Creating the New
Paradigm for Survival

The principal objective of the Ancient Voices - Contemporary Contexts Forums is to fulfill a 2005 Elders Circle mandate: "get the Elder voice out" and get dialogue started across cultures. The essential elements of their message include:

• We are destroying the earth and the life on it.
• We are killing each other. War and genocide are rampant in many parts of the world because of race, ethnicity, religion and greed. The same factors, along with drugs and alcohol, are at work in more subtle ways throughout the world.
• The indigenous voice is the only one that takes a holistic view of both environmental and social destruction. The indigenous voice is ancient and proven. It is a spiritual voice unencumbered by religious dogma. It is not parochial or selfish, and can be a saving factor in meeting the issues that threaten the world.

An Unprecedented Gathering

Seldom have so many traditional grassroots spiritual leaders of Indigenous nations of North America come together to share their cultural and spiritual wisdom with non-Native people. Contemporary social and environmental problems are in desperate need of alternative approaches. The traditional Native perspective offers new ground from which to address these issues.

The voice of Elders is an ancient voice with deep spiritual roots.

Participants at the Ancient Voices Forum will have an opportunity to share in the perspective of traditional Native American leaders and together will:

• Explore our common concerns about the human condition in modern times.
• Seek ways of living within the natural capacities of the earth.
• Recognize what the future holds for our children, and explore alternatives.

The ancient indigenous voice is relevant to today's world, and may hold keys to our common survival. This three day Forum offers participants a unique opportunity to sit with the most revered traditional voices from Indian country – to hear first-hand their perspectives and concerns, and to explore these ideas in close dialogue.

The Elders will begin each day in ceremony of thanksgiving. A keynote address will follow, laying the foundation for discussions in small group sessions, each led by one or more traditional leaders. These sessions provide the opportunity for close exploration and discussion of traditional indigenous wisdom and its modern relevance and implications.

Afternoons will be devoted to small group activities out in the physical indigenous environment and in the community.

Keynote Speakers
Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper, Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, is a clear, persistent, and respected voice for the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois Confederacy), and for Indigenous peoples throughout the world.

Sara James, a Neetsaii Gwich'in, lives in Arctic Village, Alaska. She has traveled the world, speaking about indigenous rights, human rights, and environmental issues. Through all her commitments, Sarah has won several awards and is globally recognized.

Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee, will act as Weaver of People & Ideas during the Forum. Wilma was the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation; in that capacity she represented the second largest tribe in the United States.

General Forum Schedule

February 19 - Friday
Forum Registration
Opening Ceremony & Plenary Welcome
Diné People: Historical Contexts & Keynote Address
Discussion Circles
Community Cross-Cultural Activities

February 20 - Saturday
Morning Ceremony
Keynote Address
Discussion Circles
Community Cross-Cultural Activities

February 21 - Sunday
Morning Ceremony
Keynote Address
Discussion Circles & Plenary Roundtable
Community Cross-Cultural Activities
Dinner, Storytelling, Singing, & Closing Ceremony