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Join us for our eleventh gathering as we explore Native American culture and spirituality. At this unique weekend event, people of all ethnic and religious backgrounds come together to honor Native American traditions. People of Native descent affirm and reconnect with their heritage while non-Natives gain understand and respect for Native traditions.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience music, culture, fellowship, fun, and growth in your relationship with our Creator.
Bill Miller delivering his Saturday afternoon address at an earlier Gathering.
We are honored to welcome back Grammy Award winner Bill miller. Of Mohican/German heritage, much of Bill's music deals with both the past and present struggles of Native Americans, but also with his personal battles.
Bill will share his strong faith with us during the Spiritual Enrichment session on Saturday afternoon, in addition to the concert on Saturday evening. Equally talented as a musician (guitar, harmonica, and Native American flute), singer, songwriter, and artist, Bill's music is sure to touch your spirit. Check out Bill's MySpace at www.myspace.com/billmillerofficial for more about Bill, as well as billmiller.net.
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM
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Information by topic:
1. Our Featured Artist: BILL MILLER, SPIRITUAL LEADER OF THE GATHERING
We are once again honored to have Bill Miller as the Gathering's keynote speaker and spiritual leader. Bill will lead us in a session of Spiritual Enrichment Saturday afternoon, as well as a Saturday evening concert.
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 will undoubtedly reflect the impact of this journey, and all that he's done since. See Bill Miller's Myspace page and Bill Miller's Web site for more information.
Bill Miller has an extraordinary spiritual impact. He is a gifted musician, painter and speaker. Of Mohican/German heritage, much of Bill's music deals with the past and present struggles of Native Americans and with his personal battles. A deeply spiritual and dedicated family man, Bill's faith and strength of spirit are apparent in his work.
Bill's talent has been acknowledged by his peers. He has won many awards and played all over the world. In 2007, he won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native American Music Awards (NAMA). In 2005 his album Cedar Dreams won the Grammy for Native American Album of the Year. Bill was honored 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. 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.
Don't miss the 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 will have an informal time of music and storytelling/sharing around the campfire on Friday evening for early arrivals. Workshop leaders will share traditional stories.
Go back to Main Menu.
COKER CREEK VILLAGE'S MAIN LODGE
This beautiful building greets you as you arrive at the Gathering.
3. WORKSHOPS:
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
THIS WORKSHOP IS FULL––PLEASE REGISTER FOR AN ALTERNATIVE. (8/29/09) |
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.
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| 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. |
BILL & DEB GLENN
The program allows specific times for photos and hellos with Bill during the program.
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:
Experience authentic Native American dancing and live Drum at our pow wow. If you have regalia and would like to dance, feel free to do so. Women are encouraged to bring shawls to join in Intertribal dances. Gathering participants in casual dress are welcome to join in the social dances.
FULL REGALIA IS REQUIRED FOR PARTICIPATION IN GRAND ENTRY.
Dancers who wish to attend the powwow and concert only will receive complimentary dinner and concert tickets and will be admitted to the powwow free of change. Please arrive after 2 PM if you wish to do this and be in full regalia and ready for the Grand Entry at 3PM. Non-dancers who accompany cancers will need to purchase dinner and concert tickets.
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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We recommend that you bring your own lawn chairs for the POW wow, though some seating will be provided.
THE COKER CREEK VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT
6. LODGING AND MEALS
THE RETREAT WILL BE HELD AT
COKER CREEK VILLAGE
TELLICO PLAINS, TENNESSEE
Click above to go to the Coker Creek Village web site.
DIRECTIONS: From I-75, take Exit 60 (Sweetwater) onto Hwy. 68 heading south. Continue traveling on Hwy. 68 south through Sweetwater, Madisonville, and Tellico Plains. You will have traveled exactly 35 miles from the exit when you arrive at Coker Creek Village. Retreat Center is on the left.
A photo tour of Coker Creek Village:
VIEW FROM ONE OF THE CABINS
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A NEW WORLD AWAITS ON THE OTHER SIDE.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
A covered bridge on the Coker Creek Village grounds. |
THE PATH TO THE DINING HALL
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THE DINING HALL
A beautiful setting serving bountiful food. |
Coker Creek Village's spectacular scenery is just one reason to attend the Gathering. The retreat offers workshops on Native American culture, a POW Wow, wonderful people to get to know, and a powerful experience of spirit. Bill Miller, the Gathering's Mohican/German spiritual leader, tops it off with words of wisdom and a foot stomping, soul stirring concert Saturday night. These photos give the barest idea of what it's like to attend the Gathering.
