Natural Way: Indigenous Voices is Honored to Present
Speaker Event with Fred Wahpepah
Breath of Spirit and Sweet Grass of Humor
Friday, October 9, 2009 , 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Fred Wahpepah, a Kickapoo and Sac-and-Fox elder, will speak about preservation of the Earth centered spirituality of his forebears. His son, Dan Wahpepah, will join with his father this evening to share stories and songs. Fred has a special interest in sharing Native wisdom with people from all nations, and provides an opportunity for a growing community of people to participate in traditional Native American ceremonies. Dan is a drumkeeper and lead singer for a pow wow drum called Whistling Elk.
Fred Wahpepah was born in rural Oklahoma in 1930. In 1975, he attended his first Native American spiritual gathering since his childhood, inspiring him to spend the next sixteen years on the road studying with various tribal elders. He has since become a pipe carrier and participated in the Sundance ceremony. Dan Wahpepah grew up on the red road traveling with his father, always going to a ceremony, a spiritual gathering, a Sundance, or to visit at someone’s home. He is the founder of the Red Earth Descendants, a community group in Southern Oregon.
Fred is now dedicated to the Indian ways and is galvanizing a community of people interested in nurturing and supporting each other on their spiritual paths. Through classroom presentations, lectures and workshops, this respected elder educates and inspires children and adults to the present day importance of traditional spirituality and reverence for our earth.
In his years of seeking and studying he has forged personal relationships with spiritual leaders around the world. Ram Das is quoted as saying, "I highly respect the work of Fred Wahpepah. Personally I have participated in a Sweat Lodge and a Pipe Ceremony under his guidance. I found the experience purifying and I felt deeply appreciative of being allowed to participate in such a sacred ceremony." Mythologist and author, Michael Meade, says of Fred Wahpepah, “ He uses the breath of spirit and the sweet grass of humor to warm anyone who comes near the fire."
New Location: Fuller Hall, First Unitarian Church, 1211 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon Donation: $10-$20 requested.
Sponsored by: Earth & Spirit Council