In this ancient ceremony we will extend, together, our personal greetings and blessings to all living beings within the Flathead Valley, as our ancestors before us, with songs, chants, and the voices of our drums. So be welcome friends to participate in, or just be witness to, a day of ancient ceremonies which will be led by Chief Dancing Thunder of the Florida Susquehannock and adopted European and local People’s.

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The story of the ancient ceremony goes like this: whenever our ancestors moved into a new place to live, they would pause and introduce themselves to every living being in the area, including the water, mountains, and even things they could not see. They explained that they would take only what they needed and not leave any tracks when they left. They extended their blessings to the Spirit of All Things, expressed their thanks and unending gratitude to the Great Spirit.

After first coming to the Flathead Valley, I realized the importance of the ceremony to all peoples of this valley and invited everyone far and wide to the ancient ceremony on top of Blacktail Mountain. The effect on the earth and this beautiful valley that will receive these blessings, harmony, peace and coexistence created between us all will be nothing short of spectacular.

Depending on participation, the day’s ceremonies will be divided so that each group-tribal peoples, healers, churches, and residents-will have time to perform a ceremony by praying, singing, or drumming together. I would like to extend an invitation to any church choir to come up and sing their favorite hymn to the ceremonial drums. We will then, together, and individually, make our personal introduction ceremony to the Valley, spiritualism and all living things of the Valley and give personal thanks to the Great Spirit and Creator of All Things. At this point we will truly be one people again.