With my beloved brother of many, many years, Leonard George and his beloved wife of 46 years, Susan, celebrating brother Leonard's 70th Birthday.
In 1984 Leonard and I worked closely together with the late Phil Lucas and the Community of Alkali Lake to make the three-part series, the Honor of Alkali Lake.
I first met brother Leonard's father, Chief Dan George in 1978 when United Indians sponsored the First American Film Festival, in Seattle. Shortly after meeting his father, I met Brother Leonard.
One of the most humorous of our International journeys was when we were invited by Prince Philip to attend the week long 25th anniversary of the World Wildlife Fund, September 1986, in the central Italian town of Assisi. The location, chosen by the WWF International President HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, recognized St Francis, the Christian saint renowned for his love and respect for all living Things. His tomb, which we visited, made Assisi a Christian pilgrimage destination.
Coming and going to Assisi, Brother Leonard and I, had some very humorous experiences in London. I am including the details of these experiences in a book I am currently writing. You will laugh when you hear of these experiences!
The purpose of the Global Gathering was to identify the role that major world religions could play in furthering the cause of environmental conservation, recognizing the worldwide significance of religion as a force for education and social change. Brother Leonard and I were chosen to represent the Indigenous perspective.
During that week in September 1986, the small Italian town of Assisi was transformed by the arrival of five lively and colorful pilgrimage processions, with costumes and banners reflecting themes of Religion and nature and accompanied by a host of musicians and performers. At the same time, a group of leaders from the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish faiths and Indigenous representatives of North America gathered in retreat to consider the teachings their respective religions offered about our relationship with the natural world.
The week culminated in a dazzling multi-faith ceremony, rich in music, dance, and poetry, representing the different ways in which religious tradition contributed to an overarching commitment to the harmonious stewardship of the natural world. Over 1000 delegates, including scientists, educators, business people, and environmentalists participated!
One those that I met and kept visiting with until his death was, Thor Heyerdahl, who led the Kontiki expedition. Another gentleman I enjoyed visiting with was Sir Edmond Hillary.
Another gentleman that I was particularly impressed with was Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, who I kept in contact with until his death from Cancer in 2003! He was only 70 at the time! Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan is a Shia Ismaili. From my experience and perspective, over the years, the Ismaili's are the purest reflection of the sacred, loving and beautiful Teachings of Islam anywhere on Mother Earth.
Brother Leonard and I conducted a Fire and Pipe Ceremony that lit up the highest hill in Assisi. That is a story unto itself!
There are many more stories to tell, but I will close for now!
