NEWS SOURCE: Native Voices Foundation

LAYTONVILLE, Calif. – September 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Earth honoring citizens of 180 cities in 50 countries danced in a synchronized prayer for world peace at this years Earthdance Celebrations, from the Rain Forests of Brazil to Mongolia and London. At 4:00PM PST on Saturday, September 17, 8,000 mainly young multicultural Americans gathered in Northern California’s Laytonville, the largest event in the U.S., to join the Earth Family in making a difference, and being included in the world’s largest simultaneous music and dance event, according to a spokesman for the Native Voices Foundation (NVF). Earthdance also interfaced with the UN’s International Day of Peace on September 21st.

The highlight of the California’s Earthdance 2005, at the Black Oak Ranch near the Grateful Dead Hog Farm, was Saturday’s Spiral Peace Dance. The ceremony was befittingly opened by Oren Lyons, Faithkeeper of the Iroquois Confederacy, who declared, “I’m heartened to see so many joyful people participating in these ceremonies and prayers around the world. Prayers are so powerful.”

Then Festivals around the world synchronistically echoed: “We are one global family – all colors, all races – one world united. We dance for peace and the healing of our planet Earth: peace for all nations, peace for our communities, peace within ourselves. As we join all dance floors across the world, let us connect heart-to-heart. Though our diversity, we recognize unity. Through our compassion, we recognize peace. Our love is the power to transform our world. Let us send it out now.”

At the prayer’s conclusion, the participants joined hands and danced into a giant spiral formation. NVF’s Suzy Chaffee (World Champ snowdancer) explains that the “American Indians and other cultures, believe that spiraling energy brings prayers to the heavens.”

Chris Dekker, founder of Earthdance International nine years ago, says “the cumulative effect of so many Earthdancers around the world dancing to the same tune at the same time, is what makes it very profound. Some say it is lifting the vibration on the planet.”

California’s attendees spent three days camping in harmony with Nature, eating mainly organic meals served on biodegradable noodle-ware. They were also offered a variety of healing elements for peace: Inspired performances by musicians, eco and humanitarian outreach workshops sponsored by “The Gathering of the Tribes,” as well as healing arts and crafts booths and multicultural storytelling. One of many fun activities for the children was a puppet show advocating veggie fuel.

At the Closing Ceremonies Chief Lyons led a touching “Gratitude Prayer” to all the realms of Nature, and shared instructions given by their Prophet, Handsome Lake: “Water is sacred and affects the body, mind and spirit. Whichever generation fails to protect the water, will create incredible suffering for mankind.” “No one wants to be that generation,” said Lyons. After a meeting with leaders of Earth Festivals from around the world, Lyons said, “I am happy to see this global unity for the sake of all our children. It will take inspired work by each of us, but together we can do it.”

“It will take the balance of our male and female wings to get this bird off the ground. We are the messengers,” added Chokosh, a Hawaiian spiritual leader, who embodies the spirit of Mother Earth.

A friend of the Prime Minister of Sweden, Lyons is credited for helping them with alternative energy. As a Grand Master Lacrosse player, he is Godfather of the renowned Iroquois Nationals, and advisor to NVF. A 501C3 Colorado nonprofit, NVF is a partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders and Olympians whose mission is “to help create joyful unity through sports and tribal dance to heal Mother Earth for all our children.”

More information:
http://www.earthdance.org/
http://www.nativevoices.org/

This release was donated to the Native Voices Foundation by Send2Press Newswire

News issued by: Native Voices Foundation

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Original Story ID: (829) :: 2005-09-0923-003

Original Keywords: Native Voices Foundation, Earthdance 2005, synchronized prayer for world peace, Suzy Chaffee, snowdancer, Chris Dekker, Earthdance International, Chief Lyons, eggie fuel, The Gathering of the Tribes, California, Iroquois Nationals Native Voices Foundation

NEWS SOURCE: Native Voices Foundation | Published: 2005-09-23 11:54:00


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