Book Study Group:

Wallace Black Elk, the Sacred Ways of a Lakota

by Wallace H Black Elk & William S. Lyon

A timely look at our growing need to connect and relate to the earth and use our gifts as human beings to tend and listen to her.

Join us online as we read together to discover the teachings of Grandpa Wallace Black Elk as recorded in his book

Hosted by Sarah Maclean Bicknell and Vicki Ghost Horse

Wallace Black Elk (1921-2004), a traditional Lakota Elder and spiritual interpreter, was a Channupa (sacred pipe) bearing descendent of the legendary Nicholas Black Elk whose visionary experiences were recounted in the book “Black Elk Speaks.”

Grandfather Wallace was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and has been trained since childhood in the sacred ways of his people. He was present at the occupation of Wounded Knee, and has been politically active in fighting for the rights of Native American people. He was a spiritual leader and had served as an international lecturer and as a Native American representative to the United Nations.

This is a book to read together and in community.

Now more than ever we are in need to connect to a greater being of all things (all my relations)

A perfect juncture for our deep yearning to forge a bond with our Mother Earth, to encouraging each one of us to harness our innate human capacities to nurture and heed our primordial Mother.

Every day this becomes ever more pertinent and palpable and to do this in community is to deepen our understanding of this work.

Dates:

Sunday May 11th : 5:30pm – 7pm PST

Sunday May 25th : 5:30pm – 7pm PST

Sunday June 8th : 5:30pm – 7pm PST

Costs:

Suggested donation $30-$100
*please pay what you can afford with a little push*
All donations will be split between Sarah and Vicki who are donating to these charitable causes:

Night Turtle Dance & Sungleska Nation

How it will work:

Step 1 : Register and pay through the link on this page

Step 2: Join the Village Green and you will be added into the private group for this book club, which is where we will meet each week.

Step 3: Buy the book and start reading! We hope to have all read the first chapters before our first meeting.

Throughout the 1990s, Sarah and Vicki experienced countless unforgettable moments with Wallace Black Elk, whom they embraced as a member of their Sundance family, known as Sungleska Oyate. In this close-knit relationship, he was more than just a friend; he was a father figure, a spiritual leader and a wise as well as a confounding mentor.

A few words from Vicki Ghost Horse:

Grandfather Wallace Black Elk . . . how do I describe in a few words what I saw in this Elder & experienced during the times spent in his company?

Okay, here’s just a few adjectives, plus an adverb thrown in here and there: Indian . . . Big . . . very tricky . . . part man/mostly spirit . . . brilliant interpreter . . . multi-dimensional . . . TEACHER . . . lonely . . . playful . . . brave . . . human being. A huge gift to us all!

-VGH

We meet with participants over 3 online calls in May and June to discuss the book and share personal stories from their years spent with him.

The Lakota elders who decided to include people of all races in their teachings are sometimes controversial within their own tribes. However, through Wallace’s eagerness to impact many lives during his travels around the world, he aimed to share the Lakota culture and help others hear the voice of the First Nations, especially at a time when listening is crucial.

Our Mother Earth is sacred, and we must care for her.

This book is comprised of two parts: The Making of a Shaman and The Sacred Mystery Powers

We recommend that you read as much as possible beforehand to keep pace with the calls.

Purchase the book here

If you are a member of The Village Green, please register and you will be updated via The Village Green platform.

If you are not a member, SIGN UP FOR FREE HERE to be able to join the calls.