LODGING:
Bunkhouse style-- Separate men's and women's facilities, with plenty of rest room and shower facilities. Bring sleeping bag or bedding, pillows, towels and personal items. Children and youth will be housed with same-sex parents (or youth leader if with a group). Permission slips are required for al minors not accompanied by a parent; supervision by an adult is also required. Parents are expected to supervise children and youth at all times.
If alternate lodging is desired,, use this link to book accommodations at one of the many motels in the area: monroecounty.com Or call 1-800-245-5428 for the Monroe County Dept. of Tourism
If staying elsewhere, registration for the Gathering is $58 for meals and activities.
SCOTT CRISP ON SPOONS & BILL MILLER JAM
AT THE GATHERING'S SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT.
Opening for Bill in 2006 will be announced.
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BILL MILLER PLAYS THE FLUTE
MONA JUCKETT ON STAGE
DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
Tickets for the concert may be purchased at the door for $20.
Go back to Main Menu.
LET YOUR SPIRIT FLY-- GO ON RETREAT!
8. REGISTRATION & CONCERT TICKETS:
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM
COST OPTIONS
COST OPTIONS |
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| 1. Entire event beginning with Friday night Lodging. Includes: Saturday night lodging; all activities on Sat. and Sun. POW wow and concert, plus meals beginning with Sat. breakfast. |
$95
Children under 6, $75
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| 2. Entire event with Sat. night lodging. Includes all Sat. and Sun. activities as in #1. |
$68
Children under 6, $45 |
| 3. Entire event with alternate lodging. Includes all activities on Sat. and Sun. Including POW wow and concert and Sat. lunch and dinner. |
$58
Children under 6, $25 |
| 4. Saturday only. Includes all Saturday activities: Lunch, dinner, POW wow, & concert. |
$50
Children under 6, $20 |
| 5. Sunday Only. Includes Devotions, Closing Remarks, workshop, and Closing Circle |
$30
Children under 6, $10 |
| 6. Concert only––ALL SEATS If purchase concert ticket, you may attend Pow Wow. (Dinner not included.) |
$15 if order received by 9/4/09
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After Sept. 4, 2009: |
$20 |
** Youth groups from Holston Conference churches may inquire about group rates. (865-435-0100)
REGISTRATION FORM:
* REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FORM MUST BE RECEIVED BY 9/4/09
* NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER 8/28/09. (We will mail your T-shirt if you are unable to attend at the last minute.)
*THE COST OF THE SATURDAY CONCERT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION FEE IF YOU PRE-REGISTER.
*IF YOU WON'T BE ATTENDING THE RETREAT, YOU MAY PURCHASE ADVANCE TICKETS FOR $15 by calling 865-435-0100 9/4/09. AFTER THAT, ALL TICKETS WILL BE SOLD FOR $20.
*$20 WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE CONCERT AT THE GATE. CONCERT ADMISSION ALSO CHARGED FOR LATE REGISTRATIONS.
* IF YOU NEED TO REGISTER AFTER THE DEADLINE, PLEASE CALL TO INSURE AVAILABILITY AND MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
* QUESTIONS? CALL: (865) 435- 0100 or E- Mail: wahoohoospirit@yahoo.com
* T-SHIRTS! Those whose registrations are received on time (by 9/4/09) will receive a complementary event T-shirt. Refer to the registration page for list of sizes.
* ONLY THOSE WHOSE REGISTRATIONS ARE RECIEVED IN TIME TO BE SUBMITTED WITH OUR ORDER ON SEPTEMBER 5 WILL RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY SHIRT.
* A LIMITED NUMBER OF T-SHIRTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT $15.
* PLEASE REGISTER EARLY TO MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR SIZE AT NO ADDITIONAL COST.
THE GATHERING'S CLOSING CEREMONY
Participants toss their prayer bundles into the fire as Vicki Collins fans their smoke up to the Creator at the closing circle
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