By The Gathering Volunteers Chris Anderson
with contributing writer Caroline Urbania
 
BLUEMONT, VA – Sample a new indigenous treat at the Indian Village Sept. 17-18 during the 47th annual Bluemont Fair.  Blended with Virginia red clover, dandelion and alfalfa this indigenous tea spills over with plants found at Northern Virginia’s Sky Meadows State Park and seen along many Virginia roads. It is called Sky Meadows Sunset Organic and is built upon black Rooibos tea.
​
"Let us share our knowledge with you about the second most consumed beverage on the planet and connect you with the people and plants that make this beautiful drink,” says Hillary Coley, co-owner of Dominion Tea in Purcellville, Va.

Native American Indians have endless combinations of berries, leaves, roots, flowers and even bark to make flavorful teas. These are used as tonics, in ceremonies, consumed for health and well-being as well as comfort and enjoyment.

Dominion Tea will be offering brewed samples of Sky Meadows Sunset Organic at the Indian Village and will talk about the tea, how it is made and explain the science behind how a blend of tea is constructed.

“Dominion Tea is a locally owned family business in Purcellville, Virginia dedicated to sharing great tea and the stories behind its history and cultural influence,” says Coley, who along with her husband David, offer more than 100 loose leaf teas. “We are in awe of the impact that specialty tea has had on global history and culture. It is a product that symbolizes cultural awareness, personal connections, adventure, and a connection to the land. Dominion Tea is honored to search the globe for authentic tea and tisane products, satisfying individual growth and curiosity.”

“In creating Sky Meadows Sunset Organic tisane, we followed our passion to find ingredients that grew natively in Virginia, like red clover, dandelion and alfalfa, which would blend nicely with our favorite tisane Rooibos,” says Coley. “We added Sunset to the name in acknowledgement of the golden orange brew of this tisane and how it is the color of many sunsets here in Virginia."

The health benefits of red clover are well documented as are the properties of dandelion. Alfalfa is also well-known for its nutritive properties. Herbal blends pack flavonoids and may help with many issues. Their specific chemical compositions vary depending on which ingredients are utilized and how, where and when they are harvested. Generally, any tea has some beneficial aspect, even if it is consumed just for a pleasant taste. 

At the Indian Village, Dominion Tea will also offer samples of a new apple tea – they are seeking people to try and offer names for the new tea.
The Indian Village is open for two days only at Stone’s Field 33834 Snickersville Tpke, Bluemont, VA 20135. The fair opens at 10:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm daily. Free parking is available.
 
Bluemont is located in the western-most Loudoun County, Virginia about 60 miles from Washington D.C. Arriving from highway 7 between Leesburg and Winchester take Snickersville Turnpike to where the entire town comes alive with music, crafts, activities, and food.
 
For more information visit www.HarvestGathering.org or www.dominiontea.com. ​

The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) at Shepherd University recently donated set pieces from their production of The Wedding Gift. The pieces will be used for the Indian Village that opens Sept. 17-18 during the 47th Annual Bluemont Fair.

The Indian Village theme is, "Where the Past and Present Meet Under a Harvest Moon," and is part of a cultural rescue by artists to teach children how to build the Indian Village while working alongside Native American Indians.

According to multiple reports, "a staggering 87 percent of references to American Indians in all 50 states' academic standards portray them in a pre-1900 context."

That means students are graduating from high school without even basic knowledge of contemporary Native challenges or culture.

A team of more than 100 volunteers are creating this interactive experience that combines modern technology with traditional sustainable living to give visitors a glimpse into the lives of Native American Indians who lived in the past and those living today. A full agenda is posted online.

CATF donated 16 various-sized panels averaging 20 feet tall to the host for the Indian Village non-profit Sanctuary on the Trail.

The panels were part of the set (designed by David M. Barber) for playwright Chisa Hutchinson's The Wedding Gift, a provocative 90-minute play that received its world premiere at the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Due to the size of the flats, and the inevitable damage that occurs during disassembly, the walls were slated to be discarded. However, Rene Locklear White, president of Sanctuary on the Trail, learned that the Festival was open to the idea of donating the pieces.

"I saw The Wedding Gift with my neighbor, June Krupsaw," said Rene. "After the show, the audience was invited to stay and watch crew members transform the stage in preparation for that evening's performance of 20th Century Blues, by Susan Miller. This involved changing sets. Trent Kugler and Joshua Midgett-CATF's Production Manager and General Manager-indicated there was a possibility of obtaining The Wedding Gift's panels after I inquired about their use for the Indian Village. As soon as the Festival ended, Trent contacted us. We're so excited and thankful to CATF for this priceless contribution to our past and present theme."

