In the summer of 2002 John LaFountaine, Tammy Van, and Melody Wilson journeyed to South Dakota . There they met with a Lakota medicine man to talk about the hardships facing the Lakota children and Elders.
After three days of lengthy discussions the group asked what they could do to help the Lakota children. The most pressing issue facing the Lakota children, from the view point of the medicine man, was the loss of the language and cultural values.
Armed with the desire to help the children the group made their way back to their respective homes. During this return journey an idea began to emerge. The idea blossomed into what is now the Seven Fires Foundation.
The Seven Fires Foundation is continually evolving to meet the needs of the children. As we identify additional needs we work to create a solution. Oftentimes it may require a simple donation of clothing or food while other times it requires a strategic plan that empowers all concerned.
Our Beginnings
Tammy Van, of Chumash descent, was asked to serve as the Adminstrative Director of the Foundation. In this capacity she has given of herself without regard to monetary compensation. Her organizational skills and leadership abilities has helped in keeping the fires burning.
Why Seven Fires
The name Seven Fires represents two important prophecies given to the First Nation Peoples of North America.
The first prophecy-honoring the Seven Sacred Council Fires (Oceti Shakowin) was given to the Lakota people during the challenging times of the 1890's. The prophecy in part stated, "the Seventh Generation would come together to Mend the Sacred Hoop, restore the Spirit of the Nations, and unite all Nations to heal our Mother Earth." Now is the time of the seventh generation.
More information on the Seven Sacred Council Fires and the Seventh Generation can be found at this site
The second prophecy-given to the Anishinaabe people tells of the "Seven Fires" or predictions. Seven prophets came to the Anishinaabe giving seven predictions of what the future would bring. Each of the prophecies was called a Fire and each Fire referred to a particular era of time in the future. Now is the time of the Seventh Fire where "New People" will emerge to learn from the Elders and rekindle the flames of tradition and spirituality.
We are the people of the Seventh Fire! We choose to assist in the formation of one United Nation of Brotherhood which will live in respect of all living things, including each other.
Seven Fires Foundation is here to assist in the fulfillment of that sacred prophecy.
Information on the Anishinaabe Seven Fires prophecy can be downloaded by clicking this link. This link is an Adobe
Portable Document Format (pdf) file and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader plugin to view its contents.
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About Seven Fires Foundation