American Indian Institute

Ringing Rocks Foundation partnered with the American Indian Institute to hold The Traditional Circle of Indian Elders and Youth in 2007. This annual event is a spiritual circle open to all Indian people. It constitutes the continuation of an ancient practice of joint council among the most respected leaders of Indian nations. Its purpose is to nurture a grassroots renewal of traditional values and worldviews among Indian peoples, to ensure the continuity of Native wisdom, and to bring that wisdom to bear on important issues facing all peoples of the earth.

Circle councils provide a forum for consideration of issues involving and affecting indigenous people. The issues are clarified and discussed, and the combined wisdom and experience of the group is utilized in seeking responses and solutions. Responses may involve direct or indirect action by the group or by individual members. A response may be simply the articulation of a moral position which then becomes an important tool in the hands of individual members.

The Circle gathers for six days each year at an encampment hosted by an Indian Nation. Every Circle gathering includes:

  • Elders who, because of their experience and commitment, speak on behalf of their people from the perspective of a traditional, spiritual worldview;
  • "Runners" who have not yet achieved "Elder" status but whose commitment to the Circle is unquestioned, and who do "leg work" for the Elders;
  • Young people who may sit with the Elders in the councils as observers, and who also help maintain the camps. Youth also meet separately during the gathering to discuss common issues. They are invited to present their perspectives to the Elders' Circle where they are respectfully considered.
  • Family members and children of all ages who participate to the extent of their capacities and interests. Inclusiveness is an ancient Indian tradition that insures the cultural and spiritual continuum of Indian people.

For more information about the import work being conducted by Itgel please visit their web site www.twocircles.org

Gathering

photo by Danny Beaton