"Prominent Speakers To Attend Workshops"

OHSWEKEN - It is timely that the Iroquois Women's Circle presents a second annual gathering entitled Healing The Spirit Within.

After a summer of disruption, healing is needed to restore Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) communities to a balance of peace, power and righteousness.

Beginning Saturday morning, two days of workshops will provide opportunities of experiencing, dancing, nurturing, laughing and sharing. A healing ceremony will be offered and elders and speakers will address the many ways of healing participants' holistic self.

Perhaps the foremost spokesman for peace are the Hopi. The word "Hopi" means peace and as People of Peace, the Hopi have been unswerving in carrying out the wishes of their Creator.

Thomas Banyacya, whose native name means Corn Standing in Water, is scheduled to discuss Healing from the Native Prophecies. He is an 83-year-old lifelong resident of Old Oraibi, Hopi Nation, Arizona.

In 1945, Corn Standing in Water was chosen to be one of four interpreters for the men who were given the Gourd Full of Ashes (atom bomb) prophecy. In 1948, this prophecy was brought to the Iroquois Confederacy. Since David Munungay's passing three years ago, Corn Standing in Water is the only original interpreter left.

Other sharers include Grandmother Kitty, of the Nakotah (Yankon Sioux) Tribe, South Dakota, whose topic will be Healing the Self, Through the Connection Within All Things. Ann Jock, Akwesasne Mohawk Nation bear clan person, will discuss Healing From a Woman's Perspective.

Jan Longboat, Six Nations reserve herbalist, will address the topic of Healing the Spirit Within. David Courchane, Saltsoux Nation is leader of a traditional spiritual healing camp in Pine Falls, Man.

Superb speaker Tom Porter, bear clan person from Akwesasne, (where the partridge drums), is scheduled to talk about Holistic Healing through caring. However, due to the circumstances in Quebec, his spiritual leader and adviser duties may deny his participation.

Honored invited elders include Jacob Thomas, Cayuga elder, Longhouse faith keeper and chairman of the board of Iroquoian Institute, and Kevin Deer from Kahnawake.

There will be sunrise ceremony, opening and closing ceremonies, a sacred fire and a feast of traditional food on Saturday evening. On the festive side, the Four Winds Singers and Eagle Heart Singers Drums will provide music for an Iroquois social.

To help with costs, a registration fee of $25 will be accepted. Saturday only registration is $15 and Sunday is $10. A free gift is offered for pre-registration. Enrolment is limited to 300 people.

Healing the Spirit Within will be held at J.C. Hill Elementary School.