7Circles sign01.png
slide_10
slide_5
slide_7
slide_4
Workshop4
Workshop3
Wall Art2
Wall Art1
workshop3
workshop1
once in a lifetime sunset
Eagle spirit

Seven Circles Heritage Center

is located in Edwards, IL and had its beginnings fourteen plus years ago. A small group of people with Native American heritage decided to volunteer their energies toward the goal of promoting Native American culture dance, arts, and cultural values - for the purpose of educating the broader community, and providing a forum for Native peoples and other interested persons to share knowledge, learn traditions, and art forms, and form community. Many traditions and cultures have been included. Through the generosity of Bill and Hazel Rutherford and the Forest Park Foundation a 23-acre land site has been provided for our center. The center helps gather our community and is a place where all people can come to learn and appreciate our indigenous heritage.If you would like to support Seven Circles through your tax deductible donation contact one of our staff .
iaclogo

Seven Circles Heritage Center is supported, in part, by a grant from the Illinois State Arts Council.

Seven Circles Heritage Foundation is proud be a part of the group

Location

Directions:

From Peoria , take I 74 west to the Kickapoo/Edwards exit.

Turn left and follow the signs toward Wildlife Prairie Park. When you reach the stop sign (just after railroad tracks in Edwards), turn left. This is State Rt. 8 (also known as Southport Rd ).

Proceed east about 8/10 of a mile to the center.

Turn left into drive.

Events and Meetings

Calendar

Calendar of Events

Scroll down the page with the slider on the right side of this page ->>January Our Inipi for Januarywill be held on Saturday the 14th.We will start around 3:00 p.m. We could use help in preperation. As always we will have a pot luck meal after the lodge. Everyone is invited so if you would like to bring a friend, please do. Guy's need shorts and a towl. Ladies need long skirts and towls. Don't forget to thank the ones that do this for you. Hope to see you all there.

Meetings at the Circles

NA and AA are neither affiliated, nor do they endorse any other organizations or/including each other.

Click for

AA Meeting

Information

Click for

NA Meeting

Information

AA Meetings

NA and AA are neither affiliated, nor do they endorse any other organizations or/including each other.

Click to return to

Calendar page

NA Meetings

NA and AA are neither affiliated, nor do they endorse any other organizations or/including each other.

Click to return to

Calendar page

Council Circle

Seven Circles Council Members:

Our Presidents
Executive Board1
Executive Board2
Governing Council-1
Governing Council-2

Our Presidents President: Waylon McCamy(Elder / Spirituality Diversity )Waylon is the director of Spirit of the Rainbow Singers, a northern style Native American Drum that has officiated as head drum at many powwows throughout the country. Waylon teaches northern style singing, drumming, and dancing in classes at Seven Circles. He is also a sundancer and spiritual guide.
waylon-sm

Past President: Fred Shelabarger(Elder / Spirituality Diversity )Fred has been an ordained Chaplain of Spirituality since 2007 and is leader of the Sacred Seven Group that is building a medicine wheel at Seven Circles. He has extensive experience with personal computers[PCs] including publishing of newsletters and website management.He is a member of the Central Illinois Gourd Dance Society as well as a charter member of the Gathering of Veterans Friendship PowWow held at Seven Circles Heritage Center. He is a Vietnam veteran and works with others in veteran healing. He retired from Caterpillar w/42 years of service.
Fred Shelabarger01.jpg

Past Preident: Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin (Clergy) Carol, of Lakota and Yakima heritage, has been working to develop Native American community projects in the Central IL area since 1989. She was the founding director of Return to Pimiteoui Pow Wow, Seven Circles Heritage Center, and serves as the Pastor of the Native American Fellowship-Dayspring United Methodist Church , a congregation with a multi-cultural mission. Carol holds a Masters of Divinity, Masters of Christian Education, and a Masters in Counseling Psychology. Mostly, she appreciates the lessons she has learned from her parents and family who wove a beautiful blanket of Christian faith, Native Spirituality, and deep respect for the Earth.
carol_blue

