International Indigenous Leadership Gathering 2011 attracts participants from around the world

The message was as clear and consistent as the ongoing traditional beating of the drums. The guest speakers, the ceremonies, and all who attended the week long International Indigenous Leadership Gathering 2011 near Lillooet, B.C. echoed the mantra of “Protecting the Sacred.”

The collective voice spoke of renewed reverence for Mother Earth, love and compassion among humankind, and respect for all living things that share our terrestrial home.

In his welcoming speech Chief Mike Leach stated “We are at a crossroads and the Indigenous people of Turtle Island are being called upon by the Creator to lead the world to a new awakening. It is time to balance the material with the spiritualÖto reconnect into the Circle of Life.

“As prophesized, a time of cleansing is upon us. We are in the final days of a great cycle and Mother Earth is sending us strong messages through catastrophic natural events and global warming of a coming transformation. Those who are not awake (materially based people) are living in fear—vaguely sensing something is terribly wrong. Those who are awake to the signs must be the messengers. We, the people of this world, are all Indigenous. We must find connections, not differences.”

The Third Annual Gathering held May 30 to June 5 was hosted by the Sta’at’imc Chiefs Council representing 11 First Nation communities, and made possible by the hard work of a core group of local organizers and the generous commitment of countless attending volunteers.
The tireless work of Darryl Bob and Coordinator Jackie Andrew deserves special mention. The free event took place on the Xaxl’ip, Sta’at’imc Territory in a beautiful grassy meadow behind the home of Traditional Chief Darryl Bob, his wife Teresa and their seven children.
All people from around the world were welcome and attendance numbered in the thousands. Over the course of the week the land transformed into a communal village of tents, teepees, campers and RV’s surrounded by the lush pristine Cascade Mountains.

All strived to share their personal messages and took part in discussions. There were morning and evening sweat lodges, morning pipe ceremonies, sunrise meditations by the small creek, and a Pit Lodge housing a fire that burned the entire time under the diligent care of fire keepers.

All food was provided, prepared and served on site with a morning brunch and an evening dinner. Out of respect, Elders, expectant mothers and mothers with small children were always served first.

The agenda each afternoon alternated between traditional ceremonies and Indigenous guest speakers from near and far.

The “open pipe” ceremony of the first day welcomed everyone to participate in drumming, prayer, and passing (smoking) of the pipes in a ceremonial circle, creating a spiritual bond between all at the outset.

Over two dozen speakers graced the stage overall, each sharing inspiring and meaningful thoughts. To note merely a few:
An entourage from Mexico telling (through an interpreter) of Canadian mining companies raping the resources and lands of Indigenous people, similar to what is commonplace in Central and South America.
The youngest speaker was Asma Maryam Ali, a Muslim university student from Toronto. Currently a qualified teacher, she is studying for a master’s degree focused on incorporating Indigenous teachings into environmental education.

“We must seek unity and understanding among all Indigenous peoples worldwide…indeed all mankind,” she said.

A more Eastern perspective was offered by Geshe Yongdong, a Tibetan monk since age seven. He escaped from the Chinese occupation of Tibet and is now living on Vancouver Island. His words of Buddhist wisdom were “Our greatest enemies are anger, greed and ignorance, especially anger. We must strive to live more in our heart than in our head. One must learn to nurture and love oneself. Only by doing so can one love others.”

Hereditary Chief Phil Lane Jr. is a member of the Yankton Dakota and Chickasaw First Nations and an international leader in human and community development. He spoke of drug and alcohol addiction among the Indigenous population. His infectious humour prevailed as he laughed.

“Addiction is the best possible disease to contract, because the only way out is a spiritual path”
A light-hearted approach to a serious message. He was also one of the leaders in a drum ceremony honouring the sacred pipe of Crazy Horse, which was brought to the Gathering.

And finally two revered Elders:
Mona Polacca, a member of the 13 Indigenous grandmothers, said “Woman are the seeds of compassion and it is our responsibility to pray for future generations and to save the world for our precious children.”

Elder Tom Crane Bear, Blackfoot teacher, spiritual and life leader from the Siksika Nation, offered enthralling wisdom for all, having led a life from residential schools, alcoholism and skid row, to high school graduation at 53 and recognition by the Canadian and International governments for his dedication and teachings. Now in his eighties he is an inspiration to all mankind. Here is a mere taste of his near hour long speech.

“Be passionate about what you do or you will be defeated.”

“They tried to take our culture and our language through residential schools, but it didn’t work. Later generations have given it up voluntarily through assimilation by white culture. It is now the responsibility of Elders to pass on the language and heritage before we die and the responsibility of younger generations to learn and preserve our culture.”

In the end the Gathering was less about words and more about spiritual energy. It embodied a gift of hope that all took home with them.