NAC Serves as Fiscal Agent for 2010 Encampment
This year Native American Connections is the fiscal agent for the Monache Meadows Encampment, an annual gathering in the California Sierra Nevada that memorializes and celebrates the many tribes that used Monache Meadows as a summer encampment. The tribes would meet there peacefully to trade and interact.
Those participating in the Encampment participate in ceremony and prayer to address the hurts of the past, discuss forgiveness and healing, and to help each person move into the future strengthened and replenished. As part of the process, the families and young people learn about the history of the Indian people of the area and have the opportunity to experience life as it might have been for their ancestors, whether it is talking around a campfire; listening to elders speak about their history and culture; learning songs, games, and crafts; and meeting other families in a healthy and positive manner. Elders have the opportunity to teach and share their knowledge and experiences with the younger generations. In order to further support the notion of a traditional Encampment and foster interdependence and community, each and every participant contributes, whether by teaching a craft, sharing a story, or by splitting wood. Youth will gain leadership experience by being placed in the role of Security, tasked with resolving conflicts, organizing camp chores, and watching the sacred fire. The hands-on learning approach often allows youth to experience success in terms of skills and teamwork where they may not have experienced it in school or at home. This adds to their resilience and ability to overcome the many challenges they face as young Native people in today's world.
For the local Tribes the high Sierra are seen as a source of food and cultural materials that in the past provided abundance that sustained their way of life throughout the year. Maintaining and strengthening the connection to the land for people who have lived and managed these lands for millennia has a meaning and impact for many that can be life-changing. Through participating in the encampment, Native Americans have the opportunity to strengthen their connection with their traditional lands, which not only will allow them to disseminate their knowledge directly to their communities, but also to future generations.
Native American Connections is proud to help provide cultural experiences for the Native community by serving as the fiscal agent for the Monache Meadow Tribal Encampment. This project provides a healing experience that will promote future growth which is in line with the mission of Native American Connections.
The Encampment is open to all who are culturally affiliated with the area, with no age limits. This years' Encampment will be held from July 7 to 11. Funding permitting, participants ride horses into the mountains and can use the horses to explore the area each day.
Registration deadline is June 15. For more information or a regsitration packet contact Jessica Roberts at 602-999-0034.