Executive Board1 butch_regalia

Butch McCamy Vice President, Seven Circles Council Faith Keeper, Spiritual Helper Elder Member of Spirit of the Rainbow Singers. President of Rainbow Dancers Pow Wow Committee. Butch operates his own family business in heating and air conditioning.
linda_blue

Linda LowerTreasurer of Seven Circles Heritage Center. At Seven Circles Linda has taught classes in beadwork. She is a gifted organizer and accountant. Also she is currently employed by the Native American Fellowship as administrative assistant.

Executive Board2 Rebecca Gearhart, PhD. Secretary, Seven Circles Council & Academic Outreach Committee Chair Rebecca is an associate professor of anthropology at Illinois Wesleyan University. She is engaged in developing the educational workshops and presentations that Seven Circles offers. Rebecca continues to help create cross-cultural connections between Seven Circles and other communities.

rebecca_image

Chris Rybak, PhDCounseling & healing supportChris is a counseling professor at Bradley University. He has been facilitating healing support groups at Seven Circles Heritage Center for several years. Indigenous healing practices from American Indian, Asian Indians, and other traditions demonstrate the central, inner strengths that are available to us all.
Eliida Lakota Youth programsEliida is the eldest of the "three Lakota sisters." She is an occupational therapy assistant, specializing in the role of spirituality in behavioral health. She loves the out of doors and is an active environmentalist, especially protecting the Illinois River . She is a maker of lodges (tipis), an artist, and has in her the spirit of creativity.

Governing Council-1 kim

Kim Davis

Native American Traditional Education

Fire Keeper for our Sweat Lodges and a member of the Grounds Board. Kim is a Sundancer, Pipe Carrier, and teacher.

Adam Medicine Dog Danner

Native American Traditional Education

Adam focuses on Native American Traditional Education. Adam is a certified lay speaker and Pipe Carrier. Adam serves Seven Circles Heritage Center with his planning and ideas.

Kevin Cashmeir

Native American Traditional Education, Fire Keeper

Grounds & Building Committee - Chair

Governing Council-2 sally

Sally Waker

Kitchen/Food Service and Membership

Dale (Walking Pine) Moss

Website and Greenhouse

An avid enthusiast of the planting of Pine trees, Dale has set up a greenhouse out at Seven Circles. He plans to raise not only conifers, but Tobacco and other sacred medicines as well.

Veterans Pow Wow
No Frame

2011

Gathering of Veterans Friendship Pow Wow

Gathering of Veterans

Overview
Friday Sept 14
Saturday Sept 15
Sunday Sept 16

Overview

Overview of the PowWow

The Gathering of Veterans Friendship Pow Wow A one-of-a-kind gathering for healing, restoration, and peace. Honoring warriors is a strong tradition among Native American people. The purpose of this nonpolitical Pow Wow is a healing mission. Warriors and their families are honored. Peace and wartime vets, those on active duty, all who stood and still stand and are ready to defend, are honored. All local veterans, of every military service and branch, and their families are especially invited and encouraged to attend.
Old Album

Friday Sept 14

Opening Ceremonies: Friday Sept. 14

Opening dedication will start at 6:00 p.m. with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner followed by the table ceremony by ROTC students from Richwoods High School. The reading of the role of Pow Mia names will be done by volunteers without a break other than during the flyover of the U.S. Air National Guard C-130 cargo plane. A releasing of white doves is scheduled to be done during the reading of the role ceremony. Music from bagpipes and trumpet will conclude the ceremony.
No Frame

A Spirit Fire will burn throughout the event. Everyone is invited to attend this very spiritual part of the pow wow. Firekeeper Marty Stomping Elk will be glad to answere any questions about the Spirit Fire.

