SAPA DAWN CENTER
North American Indian Lodge
1013 Crystal Springs Rd. N.W Yelm, WA. 98597
(360)458-7610 fax--369-459-3888

Dear friends of Sapa Dawn,

I send warm greetings and hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It has been a good hot summer and our garden is thriving, the corn is delicious and the pumpkins are still growing. We are anticipating harvest day, with great expectations.

We made it to Pipestone, Minnesota for the 10th annual Sundance hosted by the Peacemakers organization. It was beautiful and there were many Sundancers men and women. They had a special healing ceremony for the women. The weather was rather cold and thunderstorms welcomed us to the sacred grounds. A whole town is built upon pipestone and the spiritual feeling is overwhelming. My prayers were for the young people. We managed to take some young people who have never left their community. This is part of the learning experiences we try to promote at the Sapa Dawn Center. Through all the years, we do see positive growth in the young people. Spirituality has now become a 'way of life' for them. They may not stop and observe this transition, but its happening. Just as the events that take place over the years, all which has become a way of life. This has come about with the help of our supporters and friends of Sapa Dawn. For each event that happens cost.

Harvesting has now begun, huckleberry picking, gathering of herbs and Basketmaking material. Time to catch, smoke and can salmon, so it is a busy time for all here.

We would like to see the Elders, Youth come together at Sapa Dawn, and we continue to do our annual events, so we continue to do things to influence our youth.

Barbara has begun work at the college again, and Joyce is going to have drum-making classes here at Sapa Dawn, within the next week. This is all a part of the networking with the educational institutions in this community.

We recently hosted some visitors from New Zealand, they're interested in doing some networking with the people here, it was a good visit and we will keep in touch with them.

With all the continuing projects here a Sapa Dawn, we manage to deplete our funds, well spent though. Once again we are asking your contribution to continue with much needed work with the youths & families within our community. Your help is needed to get us through the remaining year. As always, we extend our invitation to you to visit the Sapa Dawn Center in Yelm. We will have two major events happening: Sapa Dawn Day and Wintermoon. I would just like to express that your continued support is always appreciated.

Our Prayers and Blessings to you,

Janet McCloud, Sapa Dawn Center

Project Budget

Traditional Spiritual Unity Global Forum
Spring 2001

In honor of our Elders carrying on our traditions through their teachings. Revitalize and unify ourselves with the old and new. This gathering will focus on the prophecies of many of our Elder teachers who have gone on, yet their teachings still live within us. The gathering will discuss these teachings and how we can reconnect with our youth and families. Bring together the young and old in a positive way.

First day will recognize the babies & unborn. Second day will emphasize on youth. Third day will focus on fathers, mothers, aunts & uncles. Fourth day will be with Elders. Last day will be a traditional Potlatch Feast and Giveaway which will be done in the traditional Northwest Salish manner.

We are looking for supporters & financial assistance to keep Thomas Banyacya's dream alive. He had told us we needed to do a conference in the Northwest area. Yes, its very costly, but it can happen! With your help. If you would like to help with this event, please contact us and lets get it together!!!!!

North American Indian Lodge/Sapa Dawn Center

Prior to event, youth will be participating in organizing & developing platform set for youth gathering. This will enhance their skills developed through their training of networking & leadership and organizing skills. Following gathering, individuals will participate in Sundance which will give enlightenment as their true individual being.

Weekly Forums:
Organized by youth to bring together individuals promoting positive lifestyles and culture. Focus will be on getting their PHD. (Pride Heritage Dignity). Various forums will be doing presentations at local public schools teaching what they have learned as lifestyles of a Native American youth.

We have enclosed a remaining budget which will end the year 2000 and also enclosing the budget for the year 2001. Please let us know if you will be interested in pursuing Thomas Banyacya's request to host the Traditional Elders Unity gathering set for Spring.

All donations are tax exempt. Your contribution is much needed and appreciated. Make Checks payable to:

North American Indian Lodge
Special Project: Sapa Dawn Center
1013 Crystal Springs Rd.
Yelm, WA 98597

Be sure to visit our website http://sapadawn.indigneousnative.org.

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