We the members of the Clan of the Hawk, Northeastwind Council, Western Abenaki Nation in Vermont feel that it is about time to speak out. We are a very large and viable group of Native people of the Abenaki descent. There are other groups and individuals of Native American descent in Vermont that are working just as hard to promote our Native Heritage as the Band in Swanton. It seems that no one in the State of Vermont will recognize this fact. We do not deny the Sokoki Band their just due. They have worked hard to arrive to their present status. Please try to remember that there are a lot of other Native Americans also in Vermont that would like to be counted on when the roll is called. Isn. t it about time that everyone started to pull together and act with dignity to promote the Native American and Abenaki Heritage. If we did it, we would go a long way to making us proud citizens again. Lets all march together for all Native Americans in Vermont. The "Clan of the Hawk" in Evansville, Vermont is a very stable and growing Clan. It has worked hard to accomplish the goals that they have set for themselves. We have tried to stay out of the controversy and tribal politics that seem to go on. It is hard with such a large variety of people to always do so. We believe in going forward each year to help our members to help themselves and with the knowledge to help others. as well as themselves. In the last ten years we think some of our goals have been met, but we do have a long way to go. Our track record is open to all who want to see it. We invite anyone who therefore wants to come see us. Check Us Out! There is no secret in what we are striving for: It is to make a better life for all Native Americans in Vermont and by doing so give us all courage to stand up and say: "We are proud to be of Native American Abenaki descent." We are going to keep on working. Hopefully closer together in the future to achieve our goals of being good citizens of Vermont and to of our Native Heritage, that we are so proud of. "I, Chief Spirit Water; welcome all Native Americans to come and discuss the issues and your cares. It seems that we should and could be, working together for a common goal, to help our fellow Brothers and Sisters in the Native Community. This is what we all are working for. Let the Great Spirit enter your heart, open up your arms to your Brothers and Sisters." Tahoe

ALL WELCOME FAMILY DAY
JUNE 21, 2001

From Noon to completion of Sunset Ceremony

Celebrate the Arrival of Summer with Us at The Labyrinth, Clan of the Hawk Pow Wow Grounds

We'll have drumming around sunset. Bring your own blessing, meditation, thoughts, Stone People, songs and dance for sharing at the labyrinth for integration of Mother Earth, Spirit and Self, and awaken the spirits of the Ancient Native awareness.

Individual Ceremonies welcomed and encouraged throughout thr day.. A formal ceremony will be held at sunset.

Bring your own food and be prepared to enjoy a day on Indian Time without any scheduled programs-- a time to share, gather, give thanks and socialize. Feel free to lead or create a song, dance or group gathering without any preconceived schedule. Enjoy the atmosphere, friends and fellow community members.

The labyrinth has been a strong unifying force at the Clan of the Hawk. If you have not had the opportunity to experience the energy and sacredness of the Labyrinth, it would be a great opportunity for you to do it. Of course, you are welcome to walk the labyrinth at any time.

Suggestions welcomed and participation is encouraged. Feel free to, print, copy and post this notice and spread the word. Thank You.

Tentative Schedule

The schedule for events of 2001 will be posted soon.

 

Totem Pole

Our grateful thanks go out to Steve Stacey and family for the great gift that was bestowed on the Clan of the Hawk. Steve offered to carve out two Totem Poles for us free, if we furnished the logs. So last spring we cut two pine longs 28 ft. long and hauled them over to Island Pond. Steve finished one in time fir the POW-WOW, and it was set up in a permanent site overlooking the circle, the week of the POW-WOW. The dedication was performed during the POW-WOW. This Totem Pole gives us all inspiration as it stands magnificently overlooking the grounds.Many thanks go out to Steve Stacey, your dedicated work will always be appreciated and never forgotten.

 

The Sacred Circle

The Medicine Wheel is the most Sacred Circle ever devised. The Circle is the basis of our beliefs. Everything, all of life, is connected, all people, Nature and the Creator. All of life is an expression of our Creator, and therefore, is Sacred. The Medicine Wheel is a mirror in which all things are reflected and perceived. Each perception may be different, but, they are all valid. Always walk in balance. The Medicine Wheel is the true Way of Life of our People. It is an understanding of the Universe and all it contains. It speaks to us of the World around us and of our relationship to every living thing. This is one reason that we must always be conscious of how we deal with those around us. All things, all of the four (4) kingdoms (mineral, plant, animal, and human) are contained within this Sacred Circle called the Medicine Wheel. All things are equal within it. Each of us is born at a particular point on the Medicine Wheel and is connected to a particular animal reflection or totem animal. From this beginning, and with the help of our totem animal, we move forward. We must seek wisdom, for as we learn, we grow. The Medicine Wheel teaches us the Laws of the Universe. They include Respect, Beauty, Compassion, Truth and Unconditional Love. We gain true Freedom and Peace as we see the results of our caring and perseverance. When we place nothing but the Truth at the base of any relationship, there will always follow love and respect. To turn and follow the Medicine Wheel is never easy. There will always be a circumstance that arises to test your dedication. It is how you handle the circumstance that is Creator's true test of your being.

Wopila! Aquene!

Mitakuye Oyasin!

