Intertribal Life Newspaper -

TURNER, OR-Aldersgate Conference Center and Campground was once again the beautiful setting for 2014's "Wiconi Living Waters Family Camp" and "The Richard Twiss Memorial and 10th Annual Living Waters Powwow." A special time and place where people from all across Turtle Island of varied heritages, ages, and experiences come together for four days of teachings, testimony, storytelling, food, music, powwow and FUN.

What makes this family camp and powwow unique? Jonathon Maracle (Broken Walls) says "What's been really exciting for me is that the people here have discovered themselves" in a true way. They don't feel ashamed, they aren't nervous about who they are. They've discovered who they are in Christ, whether they are Native, Ukranian, Italian or whatever they are."

Tiyanna, a mother of two young children says "This is a place where I have opportunity to experience life and God through other perspectives. He's actually bigger than He's presented in the typical church."

Both of these responses are after experiencing one's faith, one's relationship with Creator God, worshiping Christ out of one's cultural identity in music, dance, prayer and community.

Casey Church was 2014 Family Camp Director. His task was huge but did it with class, style and success, along with the help of Wiconi staff and many volunteers.

After registration of 200 and greetings of old and new friends, everyone met for their first meal. Introductions and instructions were given and the kick-off of camp began. The meals provided were of phenomenal flavor and variety, thanks to Aldersgate's kitchen staff. Much laughter and chatter were part of every meal.

Many youth attend Family Camp. For the first time all youth participated in all the adult sessions rather than going to their separate activities, giving opportunity for more connections to be made between elders, other adults and the youth.

Teaching, storytelling and worship were given by Jonathon Maracle (Broken Walls) Mohawk from Tyendinaga Territory, Ontario Canada, Cheryl Bear, Nadleh Whut'en First Nation (Bear Clan) in Carrier Nation, Northern BC, Canada, Bill Pagaran (Broken Walls) Tlingit, Palmer Alaska, Jan Michael Looking Wolf and Jerry Chapman (Sto:lo). Each shared their personal story and their journey of ministry.

An afternoon of free time to do varied activities or just rest is a welcomed time. New ideas are always just around the corner. Some chose to rest and socialize, to renew friendships and build new ones.

Friday Night was our regular "Native America's Got Talent" with Young Woodley as MC. The evening was filled with poetry, dance, songs, and an explosion of drumming by Bill Pagaran of Broken Walls. To end the evening a friendship dance was led by Bryan Brightcloud.

The 2014 Powwow was an endearing and sacred time. Ian Twiss (Traditional Dancer) son of Richard and Katharine Twiss carried the Wiconi Eagle Staff in leading the Grand Entry of the newly renamed "Richard Twiss Memorial & Living Waters Powwow".

Ezra Twiss, son of Ian and Toni Twiss, grandson of Richard and Katharine came into the powwow circle this year. He entered as a Traditional Dancer following the steps of his father and grandfather. A give away was held, along with a Men's Traditional Special by the Twiss family.

Many jokes and laughter were shared as our powwow MCs, Bryan Brightcloud and Carlos Carico poked fun at each other and shared many good tales throughout the day.

Once again a traditional feast prepared by our Micronesian friends was free for all. As usual,the food was tasty and more than enough was prepared. No one went hungry.

Sunday, being the last day of 2014 Family Camp arrived way too fast, but never is a gathering of Native people complete without a sharing circle. Corey Greaves of Mending Wings Ministry from the Yakima Reservation, along with three of his youth helpers lead the Sharing circle. People shared words of thankfulness, moments of hearing God in a deeper new way. Stories of inner healing and excitement for who they are as Native followers of Jesus were told. David who came for the first time said "Personally now I feel like it's a good time to be a Native Christian. I feel more at home worshiping-this has been awesome."

Leslie Chapman who has been coming from the beginning of Wiconi Family camp says "we come back every year; this is our Native family. We are all really connected."

Micronesian friends sharing a beautiful worship performance during one of the sessions.

Bryan Brightcloud shared about how "important" events are to be witnessed. Long ago there was no written word. And since we are his family he asked us all to share in this. He asked his son and grandson and his girlfriend Charlotte up to the stage and he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. And yes, she said YES! That was and always will be a memorable moment.

Jonathon Maracle ends by saying "It's wonderful to see the potential of what God is going to do. I feel like we are just on the edge of breakthrough. I feel like we are in a place right now where we can see something really awesome happen. I am so thankful to be a part of it."

Shania from the Yakima Reservation said after her first experience with us at Wiconi Family Camp, "I kept hearing how God is patient. That spoke to me...and yes, I am definitely coming back!"