June 2009 • Song Mountain, NY

The June 2009 Tracing Roots of Peace Celebration will be held on the land of the Peacemaker along Song Lake at the base of Song Mountain. This sacred land is the inspiration of our Tracing Roots of Peace Weekend of healing. It is said that this is the land that Hiawatha wandered in grief after the loss of his family and especially of the last daughter who was killed. He had a very deep spiritual connection with this daughter and the grief of her loss over took him. Hiawatha wandered for many months in deep grief of his daughter. When he came upon what is now called Song Lake, it is said that the birds lifted the water of the lake so he could cross and as he crossed he picked up beautiful shells of white and purple he held these shells in his hand as he crossed the lifted lake and climbed the mountain on the other side (Song Mountain). On this mountain he sat in his deepest grief praying to the Creator to send him comfort. In time the Peacemaker came to Hiawatha. He took the shells from his hand and strung them on a piece of sinew (wampum). With this string of shells the Peacemaker sang a song of grief and healing, wiping Hiawatha's eyes so he could see clearly again, his ears so he could hear the creator again, and his throat so he could breathe the breath of life without grief. He also wiped his heart so he could love again.

At this point a deeper sense of love and power was restored and strengthened in the union of Hiawatha and the peacemaker. Together they walked down the mountain bringing the message of peace and singing the song of love for all those who would hear the call to truth.

So it is on this land that we call to the peacemaker, Hiawatha, and the Creator to heal our grief and the grief of our mother earth that we can unite and walk together with the song of love in our heart and the words of peace calling out to all who can hear the truth.

Song Lake is also the headwater of the lakes in this area so with the movement of water our mother earth will send our message rippling forward to those who touch and drink of her gifts.

Directions to Song Mountain Resort

From Route 81 • Binghamton
Heading North on Route 81, get off Exit 13 (Town of Preble).
Turn left (go over bridge about ¼ mile).
Take a very sharp right onto Song Lake Road (if you come to a blinking light you have gone too far).
Song Mountain is 2-3 miles down Song Lake Road on the left.

From Route 81 • Syracuse
Heading South on Route 81, get off at Exit 14 (Tully Exit).
Turn left at the stop sign at end of exit ramp.
Go straight through the next intersection (Route 80 and Lake Road).
Follow the signs to Song Mountain (approximately 3 miles).

Sunday, June 22, 2008 • Orchard Valley Golf Course

Just as Hiawatha and The Peacemaker Moved Down the Mountain and into the valley following the healing on the mountain to take their next step on their journey of Peace. All those seeking to continue on the journey of Peace are invited to attend the Peace Makers Journey Within Workshop will be held In the Valley of Onondaga at the Orchard Valley Golf Course on June 22, 2008.

Directions to Orchard Valley Golf Course
Orchard Valley Golf Course is located 15 minutes south of Syracuse, only minutes from I-81. Take Route 81 to exit 15 (LaFayette). Take Route 20 West for 4 miles. Orchard Vali is on the right.