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The 2010 Holston Conference Gathering was a meaningful and significant spiritual event. It was our twelfth 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.
Those who attended experienced music, culture, fellowship, fun, and growth in your relationship with our Creator.
Bill Miller delivering his Saturday afternoon address at an earlier Gathering.
We were 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 shared 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 touched our spirits. 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
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!
It 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: SEPT. 18, 2010 |
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8:00 - 9:15 |
Check in, Meet & Mingle |
9:15 - 10:15 |
Orientation/Devotion (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 (Bill Miller) |
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Free time: Stroll one of the trails, browse the gift shop and vendors, or relax on the porch in a rocking chair. Bill Miller will be available part of this time for autographs and photos. Jonathon Feather will present an "Introduction to Pow Wow" briefing during this time. 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 |
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SUNDAY: SEPT. 19, 2010 |
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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 A JAM SESSION/OPEN MIKE ON FRIDAY EVENING: Because we have so many talented performers, we added a time of informal jamming/open mike on Friday evening. Bill Miller and Josh Yukon joined in the jamming on Friday evening. This gave our other musicians the opportunity to play with Bill without disrupting his concert on Saturday evening.
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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.
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| B. NATIVE AMERICACN FRYBREAD |
Nikki Feather Crisp |
Participants will get hands-on instruction in making delicious Native American fry bread and be able to sample the finished product..
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| C. MAKE YOUR OWN GUORD RATTLE |
Emerson Begay |
Create your own gourd rattle from award-winning Navajo artist and dancer Emerson Begay.
* Those taking this workshop will be required to pay a materials fee of $20. This will be paid directly to Emerson at the class. This will be a two-day workshop. If signing up for this workshop, do not choose a second one. CLASS LIMITED TO FIRST 15 TO REGISTER.
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| D. QUILL WORK |
Andy Grant |
Learn the ancient art of quillwork from Cherokee/Lakota artist and dancer Andy Grant.
* Those taking this workshop will be required to pay a materials fee of $10. This will be paid directly to Andy at the class. This will be a two-day workshop. If signing up for this workshop, do not choose a second one. CLASS LIMITED TO FIRST 15. |
E. MAKE YOUR OWN DRUM
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Dave Garrett |
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.
* 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. CLASS LIMITED TO FIRST 15.
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| F. FOOD FOR SPIRIT |
Charles Robinson |
Charles will share his insights on the connection between Native spirituality and Christianity. This workshop will enhance your relationship with our Creator, regardless of your personal beliefs.
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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.
*THIS WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE SOME DISCUSSION OF THE TREATMENT OF NATIVE AMERICAN CHILDREN IN BOARDING SCHOOLS WHICH SOME MAY FIND DISTURBING.
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| 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 lead 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. 2010 POW WOW: AUTHENTIC NATIVE AMERICAN DANCING AND LIVE DRUM
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 Man |
ANDY GRANT (Cherokee/Lakota) |
| Head Lady |
NIKKI FEATHER CRISP (Cherokee/Lakota) |
| Hoop Dancer |
JONATHON FEATHER (Cherokee/Lakota) |
Arena Director
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JOEY PIERCE (Cherokee descent) |
| Color Guard |
ALL WARRIORS COLOR GUARD |
| Host Drum |
deerclan.com (from Cherokee, NC) |
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THE COKER CREEK VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT
6. LODGING AND MEALS
THE RETREAT WAS 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!
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LET YOUR SPIRIT FLY-- GO ON RETREAT!
8. REGISTRATION, CONCERT, & T-SHIRTS:
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM
COST OPTIONS
COST OPTIONS: Retreat Registration & Concert |
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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. Includes Gathering T-SHIRT if registration received by Sept. 2, 2010. |
$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. Includes Gathering T-SHIRT if registration received by Sept. 2, 2010. |
$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. Includes Gathering T-SHIRT if registration received by Sept. 2, 2010. |
$58
Children under 6, $25 |
| 4. Saturday only. Includes all Saturday activities: Lunch, dinner, POW wow, & concert. Includes Gathering T-SHIRT if registration received by Sept. 2, 2010. |
$50
Children under 6, $20 |
| 5. Sunday Only. Includes Devotions, Closing Remarks, workshop, and Closing Circle. Includes Gathering T-SHIRT if registration received by Sept. 2, 2010. |
$30
Children under 6, $10 |
| 6. Concert only––Because of limited seating in the Retreat Center, we will not be offering advance tickets to the concert. Those who wish to attend only the concert must register for Option #4. Saturday Only. Registration includes a T-shirt (if your registration is received by 09/02/10), a $25 value, and dinner in the dining hall if you arrive by 6 PM. |
OPTION #4: $50
Children under 6, $20
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| In the event that all seats are not filled by registered guests, we MAY have a few tickets available at the door. The only way to ensure attending the concert is to preregister before the deadline. |
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** Youth groups from Holston Conference churches may inquire about group rates. (865) 548-2920
T-SHIRTS:
BILL MILLER DESIGNED THE T-SHIRTS FOR THE 2010 GATHERING!
This year, we wee honored to have our T-shirt designed by BILL MILLER himself. There are a limited edition, not available anywhere else. Be sure we receive your registration by September 2, 2010, so that you may receive one of these very special shirts free of charge.
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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