Here we are together, on Mother Earth.

The Indigenous Wisdom Gathering & 4 Directions Ride, our annual signature event, concluded last week. Continue reading for a recap of the final two days of the event!

So often, we walk this world unconsciously, not pausing to ground ourselves on the earth beneath our feet.

But Indigenous teachings from various tribes invite us to once again tap into our innate connection with Unci Maka/Mother Earth - and last weekend, wisdom keepers Joseph Medicine Robe & Darryl Slim inspired us to recall that knowledge on the final two days of the 2023 Indigenous Wisdom Gathering.

On Sunday, June 25th, a flute's gentle melody reverberated through the air of the quiet mountain town of Gypsum, CO - its player, Joseph Medicine Robe, held space as the community of First Lutheran Church of Gypsum reflected on the Lakota spiritual teachings he shared with them.

Through drumming, singing, and flute-playing, Joseph keeps the ways of his ancestors alive, and helps bring age-old wisdom into the context of the modern world. “It’s the ancestors coming through this voice. The teachings come through, and the tears sometimes flow," he shared of his work to carry the torch for these traditional ways.

Over the course of a powerful two-hour presentation at First Lutheran, Joseph's songs and words grounded attendees in a sense of place and appreciation for the Indigenous lands on which the event took place, and the connectedness we share when we coexist with all living beings: “I thank you for being here, not just here in this building, or here in Gypsum, but here on this earth. Here we are - together - on Mother Earth.”​

Hear a prayer song shared on flute by Joseph during his presentation in the video linked HERE, and check out this Vail Daily article highlighting other special moments that took place throughout his talk!


Teachings around the sacredness of Mother Earth continued into Monday's events, with Tipi Raisers' Spiritual and Cultural Advisor Darryl Slim leading a nature walk in Edwards, CO in partnership with Eagle Valley Land Trust.

Darryl's lives in the way of Hózhó, as taught to him by his grandparents during his childhood on the Diné (Navajo) Nation. In his words, “Hózhó means you’re in a place of beauty, joy, love and peace. When you’re living in Hózhó, that’s when healing begins.”

Guided by this wisdom, Darryl led attendees of the event through a mindful walk along Eagle River. He emphasized the importance of being present and aware with each step, reminding the group to “be where you’re at at all times. Don’t be at your destination.”

While hiking in the Western sense can sometimes become a matter of speed, mileage, or finding the perfect view, Darryl's Indigenous teachings invited the community to see each step as a point of grounding, healing and connection between humans and the Earth: “This beautiful, sacred Grandmother (Earth) heals you from your feet up. When you massage Grandma, she massages you back."

Read more about Monday's nature walk with Darryl in this story from Vail Daily!

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We are so thankful to all who made this event possible!