2009 Many Waters Town Gathering by Dr. Wayne “Will” Stringfellow Osiyo, My Relations, September brought a huge gift to the Many Waters Town of the Pacific Northwest District. On the 19th and 20th, we were blessed with a Gathering of the People at our Town in North Idaho. This was a Gathering of many People that learned from the elders about Tsalagi tradition, spirituality, crafts, and the ways of being in harmony with Mother Earth.      The Gathering officially opened with an opening ceremony under the direction of Town Ugu, Emmett Jordon. The American flag was raised, along with that of the Tsalagiyi Nvdagi and the MIA/POW ones. Amazing Grace was sung in the Cherokee language, by a young girl, Kim Grimes, of Washington State. After introductions the various activities began. We were honored by the attendance of Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Greatly Beloved Woman Grandmother Jacque RedLeaf and Nancy Longwalker of the Wolf Clan and Principle Chief of the Old Settlers from North Carolina. The medicine that they brought to the People was powerful. The gentleness and knowledge that they shared with all, was an honor for the Town. Other honored guests included Northwest District Ugu, Frank Perkins; Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Councilpersons Jackie Walp and Diane McDaniel, from Texas; Chief of the North Texas District of the Tsalagiyi Nvdagi. Doug Walp; and  Echota tribal member and Beloved Woman of the Northwest District, Diana Walks-in-Water. The Gathering was a celebration of personal events, also, as it fell on the anniversary of Gabe Gable and Emmett Jordon’s marriage and also that of Roger and Judy Black. Gabe also had her birthday during the time of the Gathering, as did my granddaughter, Alexis, who celebrated her first year with us. We are so thankful for her in our lives. Linda Blackburn, of Oklahoma, spoke on activities to utilize in assisting people y reconnect to Nature, as a healing therapy. Much of her work parallels the wisdom of Dr. J.T. Garrett in his book, Medicine of the Cherokee: The Way of Right Relationship. We were also honored with the presence of Jim Medicine Tree, of Montana, the keeper of the U.N. pipe. Jim is the author of a book, The Way of the Sacred Pipe, as well as several internationally-published articles on native themes. Jim, with the assistance of his elders performed a sacred pipe ceremony within the newly constructed arbor. Jim and his “group” brought much to the Gathering; and we thank them. (More about Jim Tree at http://wayofthepipe.com/   ).   Saturday evening was a time of music and socializing. Blackfoot singer Jack Gladstone and his two children entertained with their great songs and wonderful personalities. Jack Gladstone is a Native "PoetSinger" and lecturer from the Blackfeet Indian Nation of Montana. Regarded as a cultural bridge builder, he delivers programs nationally on American Indian mythology and history. Jack has continued to enjoy a very successful and honorable career as a poet/singer and spokesman for Montana and Native America. His bio and music can be viewed at www.jackgladstone.com We are grateful to Jack and his beautiful children for their presence at the Gathering. In addition, there were other sessions and displays to educate the People about crafts, primitive skills, and traditions. We are honored by all who attended or sent their well-wishes to us as messages and prayers. I am personally thankful for the presence of my daughters and family and for their support, as I continue to learn and grow in the ways of my ancestors. I cannot say enough for the generosity of Emmett and Gabe, who have worked tirelessly and have opened their home and farm to us for this Gathering. They, with the assistance of my friend, Bubba Jack Rhodes, who is visiting from my hometown in Texas, and many others, have taken our Gathering to another level. Wado. We are all learning, always. Will Stringfellow
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	We apologise for misintroducing the following people Nancy Longwalker  Principal Chief Petitioner Tsalagi             Nation / Early Emigrants 1817. Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Southern District Chief Diana McDaniel. NW District Council Members Connie Stevens, Gabe Gabel, Jim Dix (Little Pool Town Chief), and Charles Kasicki (NW Pacific Waters Town Chief) To anyone else we have missed or misprinted we deeply apologise, please let us know if we have misrepresented your title and we will correct it. Thank you all for making it a wonderful and informative gathering.