WHO WE ARE
We are a group of local indigenous people and allies who have come together for one simple reason - to pray together. Many of us have been activists dating back to the original American Indian Movement in 1960s. We have fought for causes that are dear to our hearts ranging from the freedom of Leonard Peltier, advocating for equal religious rights, supporting our incarcerated sisters and brothers, protecting our natural resources and water, and most importantly educating our people who have lost touch with their history about our beautiful and rich traditions, history, and ceremonies. Today we are joined by the younger generations who have seen our work and have joined in our cause and purpose. Together we will see these traditions pass on to the next seven generations.
History of the Dance
From our Ancestors
Until Today...
For generations our people have had ceremonies that reflect our interconnected relationship with the world around us. We are not more or less than, but rather part of this amazing world. Unfortunately in the modern world too many of the people have forgotten how to give thanks, how to the see the world around us, and to see our place in it. The Animal Spirit Dance is an old ceremony that was almost wiped out and has now returned to help our people today.
The Animal Spirit Healing Dance in it’s current form comes directly from the vision of Gary Adler FourStar who received his vision over twenty years ago. He saw that this ceremony would bring the people back to themselves and to right relationships. The ceremony is open to all people regardless of race, creed, religion, color or sexual orientation. All people are welcome but are asked to follow the guidelines of the ceremonial leaders. The dancers, drummers, singers and wing people are from all nations, mixed nations and some lost nations. They offer themselves for the people and give of themselves selflessly so that other may gain and heal.
No monies or fees are asked for, though travel expense donations are welcome for the dancers and drummers.
This dance is not any one Nations, or a copy of any other nations but a direct result of Gary’s Vision. No disrespect or offense is meant to any person, people or nation.