Friday, Jun 23, 2006
Devils Tower National Monument is pleased to welcome back Willie LeClair on Friday and Saturday, June 23rd and 24th. LeClair returns to present a program on Native American awareness and traditions. Over the last few years, environmental and ecological issues have worked their way to the forefront of the world’s consciousness. This concept is at the very heart of all American Indian traditions. The programs will begin at 8:00 p.m. at the Devils Tower Amphitheatre.
Willie LeClair was born in Fort Washakie, Wyoming, the son of a Shoshone Indian rancher and a white mother. Drawn by his roots back to the Wind River Reservation, LeClair began to seek a spiritual path that at first involved only traditional dance. He then began to include study with Shoshone and Arapaho tribal elders as he sought to put his feet on the Red Road, the spiritual path of his ancestors. The search led to his participation in the holiest of Native American ceremonies, dancing the Sun Dance and completing six vision quests.
People from all over the world gather at the sweat lodge at LeClair’s ranch - cleansing their bodies, minds and souls in preparation for presentation of themselves before the Great Spirit. Willie says, “They have learned to respect all that makes up the elements of which we are a part – all gifts of the Great Spirit to whom we owe our prayers and our thanks.”
The Cultural Program Series is held each summer at Devils Tower National Monument. Programs move to the Devils Tower Picnic Shelter during inclement weather. For more information on this program or other programs, please call the Devils Tower Visitor Center at 307-467-5283 ext. 635 or visit www.nps.gov/deto.
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