11th Annual Men's Wellness Gathering
"Brothers Strengthening Brothers"
June 3-5th, 2011
ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEN’S WELLNESS GATHERING
“Brothers Strengthening Brothers” served as the theme for the Eleventh Annual Men’s Wellness Gathering held on June 3-5, 2011 at Pathfinder’s Ranch in Mountain Center. With over 100 men registered and participating throughout the weekend, this theme played out amongst everyone who chose to accept this opportunity to improve their cultural, traditional and overall state of wellness.
Starting the wellness gathering in proper fashion was Gabriel Ward (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians) with a blessing. His words inspired our hearts and encouraged us to carry the theme in a positive light. With a wide array of topics and wellness sessions throughout the weekend including "Mental Health Issues" by Mark Baez [Mohawk (turtle clan)/ Pawnee (Wolf clan)/ Coahuiltecan (Waterbird clan)]. "Diversity" by Ruben Littlehead (Northern Cheyenne); "Anger Management" by Allen Saul (Fort Yuma Quechan Indians); a Diabetes Overview by Dr. Kendall Shumway (Diabetes Program Director); and a fitness session by Kris Hamlin (Diabetes Program Fitness Assistant), messages and tools of wellness were in ample supply. Roy Matthews (Morongo Band of Mission Indians) and Gabriel Ward hosted a Talking Circle on Friday and Saturday evenings.
With Bird Singing by Kim, Raymond and Mallory Marcus (Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians) and Joe Tortes (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians) on Friday evening and Arts & Crafts by the Men's Wellness Committee as well as a Sweat Lodge, there were plenty of activities for everyone.
Over the years, the Men's Wellness Gathering brought Indian men together all with a common purpose; to strengthen a commitment to a lifelong path of sobriety, tradition, honor, and teachings. The Native American men who gathered during the weekend at Pathfinder's Ranch, have taken many steps on the road to recovery, to regaining their traditions, learning to respect their past, honoring those ancestors that fought many battles of stereotypes, racism, and disrespect. Also, they gathered to share of themselves so everyone in attendance had an opportunity to take one more step forward; a desire to live a drug and alcohol-free life, a desire to live without Domestic Violence, a desire to be a role model for their family and tribe, to respect the differences of each other, and walk together to ensure a future for their people.
A special Thank You and recognition to Harold Matthews, Jr. and Clara Galindo for donating the Saturday dinner meat of Beef and Turkey and the Women of the Wellness Committee (Jackie Wisespirit, Sherri Salgado, Teresa Sanchez, Jonelle John, Veronica Uhrle, Veronica Hicks, and Baseemah Arlene Salgado) who served up the meat, potato salad, tortillas, and pork and beans. It was a nutritional meal but also contained a generous helping of their support toward men's wellness.
As with any conference, it just does not happen. The members of the committee carry the responsibility of making this gathering a success. Often, it is the result of teamwork. Led by Manuel Hamilton, committee members such as Jackie, Sherri, Jonelle, Clara, Veronica Uhrle, Veronica Hicks, Anita Holmes, Isadora Evanston, Teresa Sanchez, Randalyn Vasquez, Desiree Schunke, Becky Salgado Flores, Baseemah, Harold, Robert Ramirez, Gene Begay, Allen Saul, A.J. Cabral, Vernon Motschman, Keith Ford, Roy, Gabriel, Curtis Toledo, Charles Resvaloso, Bill Thomsen, Ray Vega, Josh Hayes, and Kris put together a weekend appreciated by all who attended. In addition, Michelle Dahl, RSBCIHI Administrative Assistant, dedicated many hours of her administrative skills to keep the committee on track!
In addition, without the financial support of some of our consortium tribes: Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Ramona Band of Cahuilla Indians, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Mission Indians, Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, along with contributions from RSBCIHI and the RSBCIHI Diabetes Program this gathering would not be possible. Moreover, several private individuals contributed financial support.
The committee and Wellness Gathering also lost one of its long time speakers in Jack Laird. Jack passed away on Friday, May 28th, 2010. His presence and message will be missed. In recognition and remembrance of Jack, the Bear Springs Drum Group sang in his honor. It was an emotional and heartfelt moment for all of Jack's friends to embrace.
After a short break, the committee will begin planning next year's gathering. We look forward to seeing a lot more men there next year.
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The committee and Wellness Gathering lost one of its long time speakers in Jack Laird. Jack passed away on Friday, May 28th, 2010. His presence and message will be missed.
In recognition and rememberance of Jack:
TEN YEARS OF WELLNESS, SPIRIT, AND HEALING
JACK LAIRD
A WARRIOR, A LEADER, A BELIEVER
IN APPRECIATION AND RECOGNITION OF YOUR MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED PASSION TO SHARE A MESSAGE TO THE MEN OF THESE GATHERINGS. YOU BROUGHT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO INFLUENCE WELLNESS TO THOSE IN NEED AND THOSE WHO KNOW YOU.
YOUR COMMITMENT TO THE INDIAN PEOPLE WILL REMAIN FOREVER
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