June 21, 1998 -- World Peace and Prayer Day Declared

Peace is not an unreachable goal, it's a reality that is within the grasp of all the citizens of the world. That's the message of organizers of the third World Peace and Prayer Day set for June 21, 1998, in Pipestone, Minnesota.

Native Americans for countless generations have gathered pipestone from the quarries near the small town in southwestern Minnesota and created pipes for ceremonial use. The quarry is considered sacred by many tribes and for that reason it was selected by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe, as the site for this year's World Peace and Prayer Day.

"According to Lakota star knowledge, June 21 is set as time to pray. Our prophecies tell us that we are at the crossroads. We are faced with either chaos and disaster, or we can unite spiritually in peace and harmony," said Looking Horse, who is the 19th generation pipe keeper.

This is the third year Indigenous people have gathered to pray for peace on June 21 and based on past participation, organizers are expecting almost 5,000 to attend.

The event's organizers have invited spiritual leaders, bundlekeepers and traditional peoples from around the world to take part, resolutions of support are being requested from Native tribes throughout the U.S. and Canada, and religious leaders from all walks of life and many faiths are being asked to offer prayers for peace wherever they are.

It will be especially important to have youth at the gathering so they can learn how they can participate in turning around the negative thoughts and lifestyles that effect them and future generations, said organizers, with the focus this year directed towards healing and knowledge for the 7th generation youth and the animal nations.

"We gather to pray so that our future generations and all our relatives in this fragile ecosystem may survive through peace and balance," said Looking Horse.

Friday, June 19, Organizing Day: Setting up camp, learning protocols, socializing, welcoming the Big Foot Memorial Riders, who will ride in on horseback from Birch Coulee, near Morton, MN, about 100 miles from Pipestone, and runners/walkers coming from the four directions.

Saturday, June 20, Teaching Day: Speakers, forums, and other activities focusing on the 7th generation youth and their relationship to the animals, the importance of the animals to the lifestyle and survival of Native people, Mother Earth and to each other.

Sunday, June 21, World Peace and Prayer Day: Participants will gather with spiritual leaders, bundlekeepers and people of other faiths for special prayers to heal the youth and to acknowledge the power of prayer for the protection the animals, the people and all living things, as they seek to bring about more understanding of the power of prayer and respect of all faiths, all colors, and the value and beauty of different cultures.

In 1994, with the birth of "Miracle" the white buffalo calf born in Wisconsin, Looking Horse recognized its importance. He said the prophecies of his ancestors indicated the world was at a crossroads between chaos or unity when this would take place.

If people gathered for four years to pray at sacred sites in the four directions on June 21 of each year, they could turn it around with the power of prayer, and at that time Looking Horse began working to find the answer to address the chaos.

The gatherings began in 1996 in the west at Gray Horn Butte (Devils Tower), where recently the courts recognized the religious significance of the site to Native Americans and told climbers and visitors to respect the spiritual ways of the people who pray there.

In 1997, World Peace and Prayer Day was hosted in the north by the Cree nations of Alberta, Canada, and in 1998, it travels to the east to the homeland of the Yankton nations. Between 3,000 to 5,000 people gathered each year for the event.

As this year's gathering nears, organizers are raising funds and seeking donations for the expenses of providing food, shelter, restrooms, trash bins, and water for those who attend. All monies donated will go directly to support the event.

Those contributing $125 or more will receive "Honoring of Miracle," a limited edition fine art print.

Rediscovery Four Corners, Inc. a Colorado-based nonprofit organization has agreed to serve as the gathering's fiscal agent.

Looking Horse and the 1998 Pipestone World Peace and Prayer Day Committee will make the decisions on the use of the funds raised to insure the wisest use of the contributions.

For more information contact: Paula Horne (507) 537-0969
Juanita Espinosa (612) 825-5602
Rose Steinhart (612) 331-1623


http://geocities.datacellar.net/RainForest/Canopy/2413/



Return to WPPD 98

Links Page