23rd Australian Gathering at Nelson, VIC
Blessing of clans of the area
Spiritual Unity of the Tribes, acknowledging the Gunditjmara people, will host a ceremony for four days near Nelson, Vic. The gathering ceremony will commence at sunrise on Thursday 26th October, with ceremony to light the sacred fire, which will be the centre of the gathering. The gathering ceremony will conclude on the afternoon of Sunday 30th October, followed by a fundraiser auction.
Camp day will be on the 25th October. You will be asked to honour a treaty between yourself, SUT and the Elders regarding conduct while on the land. Monday 30th is cleanup day.
Spiritual Unity of the Tribes (SUT) has been brought to Australia at the request of Medicine People overseas, to help spread the healing that the world so desperately needs. It offers a safe community camp of people sharing a common belief – an acknowledgement of a higher power and intent and belief that through prayer change and healing can occur.
SUT is fundraising to sponsor several elders to attend and share their wisdom around the fire. Please donate on Facebook, on our website or using our PayPal account
A gathering will hold as its centre the honouring of spirit, the sanctity of the land and the wisdom of the elders. Gatherings are to be living demonstrations of the ancient values of truth, peace, non-violence and love.Lore & Protocol
All ceremonies will be under the guidance of the Gathering Council. This is a spiritual cultural gathering not a music festival. RESPECT FOR ALL OUR RELATIONS NO: camping or vehicles on beach NO: personal camp fires (due to fire restrictions) NO: alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, chroming, firearms NO: politics, proselytizing (preaching or promoting other business' or causes) NO: CD players, radios, MP3 players NO pets are allowed at the gathering, other than assistance animals. Photographs can only be taken in the general camp area and at the fire before or after the closing ceremony. Mobiles phones should be switched off and only used for outgoing calls in camp if absolutely necessary. The gathering is being held on private land, please respect the land and leave it as you found it.
Guidelines for 2023 Spiritual Unity of Tribes Participants
We Welcome Each and Every One Who is Called to Take Part to The Spiritual Unity of Tribes - Australia. In order that we might all have a positive experience, please observe the following guidelines during your stay with us.
Do show your respect for the Arbor, the Sacred Fire and the Traditional Elders present by:* Being under the Arbor as much as possible in respect for the Elders and Speakers, many whom have traveled great distances to be here.
* Dressing modestly, mindful that this is Sacred Ceremony.
* Making room in the front rows for Elders and Speakers.
* Being quiet and respectful, especially when anyone is praying or speaking.
* Observing the posted protocols if you want to participate in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony.
* Respecting other people’s beliefs by not proselytizing (preaching or trying to persuade to your point of view.) Limit the length of time you speak in the Arbor.
* Respecting the Sacred Fire. It is not a campfire. Please feel free to place your offerings in the Fire. Do not put water in the Fire at any time.
* Staying away from the Sacred Pipes if a woman is on her Moon Time. Ask a committee member if you have questions about this protocol. Pipes are used in * * Sweat Lodges and sometimes brought into the Arbor.
* Refraining from smoking under the Arbor and in any of the buildings. Please put cigarette butts in your pocket and pick up any that you may see on the ground.
* Keeping the Arbor area free from drink bottles, etc. when you leave the area.
* Do drive very slowly within the property and keep the driving of vehicles on the road to a minimum, due to the impact on the land. If you need ice or additional supplies, please network with others by asking if you can assist them by picking up what they need or vice versa. After setting up your camp area and parking your car in the parking area, do not drive down into the camping area until you are ready to break camp unless you are transporting someone with special needs.
* Do keep the camp free from alcohol, drugs, and weapons. Please report any inappropriate behavior to a security member.
* Do make arrangements for dogs to stay elsewhere, as they are not allowed at Gatherings. If dogs accompany anyone, they will be requested to camp in a separate area.
* Do sign up to do your part to help out. We need help with the kitchen duties, security, parking, Elder shuttle, youth activities, and other areas. Please sign up by the kitchen.
* Do show respect for the Elders and your neighbors by observing Quiet Time between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
* Do feel free to invite Elders or others to share your breakfast or evening meal.
* Do leave phones, tablets, cameras, etc. in your car until the fire is put out on Saturday night.
* Do know where your children are and what they are doing. Please do not allow them to play in the vicinity of the Arbor.
* Do respect Forest Service rules by not having an open fire of any kind. We only have permits for the Arbor Fire and the Sweat Lodge Fire.
* Do show respect for Mother Earth by minimizing waste. Use reusable plates and utensils and avoid Styrofoam and other disposables, if possible. Appoint a person in your group responsible for trash in your camp area. Use the blue recycling bags for cans, plastic and glass. Help keep the property clean at all times by picking up any loose trash you might see.
* Do respect the plant life in the area by leaving the root systems if you gather sage, etc.
* Remember that this is Sacred Ground – treat it as you would your Mother.
Mitakuye Oyasin
IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO HONOUR THIS ‘LORE' PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THIS GATHERING it is not for you. Those not honouring the lore will be asked to leave by the Gathering Council.
PARTICIPATION
In keeping with the spirit of the gatherings everyone is welcome at no formal charge, so no one is excluded by lack of money, however gatherings do cost so donations are needed and gratefully accepted. Please consider bringing and supporting an elder or grandmother, or a young person from any family or nation.
This gathering depends on your support, both in attendance and participation. The gathering is not for spectators. Help us share the essence of living as told by the grandmothers.
Your help is necessary for a successful gathering. Please sign up for tasks upon arrival.
• Meal preparation and clean up
• Assisting the Elders
• Fire Keeping: under the guidance of traditional fire keepers
• Children’s activities
• Clean up
• Set Up and Security
Please contact the organizers by completing the contact form
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Sacred Fire which is the heart of the Gathering is on private land. The opening ceremony will be at sunrise Thursday 26th October. And the closing of the fire ceremony will happen on Sunday afternoon, 29th October followed by a fundraiser auction and celebration evening. Participants are encouraged to stay over till Monday to assist clean up and farewell. Workshops will also be held on a variety of related topics; some discussion, some culture and art.
The Vision
To bring to the people medicine through ceremony to preserve and in some cases re-teach elements of the old ways of living. To enable the vision of Black Elk which was for the reunification of all peoples, all colours, all religions, all classes. To work towards the sacred unity of all.
Black Elk
Black Elk's Final Prayer
This prayer embodies the message of S.U.T.
With tears running, O Great Spirit, Great Spirit my Grandfather-with running tears I must say now that the tree has never bloomed. A pitiful old man, you see me here, and I have fallen away and have done nothing. Here at the center of the world, when you took me when I was young and taught me; here, old, I stand, and the tree is withered, Grandfather, my Grandfather. Again, and maybe the last time on this earth, I recall the great vision you sent me. It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives. Nourish it then, that it may leaf and bloom and fill with singing birds. Hear me, not for myself, but for my people.
I am old. Hear me that they may once more go back into the sacred hoop and find the good red road, the shielding tree. From Black Elk Speaks by John Niehardt