Dear Friend,

The StoryTelling Festival that was happening July 21 – 23, 2023 in New York, has been postponed due to inclement weather. As many of you have heard over the news, New York and the east coast have been inundated with heavy rains & flooding.

We were still committed to come, as some of this weather was not affecting the West Fulton area as strongly. We were just told today that there is a prediction for severe thunderstorms and heavy rain for the days of our event.

We consulted one of our Grandmother Elders who was attending this event, and her advice was “the Water Spirits are angry, we must listen.”  It is for all these reasons that with heavy hearts, we will need to postpone the StoryTelling Festival.  Our team will need to meet and determine when and how to go forward.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We will continue to communicate as all this unfolds.

STFPostponed_edited-1

Storytelling Festival 2023  ~ Storytelling lights the fire of hope!

Stories •  Prophecies • Instructions • Teachings • Music • Waterfalls & River Swimming  • Sacred Fire

Fri, July 21st, 2023, 12:00 PM - Sun, July 23rd, 2023, 2:00 PM + Late Night
1160 Bear Ladder Road • West Fulton, NY • 12194

 

All donations appreciated.

If you can’t attend, your donation of $250 will bring an edited version of the festival to you, which you can share with your family.

Donate
To Register for the Festival, Please Click Here!

Questions? Email at centerforsacredstudies@gmail.com

The Mother Earth gave Her sacred gift of storytelling to the Original Peoples in the beginning days. These creation stories and stories that also prophesize and instruct have been passed down through the generations. These stories provide a tapestry of The Story of our existence.

They share the bigger picture of Mother Earth’s story and how all has evolved. We invite you to enter with us into this very sacred space and ceremonial time where traditional storytellers will share the stories that will help us walk through these challenging times. As Grandmother Luisah Teish says, “We must re-inspirit the art of storytelling. Our children must learn to sit still and listen. The story is important in their instruction.”

In that spirit, she offered this prayer.

 

Grandmother Luisah Teish is a delegate of the Mother Earth Delegation. She is a teacher, dancer, storyteller, and high priestess. She is Iyanifa and Oshun Chief living in the United States. She will be with us in New York!!

As many of you know the Mother Earth Delegation has tirelessly walked out the instructions that the Mother Earth is giving them. These instructions are a response to these times. This gathering will be a moment to bring the support this movement needs to continue strong for us all!!

And you are a part of that!

We are asking for a $250 donation for entry. Each entry a vote for protecting the sacred territories and cultures that are sustaining life for this planet. Truly it is your moment to step into this movement and support our Original Peoples in this work. For those that can’t offer this level of support, we are working to create a way that will allow your participation in other ways.

This is a gathering for all!! A time to unite all nations as we continue to stand up for and with Mother Earth. We are in a time of critical choice. Make your choice be one that is investing in the future of generations to come. This is a time to deeply listen! And the instruction for each of us is held in these traditional stories.

 

To Register for the Festival, Please Click Here!

