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To unify and introduce each other, a Big Elk Spiritual Gathering is being held, August 14-17, 2003, on the Omaha Reservation (45 minutes north of Omaha), Nebraska. All Red Nations friends and friends of the Red Nations of are being invited to come and share their foods, music, stories and friendship. Because of the nature of this gathering, indigenous nations from all over the world, we are notifying all early enough to make long range plans.

We will use the facilities at the Big Elk Campgrounds for the visitors from out of town. Plans are in motion to have many sweat lodges available, along with special educational sweats for beginners, available for the first to make appointments. Our plans will involve serving free food for all that attend and facilities for the Elders. We are holding it on the same week-end of the Omaha Nation's Pow Wow so anyone who has never witnessed a pow wow, can attend. With a variety of visitors, Australian aborigines, New Zealand Mauri, Papa New Guinea, to name a few along with friends from Central America and Canada attending, we ask that respect for all traditions be shown.

This Gathering will be peaceful in nature, founded upon the very principles which are imparted to all who get together. While the Gathering will not presume to be an answer in and of it itself, it is a hope for the future, creating a loving and unifying atmosphere as a standard. The spiritual compassion and equality that has been understood by Native peoples for generations is the foundation for this Gathering. This Gathering will encourage sharing from all who attend, through a prayer, story, song, teaching, etc. Each person is important to the whole.

Many years ago, Black Elk had a vision, a vision of peace and unity among all peoples. Though years have passed, Black Elk's vision has been pondered and cherished by many, knowing that at some time, the vision would be fulfilled. Sitting Bull also spoke of the time when there would be a gathering of the tribes. People continue to ponder these prophecies of the great leaders and to consult with the Elders regarding when these prophecies would be fulfilled. We believe that time is now. For thousands of years Elders, Grandmothers, Medicine men and women on many islands of our planet have known that someday all races would be reunited and would bring healing to our Mother Earth. Indigenous peoples who have retained a spiritual way of life would teach their brothers and sisters all over the planet renew these ways and live in humility, having respect for all and a sense of oneness with each other and Creator.

The People know as the Omaha - Umo'Ho' or "those going against the current" refers to the westward trek in which the first split of the Dhegiha - "people of this side" occurred, the Quapaw or "those going downstream" settled in Arkansas. The Omahas have a 261 sq mile homeland and current population of 6,000 plus. The town of Macy is the governmental/administrative center for the tribe. The Big Elk tribal park will be the gathering area.

The He'dewachi celebration or Annual Harvest Pow-wow is held for 4 days after the full moon in August. Oldest celebration in North America, the Harvest Pow-wow began the Pan-Tribal dances called the Grass Dance and He'thushka War Dance. Originally a ceremonial corn harvest held each summer the He'dewachi was related to the cosmic forces, as revealed in the succession of night and day, the life and growth of living things and the appreciation of peace and unity. A honorable man asked the keepers of the rite of the Inke'cabe clan to "let the people waken themselves by dancing". This man is referred in modern times as the Whipman or Head Dancer. The keepers returned their thanks with a gift to the Head Dancer. The Give-away or Gift giving continues today to honor a person, family or event.

Some well known Omahas include Susan LaFlesche Picotte the first Indian lady doctor, Rodney Grant-actor who starred in "Dances with Wolves", Robert Penn and Wade Miller international artists, Robert Stabler Big Elk a Sun Dancer and International Potter.

Among the last Omaha Chiefs, Big Elk-Om-pah-ton-ga historically known "was an able and highly respected man exercising vast influence over his tribe". White men who visited bore witness to his uniform fair dealing, hospitality, and friendship. He was known for his oratorical ability using diplomacy rather than coercion. In a speech given to his people after a trip to Washington D.C. in 1853 he counseled:

"My Chiefs, braves, and young men, I have just returned from a visit to a far-off country toward the rising sun, and have seen many strange things. I bring to you news which saddens my heart to think of. There is a flood which will soon reach us, and I advise you to prepare for it. Soon the animals which Wakonda has given us for sustenance will disappear beneath this flood to return no more, and it will be very hard for you. Look at me; you see I am advanced in age; I am near the grave. I can no longer think for you and lead you as in my younger days. You must think for yourselves what will be best for your welfare. I tell you this that you may be prepared for the coming change. You may not know my meaning. Many of you are old, as I am, and by the time the change comes we maybe lying peacefully in our graves; but these young men will remain to suffer. Speak kindly to one another; do what you can to help each other, even in the troubles with the coming tide. Now, my people, this is all I have to say. Bear these words in mind, and when the time comes think of what I have said."

Mark your calendar for the 14-17th of August 2003 to attend this special gathering on the Omaha Reservation (45 minutes north of Omaha). For more information email: chi_ex@hotmail.com