Come to Origin Park for a two-part, two-hour talk and ceremony with Rev. C.J. Wright that will engage participants with the Indigenous stories of the land. This is a repeat of a very popular program that was presented last November. Part I: This Land Speaks. The Indigenous people who walked here before us learned how to live in community from the wisdom of the land. Experience, through listening in the Indigenous ways, what guided their principles, laws, and values. Learn about the cycles and circles of life with an introduction to the Medicine Wheel Teachings. Part II: Native American Talking Circle. Following this talk, participants are invited to listen and share in an Indigenous Talking Circle Ceremony. As in ancient circles of elders, people sit in a circle, listen deeply, and speak from the heart. The Talking Circle begins with prayer led by the practitioner conducting the ceremony. Participants may smudge or purify with the smoke from sacred herbs. A feather or talking stick is passed around the circle, in a sunwise direction, to each person, serving as an invitation to speak. The Talking Circle provides a place for healing and resolving trauma and an opportunity for each person to speak from the heart without interruption, criticism, or judgment. Please dress for the weather and bring a curious mind, an open heart, a refillable water bottle and snacks if you like – there is no food conveniently located near the site. The program takes place rain or shine and will only be rescheduled in the event of extreme weather. Please check your email prior to coming in case of rescheduling. All ages are welcome, and dogs are also welcome if leashed and well-behaved. Origin Park is for everyone: if you have any concerns about accessibility, please contact [email protected] and we will do our best to provide accommodation. The program involves some sitting, standing, and slow movement on mostly flat terrain. About the practitioner: Rev. Cynthia Jo (C. J.) Wright (awahili gawoni-Cherokee), CTR, CTSS, CCISM is the Director of the Rainbow Spiritual Education Center (RSEC). C. J. is an ordained minister of Cherokee, English, and Irish heritage. She embraces both Cherokee traditions and Christian teachings. She has been in ceremony with, worked with, and been mentored by tribal leaders and educators from the Cherokee, Creek, Shawnee, Lakota and Dakota Sioux, Nez Perce, Hopi, Zuni, and Ojibwe tribes over the past 23 years. C. J. has provided support, and counseling and facilitated ceremonies for many Indigenous people in Kentucky and surrounding areas. Photo of Rev. C. J. Wright at Origin Park by Kristin Faurest