Elder Ray Williams carries the name – Squi qui – which follows from mother’s mother, and dates back through his Coast Salish bloodline into time immemorial. He also carries the Sa’atil name, from his father’s father and covers him in his travels, also Coast Salish. Ray considers it his good fortune that his elders continue to teach, advise and instruct him in the ways of his culture and ceremonial lifeways, and also support his efforts to serve as a bridge toward healing amongst all Peoples. Ray has served as a board member of The Seventh Generation Fund, which is dedicated to promoting and maintaining the uniqueness of Native peoples and the sovereignty of tribal Nations. His work in this area was recognized through an International Peace Award from Pax Christi in 1993. A Swinomish elder of the Coastal Salish, Ray spent years serving as a bridge between people of seemingly disparate spiritual paths. He served on the Swinomish Tribal Council and is an active member of the traditional longhouse ceremonies. Ray has participated in many ceremonies and conferences throughout the US and Canada, including Ancient Wisdom Rising 2012, and the Wisdom of the Elders Storytelling Festivals.
CENTERING WISDOM
Reflection: How do we stop destroying the elemental order as Elder Ray Williams describes? How are we relying on destructive tendencies?
Reflection: How can we, as a collective, find this sense of goodness in a world in which goodness feels increasingly absent?
Activity: Share three ideas or parts of the resource that stood out to you in groups of two or three.