Saturday Sept 15

The Main Event: Saturday Sept. 15

Saturday will start with Gourd dancing at 12:00 noon.Dancer Grand Entry will be at 1:00 p.m. with intertribal and demonstration dancing untill 4:00 p.m. at which time we will break for a feed.Gourd Dancing will again be held at 6:00 p.m. with intertribal dancing untill 10:00 p.m.
No Frame

Sunday Sept 16

Closing of the Event: Sunday Sept. 16

Sunday will start with worship service by the Native American Fellowship Dayspring Church at 10:00 a.m. Gourd Dancing will be at 12:00 noon.Dancer Grand Entry will be at 1:00 p.m. Intertribal and exibition dancing till 5:00 p.m.
No Frame

Culture Connection

Our Shared Vision
Activities
Native American
Our Elders speak-1
Our Elders Speak-2

Our Shared Vision

A Gathering - A Vision - A Promise - A Fulfillment of Prophecy

No Frame

Our Mission Statement:

To provide a spiritual gathering place for persons of indigenous heritage.

To worship, share knowledge, and develop community.

To seek to preserve and restore indigenous culture.

To seek improved cross-cultural understanding and respect.

To provide cultural and spiritual opportunities for the public at large.

Seven Circles is a GatheringA gathering of people around a common cause,a common belief "That we are all related." From the seven sacred directions they will come, andthe sacred hoop will be mended. Native American People living in the 21st century know that this is the seventh generation. The birth of the white buffalo validates this point in time. The prophecy is that it is this generation that will help to bring healing to Mother Earth and a Peace among human beings. The Hopi elders have announced that after many generations of telling people to await the healing generation, they are now saying something new. They are telling us: You are the Ones You Have Been Waiting For. Our prophets told us that one day, people of all nations, and of all races would come together in peace to pray. Black Elk's vision sees people of the fourdirections praying with the pipe. (Lakota) PeaceMaker told of the same gatheringaround a sacred tree of life. (Seneca)

Activities

These are the current projects and programs that Seven Circles Heritage Foundation is developing and expanding:

Academic Outreach immersion classes for university students and professionals in health, education, music, religion and anthropology

Central Illinois Gourd Dance Club bringing the tradition of the Kiowa/Comanche Gourd dance to our area

Gathering of Veterans Pow Wow held at the center annually to honor the protectors of our way of life

Generation-to-Generation a cultural preservation project which includes documentation of local stories

Interfaith dialogues and ceremonies including participation of Hindu Heritage Center, Buddhist Zen, Native American Christian, and Muslim communities

Northern Style Drum Class led by Waylon and Butch McCamy from Spirit of the Rainbow Singers

Red Path Murals community based mural project depicting an artistic interpretation of native history and spirituality

Stepping Stones support groups, founded in Native American healing concepts, assisting persons in their emotional and spiritual journeys

Thunder in the Valley multi-cultural drumming and rhythm festival

Youth Group fun and learning for the youth of our community

Cultural Classes exploration of the art, music, language and medicine of many traditions

Medicine Wheel Project

And numerous land site renovation and landscape projects.

Native American

The Great Native American Civilizations

Our Elders speak-1

(Part 1) Indigenous Native American Prophecy (Elders Speak part 1)

Our Elders Speak-2

(Part 2) Indigenous Native American Prophecy (Elders Speak part 2)

Photo Albums

7 Circles Photo Scrapbooks

7 Circles

Our People

Bison Ground Blessing

Veterans PowWow

7 Circles

So_we_are_one_by_Airleasd.jpg

Native_Fancy_Shaw_Dancer_by_Eds_art.jpg

Dancer Rosa

Camping at the Circles

Camping at the circles

inside a Tepee

Eagle Spirit

inipi03.jpg

tepee02.jpg

tepee03.jpg

IMG_8661.jpg

Once in a lifetime sunset

IMG_2493.jpg

Mr.Lone Elk

Goose nest

The Pond

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 301.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 300.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 417.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 414.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 415.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 237.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 225.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 271.jpg

Nikon copied 5-7-10 365.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 549.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 533.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 535.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 526.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 525.jpg

Our People

J.R. Lane and Russ W.

