From the Heart of the Grandmothers

About the Grandmothers

Grandmother Nana Wilma (top right in photo)

Nana Wilma, Mayan Ajq'ij Principal (Spiritual Guide) has been dedicated to the path of remembering the ancient ways and traditions and will be sharing the Mayan Fire Ceremony with us, a way used by trained Mayan Aj Q’ij, daykeepers and spiritual leaders.  She has been facilitating indigenous ceremonies for over 35 years and offers a tremendous well of experience from assisting others through shamanic healing, divination and spiritual initiations held by her traditional culture. In addition to holding/sharing the ancient ceremonial ways held by her people, she has a special mission to serve women and children.

Grandmother Strong Oak Lefebvre (bottom left in photo)

Grandmother Strong Oak Lefebvre, MSSA: is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition (VBCIC).  Strong Oak is co-author of the “Walking in Balance with All Our Relations” teaching curriculum, a violence prevention approach based on transformative and restorative circle practices and traditional values of indigenous people before colonization. Named to the Massachusetts's Statutory Governor's Restorative Justice Advisory Committee, she works with survivors of homicide victims, domestic and sexual violence and former perpetrators.  She has seved with and has a continuing advisory relationship with NSVRC (Natuional Sexual Violence Resource Center) to prevent violence.   She brings her great strength and wisdom to us to share the Seven Grandfather Teachings.

Grandmother Marsha Forest (bottom right in photo)

Wisdom Keeper Grandmother Marsha Forest is of Mohawk ancestry (Six Nations Reservation, Ontario, Canada), and has worked as a Registered Nurse for forty years. She is recognized as a Wisdom Keeper and Grandmother by Earth Peoples United and Grandmothers Circle the Earth. She now supports people to help them discover their own strengths and responsibility for their well-being and their environment. She has represented the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada; B.C. Nurses Union; Canadian Women’s Health Network; Earth Peoples United; Grandmothers Circle the Earth. She will be sharing the teachings of The Medicine Wheel.

Grandmother Nancy Andry (top left in photo)

Grandmother Nancy Andry is of Algonquin and French heritage and has followed the Red Road since childhood. Of her many teachers, she was taught and mentored by a Lakota medicine man, an Ojibwa medicine woman who adopted her, and a Mi'kmaq grandmother.  A Sundancer and a Sacred Pipe carrier, she is acknowledged as an elder and a grandmother in her communities in Canada, where she was given instruction to bring out and share certain teachings. She served as a ministry facilitator for Native Women's Circle in federal prison for 17 years.  Grandmother is a well-known storyteller, sharing legends from many different Nations in schools, health facilities and the pow wow circuit.  She has been a guest speaker at many events throughout the country.  Grandmother will give teachings on Water and will hold the Water Ceremony.

Also Note the Grandmothers will be sharing songs throughout the day and the day may also include a talking circle

All are welcome to join no matter your cultural background.  We advocate to lift Native voices and encourage cultural inclusion and appreciation.  We invite you to come listen and learn the ways of Native American culture.

Please Note:  During Native American Ceremonies women are asked to wear an ankle-length skirt or dress out of respect for the traditions of Native American culture.  If you do not have a skirt or can not get one before the day of ceremonies and sacred teachings, we can lend one to you to wear over your clothes at registration.

PLEASE NOTE: Bring your own lunch picnic

General Itinerary

(Times of Sessions TBA, Itinerary Subject to Change)

Note:  Events will be held indoors and outdoors

• Registration (begins 8:30am) Drink Refreshments provided
• Opening Circle & Prayers
• The Mayan Fire Ceremony: Grandmother Nana Wilma
• Short Break
• The 7 Grandfather Teachings: Grandmother Strong Oak Lefebvre
• Lunch: Bring your own delightful picnic
• The Medicine Wheel: Grandmother Marsha Forest
• Short Break
• The Water Ceremony:  Grandmother Nancy Andry
• Drum Circle & Songs
• Closing Prayers

Supper:  After the day, all guests are welcome to enjoy the property here at Sticks & Stones Farm at Moss Mountain or if hungry, may gather together to eat and enjoy meals at any of the several excellent restaurants in the area.

What to Bring:

Your beautiful open heart and a joyful spirit

Water/Beverage

Travel Chairs

Blanket

BYO picnic and lunch

Bug Spray

Hat

Comfortable shoes

Sunscreen

Ankle Length Skirts for Women

Fire Ceremonial offering see below

And as always tobacco or gifts for elders from the heart are welcome.

Please note:  For Fire Ceremony: Attendees are are encouraged to bring offerings such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, tobacco, resins, flowers, candles, honey, cornmeal or other natural items you feel called to bring to offer to this special Fire Ceremony. All offerings are an important part of this special Ceremony we will create together.

OF SPECIAL NOTE:

After meeting the base expenses for this event and providing for grandmothers, All proceeds will go to support Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People/Relatives  MMIW-MMIP-MMIR.  Please learn more and support this Indigenous-led, frontline organization called

MEDICINE WHEEL RIDE

Cost $125

Also of Note: Grandmother Nancy will be offering two scholarships to individual members of local indegenous tribes that would like to come.

Finally, anyone that is moved to help monetarily support the base budget for this event day so more can be given to the cause of MMIWthrough MEDICINE WHEEL RIDE, please contact Andrea Allodola directly at 203-600-5423  Thank you for your generosity!

Thank you for joining us for this rare opportunity and momentous day!