Fall Benefit At SPIRITS ON THE RIVER Sunday - September 22, 2002

Spirit's On The River was once again the place for those that support Leonard Peltier and the American Indian Movement of Asheville (AIMAsheville) to gather. The day was a bit rainny but we had just come through a long time of drought and even though we were a bit damp - we were all grateful for the rain and to be able to come together for our common goals. As usual everything was running on Indian Time. People were starting to gather out on the deck - ordering the excellent food prepared by Ann and Flip... Ginny Fry, a musician and artist, arrived and realized we hadn't made any plans for a PA system - so she volunteered to drive all the way back to her home in Old Fort and bring one back! The dedication of our friends blows me away! Ginny you are great! Ginny got back with the system ....and we started the entertainment and education of those attending. Michael Farr started after a brief introduction by BJ.... And of course - we requested that he sing Aboriginal Sin - an original song written by Michael about Leonard. We then introduced Bruce TwoEagles to our audience - Bruce brought greetings from the AIM Grand Governing Council. Bruce spoke on his work with First Nations as they learn how to build healthy communitites and work for the prosperity of their people. Ginny Fry then played and sang for us.... we are so blessed to have such passionate and talented people with us! And again - THANK YOU Ginnny for traveling in the rain about 50 miles round-trip to get a PA system for us! We then heard from Jack Herer - life-long advocate for the legalizing of hemp growing and usage in this country - Jack is the author of "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" .... a book that is a compreshensive collection of documents from all over the world in regard to the growing, usage, and political impact this plant has had on human history .... from the dawn of "modern" man. A book well worth its cover price. Just Click on the Book Name and it will take you to one site where you can view chapters and get ordering info. Eddie Gordon - a friend and supporter for Jack and the hemp movement - entertained us with his harmonica playing and storytelling - Danny Begay - flute maker and player came from The Gathering in Tenn that weekend to be with us and play a few songs and share with us a few stories to inspire.... Lowrey Begay - World-known and loved Navajo Hoop Dancer, Flute, and Drummer.... Emerson Begay - brother to Lowrey - also lent his special talents to several numbers with Lowrey and Danny..... All three had been with Bill Miller at The Gathering - and we were very honored to have them there with us.... these are people who are out there 24/7 teaching with their example and their words ..... Our friend Ed Stein from Earth First was there to support us - he talked to the people in regard to the different situations that are now taking center stage in the forestry and National Forest arenas..... Old growth forests are being threatened with "controlled burns" to prevent forest fires - however it is the newly logged areas that are the threat not the old growth.... Ed also shared with us his reasons for and the inspiration he has gained from his friendship and knowledge of Indian ways.... Flip and Ann (owners and operators of Spirits) are traditional hosts - they treat everyone with respect and they serve some fantastic food.......... without their help - none of this would be possible - they let us come in - take over the place and we are always grateful!

The following are a few photos of the day.... as you can see it was a bit gray outside .... but we all had a wonderful time - it was good to see all our friends once again! And in the words of our Friend and Brother.......... Be Well Everyone!