This unique book is produced by Lumbee Nation author Jamie K. Oxendine and illustrator and jewelry artist Timothy P. Locklear II.

About the Author: 

Jamie is a Native American of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, educator, historian and speaker. He has been an adjunct professor of Native American studies at Bowling Green State University, Ohio State University, University of Toledo, Lourdes University, and has served as the Native American liaison & education consultant for Ohio University.

He has served on the board of trustees for the Ohio Humanities Council, Board of trustees for the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Preservation Commission and governor appointee to the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Board.

He has also sat on the ACCESS Grants Panel with the National Endowment For The Humanities.

Donations to purchase this book help bring Native American educational experiences to Northern Virginia.

Thank you Ken and Julia for your $5,000 contribution to this educational Native American Harvest festival where we plan to honor our veterans and first responders and help reconnect our youth to the land.

At this time more than ever, we are at risk of losing the understanding of indigenous ways of life and what they stand for. The impact of funding cannot be over-stressed in its ability to help. Your contribution provides to us the support necessary to enable the educational development for both art teachers and students and provides the means of preserving a heritage valuable to all. Contributions are 100% tax deductible for this 501(c)3 Non-Profit Initiative.

​Educational Celebration of Art in Nature™ and Indigenous People and Culture  Hosted by Art in Nature™ with Sanctuary on the Trail™ and the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Va. 

​Photos by Chris Anders and Peter Thornton | PJ Photography

Volunteer!  
Contact [email protected]  or www.HarvestGathering.org.  

Thanks to all the volunteers who contributed their artwork for the Poster Contest. 

It was a tight contest, as we had many excellent submissions this year. After much deliberation, the winning piece was “Harvest Moon” by Denise Kupiszewski, shown above. (See more on Denise at www.themudpeddler.com.) This art will be the basis for the posters and t-shirts for this year’s Bluemont Fair—to be held September 17-18, 2016.
     The Bluemont Fair is a country fair that draws thousands of people to the historic village of Bluemont, Virginia each September. The Fair gives everyone the opportunity to visit the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains to enjoy all kinds of food, juried crafts, interactive exhibits, local beer and wine, excellent music, and so much more.
     And this year we are very pleased to announce that the Bluemont Fair will include an exciting and educational Indian Village (with elements from The Gathering), where we will be celebrating the harvest with Native American dance, regalia, and living history exhibits, set among traditional wigwam and tee pee dwellings.
     We hope to see you all in September!

     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.” 

The Lloyd Williams Post 41 in Berryville Virgina donated $100 to support the Native American Women Warriors (NAWW) Honor Guard for The Gathering scheduled for Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 at the Clarke County Fairgrounds located at 890 West Main Street Berryville, VA 22611.

NAWW founder Mitchelene BigMan is flying in for The Gathering and staying in Winchester Va. Other female veterans are also coming to join her. The Women Warriors wear full jingle-dress regalia to present the colors at the Grand Entry - opening this historical traditional Harvest Dance on Saturday Oct. 31 (at noon) and Sunday Nov. 1 (at 1:00 pm).

Bluemont VA -- Wells Fargo leadership has embraced the Spirit of The Gathering and gave forward at the "Bravery" Level-5 planting “Balance, Harmony, Generosity, Fortitude and Bravery” helping connect communities to communities. Testimonials

     "Wells Fargo is our official bank for The Gathering and official sponsors to help bring this historic community event to North West Virginia," said elder council member René White, retired Lt. Col. and executive director for The Gathering.

    "Wells Fargo, you are living up to your motto "Bank Wherever Life Takes You," -- life is taking many of us to The Gathering and your giving helps make this dream a reality," Sue Peoples elder council member for The Gathering.

   "The level and caliber of Well's Fargo's participation helps create space for people of all ages and backgrounds to get outdoors and celebrate humanity together. Thank you Wells Fargo," Glenda Skelley elder council member for The Gathering.

    A community is coming together in a very unique way for this experiment in humanity and thanksgiving that we call “The Gathering.”
    Thank you Chip Schutte Real Estate Team for buying ad space so that our non-profits could receive a full page ad in the next The Observer magazine this month. There are no adequate words to express our thankfulness.

 A lot is to be said about the caliber of your commitment as a planter of this all-exciting seed of possibilities. The Gathering is a seed we are planting together. Thank you Chip Schutte Real Estate Team.