Arctic Native people of the  Gwich’in Nation to send aerial message

July 21, 2010 BP’s Gulf oil spill devastation prompts Arctic Native people of the Gwich’in Nation to send aerial message with their bodies to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil development. The ‘Protect’ image, that includes a Porcupine Caribou Herd antler and threatened Yukon River Salmon, was captured at the Gwich’in Gathering at the confluence of the Yukon and Porcupine Rivers, Fort Yukon, Alaska. The message was dedicated to the memory of the late Jonathon Solomon Sr.

Chitactac Adams Park (Mutson Ohlone Indian Site)

This is the creek that runs through the site.  It was a Mutsun Ohlones village inhabited for over 3000 years.

There were vendors, and different learning stations set up all over the park.  The public was invited to attend and learn a little bit about the Ohlone people and their ways of life.  I met the tribal chairman and we had a long discussion about their trying to get federal recognition for the tribe.  I presented him with the letter of introduction from the Gwichin and a bag of tobacco from Larry Running Turtle.  I enjoyed the day in discussion with many there that afternoon.

The last picture was of stone mortars that were used to grind acorns, corn and other grains.

Drumming on Morro Rock

Yours truly was given the honor of sitting at the Drum and playing for the solstice ceremony on Morro Rock in Morro Bay California.

This Drum has a voice, loud deep and clear, thanks to the Soldier Creek Drummers for allowing me to sit with them and drum.