Rosa Brummit

Charlie Armstrong

Butch at the drum

Spike-Bill - Ron 2.JPG

100_3117.JPG

100_3124.JPG

Connie making Fry Bread

greenhouse01.jpg

IMG_5826.jpg

Native_American_Culture_by_gothicgrl104.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 517.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 419.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 122.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 359.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 023.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 093.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 360.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 123.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 090.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 520.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 204.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 190.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 548.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 352.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 353.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 174.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 272.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 275.jpg

Nikon Copied 2-24-10 118.jpg

Bison Ground Blessing

100_3120.JPG

100_3125.JPG

100_3122.JPG

100_3112.JPG

100_3119.JPG

100_3110.JPG

100_3114.JPG

100_3121.JPG

100_3127.JPG

100_3126.JPG

100_3111.JPG

100_3118.JPG

Bison01.jpg

bill kyle me 2011.jpg

bill b 2011.jpg

bruce n me 2011.jpg

buffalo blessing 2011.jpg

larry n me.jpg

wpp2011.jpg

way pray monae.jpg

Nikon copied 5-7-10 301.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 344.jpg

Nikon copied 5-7-10 302.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 346.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 350.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 345.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 349.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 351.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 339.jpg

Liida-Janell cpied 4-3-11 357.jpg

Veterans PowWow

100_3124.JPG

Spike-Bill - Ron 2.JPG

vets grand 01.png

slide_4.jpg

IMG_4327.jpg

IMG_4337 (2).jpg

IMG_4329.jpg

IMG_4336 (2).jpg

IMG_4355 (2).jpg

IMG_4328.jpg

IMG_4334.jpg

IMG_4333.jpg

IMG_4340 (2).jpg

IMG_4330.jpg

IMG_4331.jpg

IMG_4356 (2).jpg

IMG_4332.jpg

IMG_4335 (2) - Copy.jpg

IMG_4339 (2).jpg

IMG_4353 (2).jpg

IMG_4327.jpg

IMG_4341 (2).jpg

IMG_4354 (2).jpg

scan0006.jpg

scan0004.jpg

Squirrel nest.jpg

scan0002.jpg

Links

Click a link to visit our friends!

Seven Circles Heritage Foundation is proud be a part of the group

Write on our wall

Join our online Talking Circle

Join the Circle

Membership Information

Membership Form

Membership Form

Members are an invaluable source of strength, building the circle of support in an ever expanding way. Join the circles. Cause a ripple. You CAN Make A Difference. We invite you to be a part of Seven Circles Heritage Center where individuals can learn about, share in, and enjoy the rich and complex cultural heritage of the diverse cultures that have been in the Peoria area, ranging from Native American through European immigrant to today's culture.

The Native American community is the host, but all other people are invited to be a part of the membership and activities. Connections are made between all tribes of people and many cultures.

A high priority is preserving the culture(s) to pass on to future generations.

We are all related is an important belief taught to keep harmony and balance on the planet.

Memberships are up for renewal May 1st. each year

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION.doc

7circles-membership form.pdf

E-mail us

Got a question, send us a note !

Information

Volunteers

Ceremonies

Information We will try to provide you with details that may not be covered in our other pages. In this way, we hope to be part of your good journey.

Volunteers There are many areas and levels that you or a group could be comfortable being involved in. We hope to provide you with the information that will help you find what would work best for you.

Ceremonies We welcome your interest about cultural traditions or practices. We would also like to encourge you to share your knowledge with our community as well.

Seven Circles Home

Location

Events and Meetings

Council Circle

Veterans Pow Wow

Culture Connection

Photo Albums

Links

Write on our wall

Join the Circle

E-mail us

email us: 7circles.heritage_gmail.com

Number of Visits:

8817 West Southport Rd.Edwards IL. 61528
(309)637-1046

This Website was created usingwix.com Start Website builder