The International Sundance is the manifestation of a vision carried for many, many generations – an extraordinary gathering of family from the four directions in sacred ceremony to honor the Great Spirit, our Mother Earth, and all life. It is a powerful time for prayer, healing, guidance, sharing in community, remembering our true selves, restoring balance between female and male energies, and for reaching out to our brothers and sisters all around the world. This annual gathering is so unique because Elders from around the globe come together to add their traditional ceremonies and teachings to the time-honored wisdom and practices of the Traditional Sundance of the first peoples of North America. Every year, the International Sundance will travel to a different location around the world including Australia in 2010, Central America in 2012, and later to Africa, Asia and Europe. Each one-of-a-kind gathering will honor the traditions, ceremonies and wisdom of the host cultures and other international participants as well as those of the Traditional Sundance.

All who took part in the first two International Sundances (Montana 2007 & Hawaii 2008) were profoundly moved by the shared feeling of community and unity of purpose co-created during these sacred events. The vast majority of participants stated afterwards that their experiences and personal healing gained at the International Sundances changed them forever, and that they are committed to participating again in future years.

The Third Annual International Sundance will be held from August 26-30, 2009 in Montana on beautiful, pristine land that is home to abundant wildlife including a growing herd of native buffalo and Mustang Paint horses. We’re expecting approximately 300+ participants, including several indigenous Elders from Australia, Guatemala, Hawaii, Canada, U.S.A., and possibly Africa and South America, at this year’s International Sundance in Montana.

The Traditional Sundance is a very sacred ceremony central to the culture of the first peoples of the Northern Plains. It has been conducted every summer for thousands of years to honor the Great Spirit and to pray for the well-being and protection of the people. The ceremony takes place outdoors on sacred land. A circular Arbor is constructed around a central Sundance Tree. Sundancers fast from food and water for four days while they pray and dance inside the Arbor around the Sundance Tree. They are accompanied by traditional drumming and singing. Supporters and helpers do not fast; however, they fully participate in the ceremony through prayer and service to the community. As one experiences the spirit of the Sundance, a feeling of cleansing & rebirth often occurs as a result of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges inherent in the Sundance ceremony. Everyone has the opportunity to take the life-changing teachings and unique experiences gained with them to practice and share with others in their lives.

Why Now?  We’re living at a time unique in all of Earth history. We sense the shift in energies. We observe extremes in polarity all around us, and we experience the accelerated pace of change. The wisdom-keepers of the Earth’s indigenous traditions have faithfully carried prophecies for millennia telling of this special time of transition at the close of an era. This is a sacred time of choice. We are setting the energies for a new time. What do we want that to look like? What kind of future are we creating for our children?

The Elders know that right now, like at no other time before, we have the opportunity to wake-up, open out hearts and minds, and understand the truth of our interconnectedness with all life. Time is of the essence. We must begin to consciously choose to heal and restore balance to ourselves and our relationships with our fellow humans and our precious Mother Earth. It is imperative that we act now to create a future of peace, harmony and healthy abundance.

The International Sundance is a one-of-a-kind experience essential to reawakening humanity at this special time through reconnecting with Mother Earth and the timeless teachings of Elders from many cultures. As we are all related, the power of our collective healing prayers and loving intentions will reach across the globe to all members of our Earth family. Through this experience together, we will find the inspiration, guidance and clarity of will to co-create sustainable solutions to current world challenges, and a joyful future for generations yet to come.

To honor the sacred ground  where the ceremonies are held, every effort will be made to minimize the human impact on the land. For example, attendance at the International Sundance is by invitation only to ensure that all participants understand the spiritual significance of the ceremonies and embrace Earth-honoring practices. In addition, we pack in and pack out again all supplies and facilities required to conduct the ceremonies and to house and feed the participants. Also, only biodegradable and ecologically responsible materials will be used on site. Not only will participants experience the rare and seldom-shared traditional wisdom teachings provided, but they also will have the opportunity to learn, first-hand, skills necessary for living sustainably and in harmony with the natural environment.

Prior Sundances. The First International Sundance was held in Montana during August 2007, and the Second Annual International Sundance took place on the Big Island of Hawaii during November 2008. More than 200 participants, including over a dozen indigenous Elders, gathered from places as diverse as Australia, India, Japan, Siberia, Guatemala, Hawaii, Canada and the U.S. to share teachings, sacred ceremonies and to pray together for understanding and peace among all peoples. All who took part in the first two International Sundances were profoundly moved by the shared feeling of community and unity of purpose co-created during these sacred events. The vast majority of participants stated afterwards that their experiences and personal healing gained at the International Sundances changed them forever, and that they are committed to participating again in future years.

How You Can Help.  We’re gathering the necessary resources for the International Sundance including travel expenses for the international Elders and drum groups; ceremonial supplies for the Sundancers; and tools, building supplies and equipment to house and feed the participants. Your financial support for this unique and important ceremony is greatly appreciated. Remember, the International Sundance is all about community support, and every little bit helps!

You can make a tax-deductible contribution either online via PayPal, or by mailing your check to World Council of Elders.

You also can contribute frequent flyer air miles that will allow international Elders to participate and share their teachings and sacred ceremonies.

Mailing address:  World Council of Elders, PO Box 7915, Boulder, CO  80306
 
If you have any questions or would like to help out, please contact us at:

Woody Vaspra, International Sundance Chief  & World Council of Elders President 
wvaspra@gmail.com

Catie Johnson, World Council of Elders Executive Director
catie.wcoe@gmail.com

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