away as Alaska. |
| B. SPIRIT OF THE DRUM |
Emerson Begay |
Learn the basics of pow wow singing and drumming, as well as the important role of the drum in Native culture from full-blood Navajo Emerson Begay.
Originally from the Farmington NM area, Emerson, is currently living in Kingsport, TN. |
| C. POW WOW 101 |
Jonathon Feather |
This workshop is designed for newcomers to pow wows as well as those who have attended pow wows and had questions they were afraid to ask. This class will include pow wow etiquette, explanations of each dance style and the regalia associated with it, other pow wow customs such as giveaways, etc., and a discussion of common mistakes (offensive questions, etc.) often made by unknowing newcomers.
Jonathon is Cherokee/Lakota. He grew up on the Qualla boundary in Cherokee,NC where he now lives. Jonathon has been involved in pow wows his entire life in every aspect from champion hoop dancer to MC and judge of dance competitions. |
| D. MEDICINE BAGS |
Linda Cash |
Learn to make your own medicine bag from accomplished beader Linda Cash. Linda will also discuss the meaning and purpose of medicine bags in Native culture.
A native of Clinton, TN., Linda is Cherokee/Metis’. Her exquisite beadwork is museum quality and is treasured by those fortunate enough to own one of her pieces.
*THIS IS A TWO-PART CLASS. IF YOU CHOOSE THIS WORKSHOP, YOU WILL TAKE IT BOTH DAYS. PLEASE DO NOT CHOOSE A SECOND WORKSHOP. |
E. MAKE YOUR OWN DRUM
|
Lowery Begay |
Construct your own drum in the traditional way as you learn about the importance of the drum from full-blood Navajo award winning dancer, artist, and performer Lowery Begay.
Lowery grew up in the Farmington, NM area and now resides in Jonesboro, TN.
* THOSE TAKING THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY A MATERIALS FEE OF $30 . THIS WILL BE PAID DIRECTLY TO LOWERY AT THE CLASS. THIS WILL BE A TWO-DAY WORKSHOP. IF SIGNING UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP, DO NOT CHOOSE A SECOND ONE. |
| F. FOOD FOR SPIRIT |
Charles Robinson |
Charles will share his insights on the connection between Native spirituality and Christianity and how God reveals Himself to us through His creation. This workshop will enhance your relationship with our Creator, regardless of your personal beliefs.
Charles (Choctaw) and his wife Siouxsan operate the Red Road Ministry in Franklin, TN.
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| G. A CANDID LOOK AT RESERVATION LIFE |
Siouxsan Robinson |
Siouxsan (Blackfoot/Lakota) will share with us what life on a western reservation was like for past generations, how it has changed in the present day, and her vision for future generations.
Originally from the Rosebud Reservation, Siouxsan now resides in Franklin, TN with her husband, Charles Robinson, and their five children.
*THIS WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE SOME DISCUSSION OF THE TREATMENT OF NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN IN BOARDING SCHOOLS WHICH SOME MY FIND DISTURBING. |
| H. CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES |
Scott Crisp and Jamie Russell
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Children ages 12 and under will be educated and entertained with activities ranging from stickball to storytelling. * If we have a wide range of ages, we will separate into appropriate groups. |
Mary T Newman leads the Pottery Workshop
Emerson Begay leads "Spirit of the Drum"
Lowery Begay leads the "Make Your Own Drum" workshop.
Linda Cash leads "Make Your Own Medicine Bag"
Children's Activities with Mike Edwards & Scott Crisp
4. BILL'S INSPIRATIONAL TALK
BILL MILLER
Photo: Linda Aronoff
Bill Miller leads a Spiritual Enrichment Session on Saturday afternoon. Typical of Bill, the session always is a a deep and truthful examination of living a life of spirit in today's world. In the intensely personal and intimate setting, participants reported feeling Creator's presence in a new and profound way.
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5. 2008 POW WOW:
Authentic Native American dancing and live Drum could be experienced at our pow wow. Those with regalia were encouraged to dance. Women with shawls joined in Intertribal dances. Gathering participants in casual dress joined in the social dances. Full regalia was required for participation in the grand entry.
AT THE GATHERING, A POW WOW FOLLOWS THE WORKSHOPS & SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT SESSION WITH BILL MILLER.
Traditional dancing follows the presentation of the flag. (The photo is from the 2001 Gathering. Click above to go to an article about this year.)
THE POW-WOW HEAD STAFF:
| Master of Ceremonies |
SCOTT CRISP (CHEROKEE DESCENT) |
| Head Lady |
SIOUXSAN ROBINSON (LAKOTA/BLACKFOOT) |
| Head Man |
CHARLES ROBINSON (CHOCKTAW) |
| Hoop Dancer |
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| Host Drum |
deerclan.com |
| Color Guard |
ALL WARRIORS COLOR GUARD |
| Arena Director |
LOWERY BEGAY (NAVAJO) |
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2009 Head Lady Siouxsan Robinson