The panels are currently stored in Bluemont waiting for September installation.

"Visitors will see many of the panels at the Indian Village along with a wigwam, and see all the panels next year during The Gathering 2017," said Chris (Comeswithclouds White) who admitted they are seeking a few strong volunteers to help install the panels this year and next year.

To volunteer or contribute to the Indian Village visit www.HarvestGathering.org, email info4TheGathering@gmail.org or call Rene at 540-554-8730 or www.BluemontFair.org. This is a 501(c)3 non-profit initiative and all contributions are tax deductible.
​

"The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) at Shepherd University produces and develops vital, topical, and engaging new American plays," according to Gabriel Zucker, Director of Communications and Marketing for CATF.

"The Festival tells daring and diverse stories and strives to create a profound dynamic between the audience, the artists, and the work."

"Inclusive of the 2016 season, CATF has produced 115 new plays, 43 world premieres, and 10 new play commissions. 56 of the Festival's plays have been penned by women; 59 by men, which puts the female to male ratio at 49 percent--nearly twice the national average," added Zucker.

The Festival's 27th Season will run July 7-30, 2017. For more information about CATF visit www.catf.org.
​

TO: Sanctuary on the Trail, Inc
René White, President

It is a pleasure to inform you that the Virginia Commission for the Arts has awarded Sanctuary on the Trail, Inc a matching grant of $1950 in the Artists in Education program.

The Commission is grateful for your dedication to providing the schools and the community with arts in education activities designed to enhance the scope and sequence of a school’s basic arts instruction and to provide arts education resources for teachers and parents.
​
Please accept our best wishes for your continued success.

Original letter signed by Margaret Vanderhye Executive Director

LOUDOUN MIRROR NEWS article

​

At this time more than ever, we are at risk of losing the understanding of indigenous ways of life and what they stand for. The impact of funding cannot be over-stressed in its ability to help. Your contribution provides to us the support necessary to enable the educational development for both art teachers and students and provides the means of preserving a heritage valuable to all. Contributions are 100% tax deductible for this 501(c)3 Non-Profit Initiative.

​Educational Celebration of Art in Nature™ and Indigenous People and Culture  Hosted by Art in Nature™ with Sanctuary on the Trail™ and the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Va. 

​Photos by Chris Anders and Peter Thornton | PJ Photography

Volunteer!  
Contact renewhite64@gmail.com  or www.HarvestGathering.org.  

Thanks to all the volunteers who contributed their artwork for the Poster Contest. 

It was a tight contest, as we had many excellent submissions this year. After much deliberation, the winning piece was “Harvest Moon” by Denise Kupiszewski, shown above. (See more on Denise at www.themudpeddler.com.) This art will be the basis for the posters and t-shirts for this year’s Bluemont Fair—to be held September 17-18, 2016.
     The Bluemont Fair is a country fair that draws thousands of people to the historic village of Bluemont, Virginia each September. The Fair gives everyone the opportunity to visit the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains to enjoy all kinds of food, juried crafts, interactive exhibits, local beer and wine, excellent music, and so much more.
     And this year we are very pleased to announce that the Bluemont Fair will include an exciting and educational Indian Village (with elements from The Gathering), where we will be celebrating the harvest with Native American dance, regalia, and living history exhibits, set among traditional wigwam and tee pee dwellings.
     We hope to see you all in September!

When the village opens this fall, the general public will be surprised to find out how many things they do not know about Native American Indian people. This initiative is also an opportunity for children and volunteers to be ambassadors for this underrepresented group and their culture.

The target audience is 45 Montessori school children of ages from 2- to 12-years old, along with seven teachers.  The children will participate in building a wigwam/yahkin, erect a tee pee, build and paint drums, learn to cook food over open fires, and much more. Later in the fall, the children will open the Indian village to the public during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Bluemont Fair on Sept. 17-18, 2016.

Leading the construction for the dwellings is Chris White, CEO of Sanctuary on the Trail™, a class-A general contractor and self-taught engineer. Mr. White is of Cherokee descent and a wood and stone artist.
Debbie Johnson-Conti of the Sauk & Fox Nation will assist Mr. White with developing the blueprints and obtain appropriate materials for building the yahkin or wigwam. It was common for women to actually build the structures on the east coast, according to Powhatan oral histories and eye witnesses’ accounts recorded by early settlers in Virginia.   ​

“At this time more than ever, we are at risk of losing the understanding of indigenous ways of life and what they stand for,” Mrs. White said, explaining that she took to her oath in the military to protect and defend to heart. “The impact of funding cannot be over-stressed in its ability to help us.  It provides to us the support necessary to enable the educational development for both teachers and students.  It provides the means of preserving a heritage valuable to all.” 

