September 17, 2010
The Gathering brings together those living in and around military and nuclear weapons sites throughout the world. It raises environmental awareness about radiation, transportation, and health risks, while nurturing and encouraging the healing of the mind, heart, and spirit.
Tewa Women United is a non-governmental organization that started in 1989 as a support group for women concerned with various issues, including alcoholism, suicide, and domestic and sexual violence. In the safe space the women created, they transformed and empowered one another through critical analysis and the embracing and re-affirming of their cultural identity.
Each year, a color theme is chosen in order to stimulate discussion and aid in healing. Color has long been used by cultures around the world for healing. This year's colors are the triad of yellow, orange and turquoise.
Activities will include memorial ceremonies, healing arts, ecological safety information, drumming circles, health related information sharing, raffle drawings every hour, arts and crafts booths, alternative energy and activities for youth.
On Saturday morning, the 14th annual Healing the Earth Relay Run from Tsankawi, the Sacred Homeland of Tewa People, to the Gathering site will be held. Kathy Sanchez, Co-Director of Tewa Women United, said, "The healing run honors and reaffirms the endurance of our cultural integrity of Indigenous Peoples. The Healing the Earth Relay Run carries all our prayers for the recovery and sustenance of our Mother Earth. May the blessings from the relay run bring wellness and hope for all children throughout the world. Let us honor our spiritual connectiveness as the breath of our ancestors joins our circle for healing and peace."
A series of mini-conferences on a variety of issues will take place on Saturday afternoon. Prominent national leaders will lead these discussion groups, including generational midwifes, grandmothers and environmental activists.
The Saturday evening communal meal entrees will include traditional foods, such as the three sisters, which consist of beans, corn and squash.
Tewa Women United describes this year's Gathering as a celebration of Mother Earth to honor her lifegivingness. By means of what is billed as "A Gathering for All Cultures Of All Ages," the forces of female energy and wisdom will unite for eco-systemic sustenance. Sanchez, said, "We encourage all cultures, all ages, schools, communities and families to bring intergenerational thinking to this holistic event."
For more information, please visit www.tewawomenunited.org or call 505-747-3259.
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