Questions? Email at centerforsacredstudies@gmail.com

StoryTellers

Anngaangaq, known fondly as Uncle is a shaman, traditional healer, storyteller and carrier of the Qilaut (winddrum), whose family belongs to the traditional healers of the Far North from Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland. His name means ‘The Man Who Looks Like His Uncle’. Since he was a child he was trained by his family- especially by his Grandmother Aanakasaa – for becoming a shaman. The spiritual task given by his mother is: “Melting the Ice in the Heart of Man”. icewisdom.com/
Grandmother Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook, Oglala Sioux Nation (Turtle Island) Loretta is a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. She was born at home on Pine Ridge, South Dakota on November 22, 1947. She is the faith keeper and holder of the Afraid of Bear/American Horse Sundance Pipe. Fluent in the Lakota language and protocols, she serves as a cultural specialist and ceremonial keeper for her People. Loretta has made promoting Indigenous education and defending the political and human rights of Native peoples her life's work. Her activism began in her twenties on the Trail of Broken Treaties as one of 800 Natives who occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters in Washington, D.C. during the federal election week of November 1972. Their 20-point position paper became the basis of Indian thinking across Indian Country since, addressing the restoration of Indian lands and the reconstruction of a future for Indian peoples. Sixteen of the 20 points have been resolved in the 47 years since that time. thefountain.earth
Luisah Teish, Iyanifa and Oshun chief (USA) Yeye Teish is a teacher, dancer, storyteller, and high priestess. She also is an author, most notably of Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, her father was an African Methodist Episcopal and her mother was a Catholic, of Haitian, French, and Choctaw heritage. Yeye Teish is an Iyanifa and Oshun chief in Yoruba tradition. Yeye Teish is one of the most well known Yoruba priestesses worldwide, who is celebrated internationally in Goddess circles as a writer and ritual-maker. She is quite literally a legendary woman of great character and exceeding positive impact for this generation and all time. yeyeluisahteish.com
Randy Lays Bad, Oglala Sioux Tribe (Turtle Island) Oglala Sioux Tribe Lakota Language Speaker Born: Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Education: Our Lady of Lourdes School; K - 8 Little Wound High School; 9 - 12 Oglala Lakota College; A.A & B.A Degree in Lakota Studies/ A.A in Tribal Law 2011 W.I.N.S(Washington Internship for Native Students) 8 week internship - intern at U.S.D.A - evening college courses at American University Paraprofessional, Lakota Language Teacher, & Lakota Language Instructor Type 2 firefighter & Engine Boss @ Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Fire Dept Type 1 Tatanka Hotshot Firefighter @ Custer S.D Oglala Sioux Tribal Council Representative in Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
Shawna Bluestar Newcomb, Shawnee Lenape (Turtle Island) In this time of uncertainty, in a world filled with confusion and chaos,Shawna reveals hidden history and truths behind current events. She shares the root causes behind current ecological, social, political and economic imbalances. Shawna teaches a way to rise above the darkness, fear, anger, and anxiety at this time as we enter into what she calls the "New Era of Love". She is dedicated to bring healing and balance on an individual and collective level for the benefit of all peoples, the planet, and future generations. www.shawnabluestar.com
Steven T. Newcomb (Shawnee, Lenape) is a scholar, educator, author, journalist, film producer, public speaker and workshop leader/facilitator. He is internationally recognized for his more than three decades of research and writing on the origins of federal Indian law and international law dating back to the early days of Christendom, most notably focused on the religious doctrine now known in history as the Doctrine of Christian Discovery. He is considered one of the foremost scholars and speakers on the subject. Steven is author of "Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery" (Fulcrum Publishing, 2008) and a Producer of the 2015 documentary film, "The Doctrine of Discovery: Unmasking the Domination Code", and co-founder and co-director of the Indigenous Law Institute, founded in 1992 and dedicated to supporting Indigenous nations and peoples to protect their sacred ancestral homelands, to restore and revitalize their linguistic, cultural and spiritual traditions and to heal from the trauma of colonization. facebook.com/steventnewcomb1 / originalfreenations.com
Kurikindi, Sumae Causai (Kichua Nation, Ecuador) Golden Colibri from the Ecuadorian Amazon, Protector of Mother Earth and of the Sumae Causai, Guardian of the Amazon
Kurikindi, Sumae Causai (Kichua Nation, Ecuador) Golden Colibri from the Ecuadorian Amazon, Protector of Mother Earth and of the Sumae Causai, Guardian of the Amazon
Mama Edie McLoud Armstrong, (she/her/hers) Residing on the ancestral lands of the Council of Three Fires (Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi) Bilingual Storyteller/Percussionist/Speech & Language Pathologist Mama Edie McLoud Armstrong has often been called the “Singing, SIGNING, Spanish-Speaking, Storytelling, Percussion Playing Speech Pathologist. She was inspired over 30 years ago as a speech and language pathologist to begin writing stories, songs and plays for her predominantly African American and Spanish Speaking Children. She saw the need to show them the beauty and power that she saw within them that they didn’t know how to see. Blending her West African, Gullah, Cherokee, Seminole and Italian ancestries, she has encouraged both children’s and adult audiences to embrace all of who they are, realizing the value in their sense of wholeness. She has provided performances and workshops for universities, museums, cultural arts festivals, various places of worship, the social service, corporate sectors and much more. Her published stories and articles reveal the power of story for literacy, language development, interpersonal communication, and connecting with the Great Spirit within. Traveling internationally, and at times blending various languages (including American Sign Language), Mama Edie’s mission is to remind us all of the power there is in simply feeling welcomed; to also find the light we have inside, to nurture it and to nurture the light in each other, so that our spirits all shine. From there, we will soar beyond our greatest imaginings and - without wings – we will learn to fly!
Kanerahtiio Roger Jock (Bear Clan) is a Kanien’kehá:ka leader from the Akwesasne Reserve who carries a vision of return for his people to their ancestral lands in the Mohawk Valley of New York. Kanerahtiio has taught cultural awareness all over the U.S. for over 40 years as part of the White Roots of Peace Movement.

Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq (Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland)

Grandmother Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook, Oglala Sioux Nation (Turtle Island)

Luisah Teish, Iyanifa and Oshun chief (USA)

Randy Lays Bad, Oglala Sioux Tribe (Turtle Island)

Shawna Bluestar Newcomb, Shawnee Lenape (Turtle Island)

Steven T. Newcomb, Shawnee Lenape (Turtle Island)

Kurikindi, Sumae Causai (Kichua Nation, Ecuador)

Mama Edie McLoud Armstrong - Residing on the ancestral lands of the Council of Three Fires (Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi)

Kanerahtiio Roger Jock, Kanien’kehá:ka leader from the Akwesasne

Event Details

* Food (truck) is available for purchase at the StoryTelling Festival
** Donation Pass is transferable but non-refundable
** Absolutely no alcohol or drugs at the event or anywhere onsite.
** Dogs welcome, well behave and on leash all time accompanied by the owner

LOCATION

Skóhare Long House
1160 Bear Ladder Road • West Fulton, NY • 12194
United States

DATES & TIMES

July 21st - July 23rd. Friday: 12pm-6pm • Saturday: 9am - 6pm  • Sunday 9am-2pm

+ Late Night

Spontaneous songs and storytelling at the Sacred Fire after dinner at night!

Free PARKING

 

DONATION PASS & INFO

Donation Pass: $250

We are happy to offer free admission to children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult.  We kindly remind visitors that children must be accompanied by an adult in the Waterfalls and river area.

For teens aged 12-17, we offer a reduced suggested donation of half the regular amount. Please note that teens must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the Waterfalls and river area.

Calling all Haudenosaunee youth! 

We are offering free attendance to the Storytelling Festival for Haudenosaunee youth!

 

 

To Register for the Festival, Please Click Here!

Questions? Email at centerforsacredstudies@gmail.com

 

Where to stay nearby!

See links to nearby hotels, motels and b&b's. Additionally, links to campsite options and local airbnb.

Hotels, Motels and b&b's List

Campsites Options

Local Airbnb

Feel free to contact us with any questions at centerforsacredstudies@gmail.com

Schedule of the Events

 STORYTELLING FESTIVAL • Friday  JULY 21 - Sunday JULY 23

1160 Bear Ladder Road • West Fulton, NY • 12194

Stories •  Prophecies • Instructions • Teachings • Music • Waterfalls & River Swimming  • Sacred Fire

Spontaneous songs and storytelling at the Sacred Fire after dinner at night!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY - JULY 21st

12pm noon - 1pm

  • Opening Ceremony at the Sacred Fire with Grandmother Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook, Oglala Sioux Nation (Turtle Island) & Luisah Teish, Iyanifa and Oshun chief (USA).
  • Traditional welcoming into territory ceremony with Kanerahtiio Roger Jock, Kanien’kehá:ka leader from the Akwesasne.

1:30pm-2:30pm      Storyteller—To Be Announced

2:30pm-3:30pm      Storyteller Grandmother Loretta Afraid of Bear Cook, Oglala Sioux Nation (Turtle Island)

3:30pm-3:45pm      Break

3:45pm-4pm           Music

4pm-5pm                 Storyteller Luisah Teish, Iyanifa and Oshun chief (USA).

5pm-5:30pm           Closing prayer at the sacred fire with Steven T. Newcomb, Shawnee Lenape (Turtle Island)

6pm                          Dinner

Spontaneous songs and storytelling at the Sacred Fire after dinner at night!

 

SATURDAY - JULY 22nd

8am                       Breakfast

9:30am-10am      Opening prayer at sacred fire with Randy Lays Bad, Oglala Sioux Tribe (Turtle Island)

10am-11am          Storyteller Kurikindi, Sumae Causai (Kichua Nation, Ecuador)

11am-noon           Storyteller Randy Lays Bad, Oglala Sioux Tribe (Turtle Island)

Noon-12:30pm     Noon prayer at sacred fire with Kurikindi, Sumae Causai (Kichua Nation, Ecuador)

12:30pm-1:45pm  Lunch

2pm-3pm              Storyteller Shawna Bluestar Newcomb, Shawnee Lenape (Turtle Island)

3pm-4pm              Storyteller Uncle Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq (Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland)

4pm-4:30pm        Music

5pm-5:30pm        Closing prayer at sacred fire with Uncle Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq (Kalaallit Nunaat, Greenland)

6pm                       Dinner

Spontaneous songs and storytelling at the Sacred Fire after dinner at night!

 

SUNDAY - JULY 23rd

8am                       Breakfast

9:30am-10am      Open prayer at sacred fire with  Shawna Bluestar Newcomb, Shawnee Lenape (Turtle Island)

10am-11am         Storyteller Steven T. Newcomb, Shawnee Lenape (Turtle Island)

11am-11:15pm    Break

11:15am-12:15pm Storyteller Mama Edie McLoud Armstrong - Residing on the ancestral lands of the Council of Three Fires (Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi)

12:15-12:45pm    Music

1pm-2pm              Closing at the sacred fire with All the Delegates & Haudenosaunee Elders

Closing ceremony

 

THIS IS A DRUG & ALCOHOL FREE EVENT

To Register for the Festival, Please Click Here!

Questions? Email at centerforsacredstudies@gmail.com