World Council of Elders

INTERNATIONAL SUNDANCE

“ The essence of this International Sundance was granted by the Great Spirit
thousands of generations ago to our sacred and holy ancestors. It has been
enhanced by the guidance and direction of the Great Spirit through many
humbling ceremonies to this time and day.”

- Frank Settee, Cree/Ojibwe/Lakota Ceremonial Elder -

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. This annual gathering is unique because Elders from indigenous cultures 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. It is a powerful time for celebration, for sharing, for remembering our true selves, for healing, for prayer, for guidance, for restoring balance between female and male energies, and for reaching out to our brothers and sisters all around the world.

The Traditional Sundance is a very sacred ceremony, and 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 our 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.

In honor of these sacred places where the ceremonies are held, every effort is 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.

The first International Sundance was held on sacred ground in Montana from August 29 – September 2, 2007, and will continue there again in 2009, 2011 & 2013. 125 participants, including 10 indigenous Elders and teachers, gathered from cultures and places as diverse as Australia, India, Japan, Siberia, Guatemala, Hawaii, Canada & the U.S. to share teachings, sacred ceremonies and to pray together for understanding and peace among all peoples. All present were profoundly moved by the shared feeling of community and unity of purpose co-created during this sacred event. The vast majority of participants stated afterwards that their experiences and personal healing gained at the International Sundance changed them forever, and that they’re committed to participating again in future years.

International Sundance Hawaii 2008. Every other year, the International Sundance will travel to a different location around the world. In November 2008, the International Sundance will take place on sacred ground on the Big Island of Hawaii where we’re expecting 300 attendees including approximately 30 indigenous Elders. Then in 2010, the International Sundance will be held in Australia, in Central America in 2012, and later in Africa, Asia & Europe. Each one-of-a-kind gathering will honor the traditions, ceremonies and wisdom of the host cultures as well as those of the Traditional Sundance and other international participants.

How You Can Help. We’re still gathering the necessary resources for International Sundance Hawaii 2008. Your financial support for this unique and important ceremony is greatly appreciated, and will help us to provide 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.

You can make a tax-deductible donation either online via PayPal, or by mailing your check to World Council of Elders. Please go to our Donate Now page for more information.

You also can contribute frequent flyer air miles that will allow International Elders to participate and share their teachings and sacred ceremonies.
Remember, the International Sundance is all about community support, and every little bit helps!

If you have any questions or would like to help out,
please contact us at: wcoe4peace@earthlink.net

Thank you for your support !