​     We are happy to announce that Debbie Johnson-Conti of the Sauk & Fox Nation will assist Chris (Comeswithclouds) White with developing the blueprints and obtain appropriate materials for building yahkin or wigwam for the Indian Village being built in Bluemont, Virginia over this summer and fall. 
     It is common for women to actually build the structures on the east coast, according to Powhatan oral histories and eye witnesses’ accounts recorded by early settlers in Virginia.   

     “At this time more than ever, we are at risk of losing the understanding of indigenous ways of life and what they stand for,” René said explaining that she took to heart her oath in the military to protect and defend to heart.
​     “The impact of funding cannot be over-stressed in its ability to help us. It provides to us the support necessary to enable the educational development for both teachers and students.  It provides the means of preserving a heritage valuable to all.” ​

     

     Many schools teach their K-12 students that all Indians are dead. According to Indian Country Today Network, studies show a stagger 87 percent of references to American Indians in all 50 states portray them in pre-1900 context, which means students are graduating high school without even basic knowledge we Indians are still alive.
      Our goal is to raise awareness and raise $27,850 to help bring 14 artists and logistics to work with a core group of 30 students, ages 5-12 years old and seven teachers. The Primary Audience is 45 PK-6 graders ranging from 2-12 years old. The Secondary Audience is parents, artists, community and general public. ​
     Sanctuary on the Trail™ has initiated a new Art in Nature™ educational program with the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Loudoun County Virginia called, "Artists Teaching Children to Raise a Village." Artists will serve as guides in helping point students and teachers to discovering truths about Virginia's Indians and Indigenous culture with hands-on-experience outdoors.
     Participating Students are from the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Va. The Montessori school curriculum inspires children to reach their highest potential and develop a love of learning by focusing on the full development of the child, including their physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth. 
     Most of the adult artists are already pre-selected. To be added to the Artist Waiting List, please email info4TheGathering.org.
     To Volunteer email us at info4TheGathering.org or call us at 540-554-8730.
     Art in Nature™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit outreach initiative hosted by Bluemont resident and Native American Indian artist René White (Feather) president of Sanctuary on the Trail™ Inc.
     Founded in 2010, our vision and mission is “Helping Leaders First” and acknowledging Indigenous to the world to “Reduce Suffering in the World.” 

Dennis Zotigh and his father are the co-founders of the WORLD HOOP DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS. Listen to a live recorded interview of Dennis on Native America Calling Radio about the Hoop Dance and its history. Dennis Zotigh is Kiowa, Santee Dakota and Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, offers workshops in Hoop Dance. 

Our goal with The Gathering 2017 is to invite Dennis Zotigh perform the Hoop Dance.

By Joe Heim, Washington Post

A group challenging federal recognition of Virginia’s renowned Pamunkey Indian tribe has lost its case before the Interior Board of Indian Appeals.

The decision, which was made Thursday but not widely shared until Monday, removes the final legal hurdle standing in the way of the Pamunkeys’ decades-long quest to attain the coveted federal status.
The tiny tribe east of Richmond, which claims Pocahontas as an ancestor, will now receive all of the benefits and rights of federally recognized tribes. It can, if it chooses, pursue casino gambling in a state that has long opposed it — something that the tribe has considered in the past.

[Pamunkey Indians wanted to open Virginia’s first casino]

The Pamunkey tribe applauded the quick ruling in a statement released through its lawyer, Mark Tilden.

“The tribe never doubted that its final determination would become final and effective, though it is pleased that the IBIA was able to reach final resolution so quickly,” the statement read. “The tribe can now move forward in its new chapter as a federally-recognized Indian tribe.”

Tribal leaders had worried that the challenge by Stand Up for California, a small nonprofit opposed to unlimited expansion of tribal gaming, would mean a delay that could last years. Instead, it lasted a few months.

In July, the Pamunkey became the first Virginia tribe to win federal recognition from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. The 200-member tribe celebrated the hard-won victory, but the jubilation was short-lived. In October, recognition was put on hold when Stand Up for California, which seeks to impose stricter guidelines for tribal recognition, issued a last-minute challenge to the Pamunkey decision.

Stand Up for California’s founder, Cheryl Schmit, had teamed up with casino giant MGM in 2014 to oppose the Pamunkey’s attempts to gain recognition. MGM, which is opening the $1.3 billion National Harbor casino and resort in Maryland’s Prince George’s County later this year, has voiced opposition to any casinos being built in neighboring Virginia.
[A famed Virginia tribe seeks federal recognition amid casino fears]
In its October challenge, Stand Up argued that the Pamunkey did not meet requirements for recognition, saying that current tribe members are not descended from Indians and that there were questions about whether the tribe operated as a functioning political entity.


But in its ruling, the Indian appeals board said that Stand Up had no standing to challenge the tribe’s new status. “Stand Up,” it said, “fails to articulate any type of factual interest that we believe was intended to be covered by the acknowledgment regulations, nor does Stand Up allege that it is adversely affected by the Assistant Secretary’s determination to acknowledge the tribe.”

The board also disagreed with Stand Up’s assertions that federal recognition for the Pamunkey tribe would have “significant impacts to the state and local government jurisdictions, surrounding communities, property owners, businesses, Indian and non-Indian individuals, and federally-recognized Indian tribes as well.”
Stand Up’s Schmit said Monday that she knew that her group’s standing to mount the challenge was always going to be a tough argument to make, but she doesn’t believe the objections were in vain. The arguments that she raised about the tribe’s eligibility will be available, she said, to other groups or individuals with standing who may want to challenge future actions taken by the tribe.
With the resolution of the recognition question, the Pamunkey becomes the 567th federally recognized tribe. An additional 356 tribes, including six from Virginia, are seeking federal recognition, and the money for housing, education and health care that comes with it.

Everyone is invited to visit The Gathering 2016 Indian Village honoring a rich legacy of ancient culture still much alive today at the 47th Annual Bluemont Fair in Loudoun County Virginia on Sept. 17-18, 2016. Experience an action-packed weekend including colorful regalia, jaw-dropping events, inspiring arts and music to move everyone.
     The Bluemont Citizens Association invited The Gathering volunteer committee to host an Indian Village in order to share this rich cultural event with neighbors and visitors in the Blue Ridge Mountain Valley. This beautiful partnership promises many more educational, cultural exchanges in the future.
     Close to 5,000 people attended The Gathering 2015 held in Clarke County Virginia. This year, The Gathering 2016 Indian Village at the Bluemont Fair gives thousands of people the opportunity to experience authentic Indian dancing & singing and to browse traditional Indian crafts. This fundraising event helps prepare for The Gathering 2017 celebration which includes competitive Native American dancing, singing and thousands of dollars in prize money.

On Sept. 17-18, 2016 the whole town of Bluemont opens to old fashioned family fun with traditional crafts (juried), local art & authors, craft & farming demonstrations, Indian Village, music, 10k race, free Children's Fair, farm animals, Llamas & Alpacas, quilt display, colonial blacksmith, hay rides, homemade food, fresh & dried flowers, pie-baking/pickle-making contest, antiques & collectables, wine and beer garden & gourmet treats, historic slide show, bee-keepers & hives, railroad display, pre-Civil War country store, farmer's market, and more all set in a historic village in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Bluemont is located at the Intersection of Routes 7 & 760 between Leesburg and Winchester Virginia. The fair takes place throughout the village of Bluemont Virginia outdoors, indoors, in the streets, fields and backyards along Rt 734, starting at the intersection of Rt 760 and Rt 734 (Snickersville Pike).