Seventh Generation Fund For Indian Development
Sovereignty
Celebrating 33 Years of Keeping the Homefires Burning (1977-2010)
Newsletter No. 2 May 2010
To recover and sustain a traditional relationship to land, community and spirit.
KEEPING THE HOMEFIRES BURNING Vision-Action-Future
This year marked the 10th successful Keeping the Homefires Burning gathering! On January 15-17th about 130 people came together from all different regions, converging on the Marin Headlands Center north of San Francisco in the traditional Coastal Miwok territory. From youth to adult, we all had a warm welcoming home! Old friends united and new friends connected as the Seventh Generation Fund family and friends came together to discuss current actions and future changes regarding the health and security of our communities. A morning prayer circle started each day. It was a time for us to share and give thanks to the Earth for allowing us to exist upon her and for us to show our humbleness for being in such a new and beautiful place along the ocean. The participants worked in collective groups and conducted visioning sessions where they discussed present and future issues concerning spiritual, mental and physical health of their communities. The participants reported back what they envisioned and strategized for positive changes for future generations.
The capacity building sessions touched some in a very emotional way, while others got fired up and were ready to write letters and take action. Overall, everyone walked away with a sense of enlightenment and encouragement. Plenary sessions proved to be very interesting and informative. Group evaluations indicated a strong interest in the “Mayan Cosmovision and Prophecy of 2012” and “Transcendental Meditation” sessions. Little ones were graciously occupied with art projects, supplied by Artists Resistance Movement for Dignity. Not only did the youth have fun, they also made works of art they can share with their families. “I appreciate being able to attend functions with Seventh Generation Fund, they help keep me stay grounded and focused.” The Seventh Generation Fund staff would like to say “Thank You” from the bottom of our hearts; youʼre the reason we work so hard. A special thank you goes out to all the foundations, supporters, and projects who made this yearʼs Keeping the Homefires Burning such a great success! Check out SGFʼs 2010 Keeping the Homefires Burning video at: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLei9VjYhqY [1]
By: Mary Campbell, Special Projects Associate