We had the gift of being a part of a grant presentation ceremony a few weeks ago with some individuals from the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. This community has given over 97 million since 1997 to organizations who are serving others. We had the honor of receiving a grant to do “Camp Wayside” this summer with kids here in our area.
Take a moment to read their vision statement:
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, through the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, continues the Native tradition of potlatch, a ceremony at which good fortune is distributed. Through our grant awards, we promote sustainability, inclusion and the advancement of underserved communities, including Oregon Tribes. (By promoting equity and diversity, we embody our belief that all Oregonians can flourish together when we understand our shared and unique history.) Our primary focus is to improve the quality of life for all people living in Northwest Oregon through effective philanthropic investments that are consistent with the Tribe’s culture and values.
This presentation ceremony was a sacred experience that connected with much of what has been growing deep within me the past few months. The Confederated Tribes have an incredible heart of blessing and honoring those who historically could be categorized as “enemy” or “other”. Rather than nurturing a heart of anger or retribution they are pouring out blessing on so many.
I found myself asking, “How I might continue to be a presence of life, love, goodness, and blessing toward people in my sphere of influence?” How can I move out of “othering” those who think differently or hold values that seem contrary to my core convictions? My friends in Grand Ronde have every justification to be hard, bitter, closed to me and yet they invite me in, share resources, speak gratitude and encouragement, and send me out with the aroma of peace and love. What a gift!
How might I receive this blessing and share it with those around me today with a heart of gratitude for every breath I breathe? Thank you Jon, Brenda, Angela, Michael, Kristy, and so many others for embracing me with goodness and blessing and inviting me to do the same.