Cricket New Moon Ceremony

I start my New Moon Ceremony by creating a clockwise circle. Starting at the East, walk or dance in a circle four (4) times. While doing this, you can drum, chant, or sing to the Grandmother Moon. This builds positive energy for your ceremony. When your fourth circle is complete, enter the circle from the East. Stand in the center and face the East. Raise your arms to the sky, with an offering if tobacco, sage, cedar, or sweetgrass in your hands, call to the Guardian of the East by saying "Guardian of the East, keeper of Spiritual enlightenment, come join my circle". Drop a little of your offering on the ground. Turn to your right and face the South. Raise your arms to the sky (with your offering) and say "Guardian of the South, keeper of childlike innocence, come join my circle". Drop a little offering to the ground. Turn to the West raise your arms to the sky, with your offering and say: "Guardian of the West, keeper of the past, join my circle". Drop a little offering to the ground. Turn to the North arms raised offering in hand and say "Guardian of the North, keeper of wisdom and knowledge, come join my circle". Drop part of your offering on the ground. Thank the Guardians for joining you. Turn to the East again, raise your arms and say Father Sky and Grandmother Moon, please accept my offering and send me your energies. Thank-You. Drop a little of your offering on the ground. Still facing the East, drop to the ground, with offering in hand and say "Mother Earth, you whom nurtures and cares for all life that lives upon you, send me your energies". Place your offering on the ground and say "Thank You". Stand with your arms raised to the sky, state your wishes out loud, Keep in mind that this is a time of renewal, creativity, hope, new projects, and new relationships. This is when you plant a seed in your subconscious. You may choose to close by saying some thing like "I plant the seeds of love tonight and water them with faith and hope. Grandmother Moon, send me your energies to help them grow. Thank you Grandmother Moon. To close your circle, exit at the East. Walk four (4) times counter-clockwise. Each time you walk the circle dismiss one of the four Directions Guardians and thank them for joining and watching over your ceremony. Remember, creating your own ceremony adds your energy to the power of the ceremony. Don’t be afraid to be creative. Thank-You

Moon Shadow

A Discovery & Learning Experience This is my first full year with the "Clan of the Hawk" group. It has also been a discovery and learning experience for myself and mily unit’, even though I am still an outsider and loner. This feeling is deep down within me and very hard to explain. The family life within our group should be experienced in the ‘real world’, but isn’t. Each person truly caring and respecting the other, children included, isn’t felt in the real world. Outside the grounds, our actions, reactions, caring and helping would be termed as interference into one’s private life. There is such a difference in attitude and relationship with others within the Clan compared to outside the Clan. I have always been aware of life and its surroundings. While having joined your group, I have a deeper sense of meaning if life and ecology of life. I wish the outside could experience this. "Stop and smell the flowers and the air". I will teach whomever will listen and is receptive to learning as I have in the past. My mother, one of the smartest people I know once said to me, I have gained a lot of knowledge throughout the years, but there is no one out there who wanted to listen. Those words alone have taught me a bit of wisdom. The method and ways which it dispenses gained knowledge should be given as a tool to be used, or not, by the receiver, a possible alternative road in life to be traveled upon to meet ones need. When I came to the grounds July 31st, the night before the day of our POW-WOW, I entered a "twi-light zone" feeling. My eyes and senses were greeted with the transformation our empty grounds had taken on! I walked into the past. My whole spirit is a major shift which is very hard to describe. I felt, I had actually walked back in time, a time more relaxed with life and different than my own simple life style. I had a lot of fun, yet the work was hard, but enjoyable. I was finally a part in a Native American activity, a POW-WOW with all its custom, a way of living with a tradition which shows thanks for a way of life and life itself, the circle of life. I realize that what I’ve learned so far isn’t even on the tip of the knowledge of life. For years my life has been touched off and on with Native Americans. With each encounter I had always learned something. Even as a youngster I had a quest for knowledge concerning the Native American Culture. I am now learning about myself and life. I have always known that each of our lives impacts others one way or another whether one knows it or not! Now I am honored to be among you. My sincere hope is to honor you, the Clan of life and myself. To be apart if one and all within the Clan and to do the best I can and to be of help however I can, and constantly learn. My grandchildren LOVE coming to the grounds also!! They enjoy all the activities around them. They feel free. My younger grandson feels special with his position as second waterboy. They all love the songs and enjoy singing with the group. They have been hounding me as to "when will the grounds be opened again ?" They too are learning. It shows in their school work. They also enjoy the books and like the different foods at times.

Two-Feathers

Dignity

Before I started going to the Pow-Wows and leaning about the beliefs and traditions of the Native American ways, I felt lost and confused. My life before didn’t have a meaning and I wondered where I was headed and why I was given the path I had. Personally, I do not believe in the white man’s god for all he had me go through growing up. Now my heart is beginning to open as I become familiar with the native way. The feeling of elation is bestowing my inner being in such a positive spiritual flow that the dignity I am experiencing is so grand. My walk now in life, is to help others find their way and hopefully bring them spiritually on their path to recovery.

Two-Feathers

Memorial Day Week-End We will be open all three (3) days to clean up and get ready for the year. If you have free time, come on down to the Pow-Wow site and pitch in. Clan of the Hawk, Northeastwind Council/ Sovereign Abenaki Nation 645 Evansville Road, Brownington, VT. 05860 (802) 754-6305 or fax (802) 754-2954 1999

 

THANK-YOU ALL. TAHOE Chief Spirit Water