Condor & Eagle Unite

- at Protecting Mother Earth Conference in Penticton in August 2001

The First Nations Environmental Network helped bring Elders to the Indigenous Environmental Network's 12th Annual Protecting Mother Earth Gathering on Aug. 2nd to 5th, 2001. There were over a thousand people from all parts of North America and South America attending....Aztec Sun Dancers, Mayans who brought their own organic coffee for the gathering, Alaskans and chiefs from the Yukon, B.C., Manitoba, Alberta and more, First Nations from the Columbia River who brought salmon (across the border) for a traditional feast, Native Youth who bicycled from Mexico and Southern U.S., the list is endless and filled with amazing adventures, stories and cultures.. (see www.ienearth.org). Workshops on forestry, youth, land and water issues, pollution and other issues brought people together to find solutions and build support. Speakers from the four directions brought stories and shared concerns, pain, losses and hopes.

There were three 30ft. diameter teepees set up to house Elders and others and an Elder's camp. Four large sweatlodges, two for women, two for men, were led by medicine people for enriching spiritual connections, cleansing and healing. The gathering was held in a beautiful valley full of large white pines, in the hills tucked away from the lights of the Okanogan Valley. Coyotes called at night, deer, grizzlies, cougar, rattlesnakes, mountain goat and more were nearby in the surrounding hills and respectfully guarded by the Penticton Indian Bands Security patrols.

The gathering was environmentally friendly in every way...a large solar system brought in on a truck powered everything from lights, speakers systems, computers and a radio station set up by antenna in a tall tree to broadcast the entire proceedings and music to the Okanogan region...KIEN..FM to a range of about 10 miles. It was then sent out via internet around the world...all off the grid from the Penticton Indian Band's territory.

Hot Showers used biodegradable soaps and solar lights, everything was recycled, everyone brought their own dishes and utensils and when everyone had left, not even a cigarette butt was remaining on the ground.

People from all over Turtle Island brought water from their regions for a Sacred Water Ceremony where it was all blended and honored and poured into the land and waters of the region. There were so many people who made this event so sacred and so special that they are too many to name. It was an event to remember and a positive force for good in these very challenging times. For More Info, contact us or the Indigenous Environmental Network in Bemidji, Minn. (see web site above).

"WHAT WE DO NOW TOUCHES THE NEXT SEVEN GENERATIONS"

within the cycle:

"Preserving forest health"
"Ensuring water quality"
"Restoring and Respecting Natural Systems"
"Caretakers of Sacred Sites, Medicines and Traditional Foods"
"Guarding Endangered Species"

embracing the cycle:

FINDING PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS ~ The Web of Life
RECLAIMING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
EMPOWERING OUR COMMUNITIES ~ Balancing the Colours

FOCUS:
Sustainable Agriculture, Traditional Food Systems and the Right to Food

FOCUS:
Energy Policies and Indigenous Peoples (oil, hydro, nuclear, gas-methane, coal, renewable)

Other topics:
Climate change, persistent organic pollutants, (POPs), pesticides, mining, traditional ecological knowledge, treaty rights - land and water, sustainable forests, organizing skills and more!
This is a traditional gathering with workshops and teachings. No drugs or alcohol allowed. Daycare
provided. Bring your own dishes and utensils. No dogs or pets allowed.
Limited travel (subsidy) scholarships available to Native grassroots community representatives.
A registration donation of $5 will be requested at the gate for adults (children & youth - free)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

EN'OWKIN CENTRE
RR#2 site 50, comp 8
Penticton, British Columbia, CANADA
V2A 6J7
Tel (250) 493-7181
Fax (250) 493-5302
email: enowkin@vip.net
website: http://ENOWKIN.homestead.com/1.html

NATIVE YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE MOVEMENT BUILDING
Native youth from the 4 Directions - Youth event and workshops

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUTH ACTIVITIES:

Heather MIlton, Youth Coordinator
Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN)
P.O. Box 485, Bemidji, MN 56619
Tel. (218) 751 - 4961
Fax. (218) 751 - 0561
email: ienyouth@hotmail.com
website (IEN): www.ienearth.org
~ Indigenous Environmental Network is affiliated with the Seventh Generation Fund