Long before the horse whisperers of today, Plains Indians were recognized for their seemingly-innate mastery of effortless communication with horses.
Sturgeon Bay wellness practitioner, Dr. Melissa Nelson is working with nationally-known Indian cultural consultant, storyteller and horseman, Phillip Whiteman, Jr. to share this knowledge with the public in Door County. Phillip teaches a philosophy and set of concepts that can be applied to man and “beast” alike, the Medicine Wheel Model (MWM). On Saturday and Sunday, September 29-30, a 2-day workshop with Whiteman will provide a day of exploring the MWM at Nelson Healing Center, followed by a day of working with actual horses at Idlewild Farms in Sturgeon Bay.
Fires in and around Lame Deer, Montana in July, 2012…
This summer, devastating fires swept through the reservation lands of the Northern Cheyenne people in and around Lame Deer, Montana, home of Phillip Whiteman, Jr.. July 2012 was already the hottest on record, coupled with severe drought. Then, came the fires. Fire crews were able to save many homes including Whiteman’s horse ranch, but the wildfires caused over 35% of the reservation to burn, including all of Phillip’s hayfields, land that has been in his family for generations.
…2012, End of the Mayan Calendar, End of the World?
How do Native People deal with tremendous loss at the hands of Mother Nature? What do Indigenous People worldwide see ahead in the wave of prophecies regarding 12-21-2012? These include the predictions of the Maya and Hopi, the prophecies of Black Elk, Handsome Lake and the Great Peacemaker (sometimes referred to as Deganawida) regarding the Reunion of the Condor and the Eagle, the Eighth Council Fire, the Return of the White Buffalo, Quetzalcoatl and Sweet Medicine.
On Saturday, day one, Whiteman will explain how all of these prophecies are firmly rooted in a spiritual cleansing and regeneration, leading toward a greater understanding and consciousness of the oneness and prior unity of the Human Family as expressed in the MWM. On Sunday, the second day, working with live horses at Idlewild Farms, Phillip will demonstrate the spiritual connections that exist between horse and horseman as explained in the philosophy of the Medicine Wheel Model.
Phillip Whiteman, Jr. is a Champion Grass Dancer know for dancing the “old style” of Northern Cheyenne Grass Dancing and has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe performing and sharing his knowledge and talents with people of all ages and from all walks of life. He recently served as Northern Cheyenne Culture and Language Consultant for Steven Speilberg during the filming of “Into the West.” Phillip’s workshop presentations include traditional story-telling and songs that share a powerful and inspirational message of hope. His first CD, “Spirit Seeker – Stories and Songs for the Spirit,” has received national critical acclaim.
On Saturday, September 29, you are invited to study the Medicine Wheel Model in a full-day workshop from 9 am – 4:30 pm at the Nelson Healing Center. On Sunday, September 30, Phillip Whiteman, Jr. will demonstrate and teach using live horses from 9:30 am – 4 pm at Idlewild Farms, 10 minutes south of Sturgeon Bay. You may attend either one or both days. The fee is $75 per day and lunch is included. Call 920.818.0045 to register or learn more on-line at NelsonHealingCenter.com.
