Event to share messages through word and song

Scott Csernyik

2/13/2002 12:00:00 AM

Participants in an upcoming three-day cultural event will share in traditional teachings communicated through word and song.

"The Gathering of Cultural Sharing" will take place March 7 to 9 at the Elijah Elk Cultural Center. The event, which is open to the Tribal community, is being sponsored by the Seventh Generation and Behavioral Health programs.

"In old teachings, stories and legends were told in the winter months," explained Seventh Generation Program Director Beaver Pelcher. "This event is another step with us doing our best in unifying our community, families and extended families through culture, tradition and spirituality."

Traditional Native American stories and songs will be presented by guest speakers during the afternoon of the first two days with storytelling in the evenings. Speakers include Kathy and Andrew LeBlanc, Bucko Teeple, Michelle Wellman, as well as Ron and Don Kingbird.

The third day of the annual activity is slated for Anishinabe drummers, musicians and entertainers including the High Spirit; blues artist Joe Reilly; traditional flutist Lee Blackbear, Kim Wenesaut and Kelly Kyoshik who comprise Makpiya; and singer-songwriter Annie Humphrey.

"These traditional practitioners provide their messages and share personal experiences through music," added Pelcher.

Although the gathering is a free event, Pelcher said donations would be accepted to benefit the Women's Circle and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program coordinated through the Seventh Generation Program.

All of the guest speakers frequently visit the Isabella Reservation for cultural activities, while Humphrey performed at last year's Gathering of Cultural Sharing. Humphrey, who is from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, also performed a free concert in the late summer while appearing for another event coordinated by the Seventh Generation Program.

A home-taught musician, Humphrey lives in Cass Lake, Minn. with her two children, Justice and Geezis. Her mother, Ann Dunn, will be a guest speaker on March 8. Humphrey's latest compact disc, "The Heron Smiled," is available on Makoche.

"I write about things I see," she stated during her March 24 performance at the Soaring Eagle Entertainment Hall. During her Aug. 6 concert, Humphrey's music addressed issues concerning motherhood.

"I think about the women I know, not with negativity toward men, but with strength toward women."

Reilly, whose parents are also musicians, relies on various environmental elements for his inspiration.

"I believe that the Creator blesses us all with unique and special gifts and that an important part of our journey on this earth is sharing of these gifts with others," stated Reilly on his Web site. "I have learned that music and song-writing are some of my gifts and that when I share them openly I inspire happiness in myself and in listeners. This is why I have chosen music as a calling. I want to articulate the vision of beauty and peace that has been shown to me."