"Native Fiber Artisan Mountain Retreat" with Irene Bennalley

Native Fiber Artisan Mountain Retreatwith Irene BennalleyAugust 3-10, 2008Toadlena, New MexicoDuring the summer of 2008, Irene Bennalley, a Navajo Weaver from Toadlena , New Mexico along with Vangee Nez from Tocito , NM, will be conducting a retreat in the Chuska Mountain above Toadlena , NM on the Navajo Nation. Irene is of the Tse'na'bil'ni (Sleepy Rock Clan), born for Tah'ni'zahni (Tangle Clan), her maternal grandparents are T'oh'di'chiini (Bitterwater Clan) and paternal grandparents are Ah'chii (Salt Clan). Vangee Nez from Tocito , NM is of the Tah'chini Clan and born for Tah'ni'zahni (Tangle Clan), her maternal grandparents are Nakai Dine'e (Mexican Clan) and paternal grandparents are Bitahni (Mountain Ledge Clan).Every summer, Irene and Vangee grew up taking their family flock high into the Chuska mountains where the temperatures are cooler, the grass and water more abundant. The week-long retreat will be a healing experience which will include an opening & closing ceremony. Irene will conduct lessons on Navajo Churro Sheep and sheepherding techniques along with stories of sheepherding, and a Tobacco Ceremony for the Sheep. The participants will participate in early morning and evening prayers and engage in Talking Circles. The participants will also be engaged in various classes to weave a Navajo rug which will include: wool carding, spinning, and weaving. For extra activities, the participants will learn Navajo open fire cooking (fry-bread & tortillas & blue corn mush), will take nature walks, and pick herbal Navajo tea. At the end of the week, participants will leave with their own Navajo-style rug.The weaving materials used during the week are from Irene's flock. The full schedule will provide the attendees with an intimate look at the interaction of the humans with the sheep in establishing a way-of-life that has existed for centuries. The transmission of ancient knowledge and healing practices in the ceremonies, talking circles, prayers, and nature walks are calming techniques to enhance the transformation in harmony to reconnect with nature and come into your being. At the beginning and end of the retreat, Mark Winter (Owner) will guide us on a tour at the Historic Toadlena Trading Post Museum which houses many of the priceless rugs seen in this film. The Retreat will cost $875.00 for a week-long stay at the mountain side property. Participants must bring their own camping gear and provide their own transporation to Toadlena Museum. For further information contactIrene Bennalley at (505) 793-8038or send email to moab7112@yahoo.com. Register soon, space is limited.The following short film will give you a sense of the simplicity of this way of life, and a short introduction to Irene Bennalley.Written, Directed & Produced byJane GinnInterview Conducted byVangee NezShepherd & WeaverIrene BennalleyVideo, Picture and Sound editing byJane Ginn and Vibhas KendziaMusic from the CD 'Light on the Path' byVibhas Kendzia

Channel: Education
Uploaded: June 21, 2008 at 12:52 am
Author: VibhasKendzia

Length: 07:26
Rating: 5.00
Views: 1191

Tags: ancient  arts  ceremonies  circles  hand-spun  Healing  Nation  Navajo  retreat  sheep  Shepherd  visual  walks  Weaver  wool  

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