“Native American Indian people have a rich heritage in the arts, but also in science, technology, engineering, and math or STEM,” said Michael Gress, VMS owner. “Indigenous contributions to the globe affect what we eat today, influence ecology, and inspire sustainable living. We are excited for our children to participate in this innovative program.”

VMS utilizes a unique prepared environment, indoors and out, which utilizes the sensitivity that children have to take in impressions and organize them through their senses. The approach is hands-on and child-centered.

“The Montessori-way recognizes and values the human spirit in the development of the whole child – physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively,” said Toby Gress, head of VMS.  “Our students will embrace the experience of this collaboration which mirrors and supports our current method of instruction.”

The team’s goal is to raise $27,850 for the artists, materials, and supplies needed to bring this program to Loudoun County. With Ken and Julia’s contribution of $7,500, the team still plans to raise $20,350 through community contributions and other grant opportunities.

ther sponsors, partners, and donors from the community are invited to support and participate in this cultural education program. This is a 501(c)3 non-profit initiative and all contributions are tax deductible.

More than 100 volunteers help the Whites field-test Art in Nature™ and Sanctuary on the Trail™ activities outside the classroom to ensure they are well-received by students, teachers, families, and the public alike.

Last year, commuters may remember seeing a tee pee while driving along US Highway-7 between Leesburg and Winchester at Clermont Farm on the corner of Berryville Main Street. Mr. White designed the structure with help from a Navajo/Dine artist who plans to drive from New Mexico to participate in this program.

Additionally, the team hosted “The Gathering 2015” an educational celebration of agri-culture held last fall at the Clarke County fairgrounds. Close to 5,000 people attended the Native American Indian harvest festival. Next year, “The Gathering 2017” is expected to draw 20,000+ people on Oct. 20-22, 2017.
 
This Indian village project would not be possible without the support of Jen Stone and her Bluemont family who have volunteered their private property to create the village, the Bluemont Citizens Association, and the Bluemont Fair Committee, who incorporated the grand opening of the village into the 2016 Bluemont Fair.
 
“We’re thrilled to have the Indian Village as part of our rural, historic Bluemont Fair,” said Bluemont Fair Co-Chair Cynthia Morris (with Jen Stone). “The Native American heritage of our area has been underrepresented in the past. This is an exciting opportunity to remind people of those who were here long before the events that we usually talk about when we reference local history. The Indian Village will be an exciting addition to our Fair—everyone is invited to join us in Bluemont on September 17 & 18, 2016, and experience it for themselves!”
 
To volunteer or contribute visit www.HarvestGathering.org, email info4TheGathering@gmail.org, call René at 540-554-8730 or visit www.BluemontFair.org.

     Many schools teach their K-12 students that all Indians are dead. According to Indian Country Today Network, studies show a stagger 87 percent of references to American Indians in all 50 states portray them in pre-1900 context, which means students are graduating high school without even basic knowledge we Indians are still alive.
      Our goal is to raise awareness and raise $27,850 to help bring 14 artists and logistics to work with a core group of 30 students, ages 5-12 years old and seven teachers. The Primary Audience is 45 PK-6 graders ranging from 2-12 years old. The Secondary Audience is parents, artists, community and general public. ​
     Sanctuary on the Trail™ has initiated a new Art in Nature™ educational program with the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Loudoun County Virginia called, "Artists Teaching Children to Raise a Village." Artists will serve as guides in helping point students and teachers to discovering truths about Virginia's Indians and Indigenous culture with hands-on-experience outdoors.
     Participating Students are from the Village Montessori School in Bluemont, Va. The Montessori school curriculum inspires children to reach their highest potential and develop a love of learning by focusing on the full development of the child, including their physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual growth. 
     Most of the adult artists are already pre-selected. To be added to the Artist Waiting List, please email info4TheGathering.org.
     To Volunteer email us at info4TheGathering.org or call us at 540-554-8730.
     Art in Nature™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit outreach initiative hosted by Bluemont resident and Native American Indian artist René White (Feather) president of Sanctuary on the Trail™ Inc.
     Founded in 2010, our vision and mission is “Helping Leaders First” and acknowledging Indigenous to the world to “Reduce Suffering in the World.”