PHOTOS: Annual Campout
It was once again that time of year to gather under the pines to celebrate GADUGI! Our annual Cherokee campout is a highlight of the year for many. It’s a time to come together as a “Cherokee family” and enjoy each other’s company while taking time to learn and celebrate our culture. The hum of conversation and the echoes of laughter floated on the breeze. Smiles, hugs, and handshakes could be seen by all that made the journey to Pine Grove.
We shared excitement and anticipation as we welcomed our local community member, Guy Nixon, and Cherokee Nation guests, Pam Bakke and Will Chavez who traveled from our homelands to share their talents and join us in community. Guy Nixon, from northern California, joined us with his family to make our weekend complete.
Pam Bakke, our Cherokee Nation Community and Cultural Outreach representative, entertained and educated us through storytelling and the craft of making medicine bags. It was a delight to learn about medicine bags and to be able to make one of our own to take home. The children were proud to wear medicine bags around their necks to display their art.
Will Chavez, Assistant Editor of the Cherokee Phoenix newspaper, presented a slideshow about the newspaper’s history, which was the very first Native newspaper in the United States. Will also is the coordinator and a trainer for the annual “Remember the Removal” bike ride, a special youth leadership program involving riding over 950 miles retracing the Trail of Tears. He shared the details on the training, time, challenges, and sheer dedication that goes into the annual adventure. We learned that a lot of special landmarks still exist, marking where our ancestors initially made their journey. It was emotional to learn the history.
Guy Nixon grew up in the Eldorado Hills area and is a US Navy veteran. He holds a BS in Biology and worked for the US Forest Service for many years. Guy has authored several books on Cherokees who migrated to California. In his presentation, Guy shared stories that educated and entertained, including about his grandfather, Bill, who was Osage, Cherokee, and Pawnee.
We then gathered for a tremendous dinner of bison and bean Indian Tacos on Fry Bread, Three Sisters Succotash, and Peach Cobbler with ice cream for dessert. A special WADO to Sabrina McKinney for her hard labor of love! We all enjoyed her delicious dinner and appreciated all her hard work! Wado, Jackie Robbins, husbands, and everyone who pitched in to help!
During dinner, we had the children display their crafts, celebrated our veterans, acknowledged our guest presenters, and had drawings for donated item giveaways. We ended Saturday evening with drumming from the women’s drum group, Otsigeya and the new girl’s drumming group. They all drummed and sang at dusk, continuing until the stars graced us with their light. We could hear the drums and song echo through the trees and in our hearts. Our feet and backs were tired, but our hearts were overflowing with love of friendship and GADUGI!
--Roxanna Horne
