KÁRUK MEDICINE WOMAN
ELIZABETH CASE
A respected Káruk elder, Elizabeth was was born in a small Káruk village on the Salmon River in Northern California that, in 1875, became Somes Bar. She later moved to the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation where she was a major contributor in rejuvenating the Karuk language, culture and history. Throughout her life, Elizabeth was a teacher for young girls. It was very important to her that girls learn to respect themselves and others in the traditional ways. As they entered womanhood, she guided them through the Flower Dance coming-of-age ceremonies. During the early 1970s, Elizabeth worked alongside other elders to bring back one of the ancient ceremonial healing dances, the Brush Dance. She was considered to be a medicine woman from that point on and continued with her work until the early 1990s.
SARA NESSBITT BARNEY - a renowned basketmaker, Sara was also a collector of many Káruk baskets and ceremonial regalia. She took pride in her culture and enjoyed sharing stories about her childhood, which was spent on the KLAMATH RIVER. Her love for family was exhibited in the traditional patterns and designs that were woven into her baskets. A private and quiet woman, Sara’s personality shined when she shared her stories, baskets and other handiwork with the public.
THELMA THOM - a knowledgable Hupa elder, Thelma was respected by many as medicine woman - but she never wanted to be called that. Formerly married to Káruk medicine man Charlie "Red Hawk" Thom, she supported him for years in his cultural and spiritual endeavors. Devoted to the traditions and values of her Native culture, Thelma was as gentle a teacher as she was a powerful seer. She was revered and loved by many people.
LESTER ALFORD, Sr - one of Charlie Thom's older brothers, Lester was a respected elder of Karuk and Shasta heritages who was instrumental in forming the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation (which is flourishing today). Even though he was sent to Indian Boarding School, which prevented him from learning the Káruk language, he spent much of his adult life contributing his knowledge of the Karuk and SHASTA cultures for the people in his communities. A strict disciplinarian with a big heart, Lester influenced many younger people with his moral values, wisdom, encouragement and good will. His legacy continues through his children, who work in various departments with the Káruk Tribe and in other California Native communities.
LESTER ALFORD, Sr - one of Charlie Thom's older brothers, Lester was a respected elder of Karuk and Shasta heritages who was instrumental in forming the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation (which is flourishing today). Even though he was sent to Indian Boarding School, which prevented him from learning the Káruk language, he spent much of his adult life contributing his knowledge of the Karuk and SHASTA cultures for the people in his communities. A strict disciplinarian with a big heart, Lester influenced many younger people with his moral values, wisdom, encouragement and good will. His legacy continues through his children, who work in various departments with the Káruk Tribe and in other California Native communities.
LESTER ALFORD, Sr - one of Charlie Thom's older brothers, Lester was a respected elder of Karuk and Shasta heritages who was instrumental in forming the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation (which is flourishing today). Even though he was sent to Indian Boarding School, which prevented him from learning the Káruk language, he spent much of his adult life contributing his knowledge of the Karuk and SHASTA cultures for the people in his communities. A strict disciplinarian with a big heart, Lester influenced many younger people with his moral values, wisdom, encouragement and good will. His legacy continues through his children, who work in various departments with the Káruk Tribe and in other California Native communities.
FANNY FISHER - Káruk elder Fanny Fisher was raised on the Salmon River, in Scott Valley, California, at the foot of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. A quiet, knowledgable cultural practitioner, Fanny's greatest joy was talking with the people of the Klamath and Salmon Rivers, sharing stories about the old Káruk ways. A proficient basketweaver, she also enjoyed collecting acorns and pine nuts. Blessed with a smile that was “worth more than anything”, Fanny was loved by all who knew her. CLICK for FANNY FISHER VIDEO
FANNY FISHER - Káruk elder Fanny Fisher was raised on the Salmon River, in Scott Valley, California, at the foot of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. A quiet, knowledgable cultural practitioner, Fanny's greatest joy was talking with the people of the Klamath and Salmon Rivers, sharing stories about the old Káruk ways. A proficient basketweaver, she also enjoyed collecting acorns and pine nuts. Blessed with a smile that was “worth more than anything”, Fanny was loved by all who knew her. CLICK for FANNY FISHER VIDEO
FANNY FISHER - Káruk elder Fanny Fisher was raised on the Salmon River, in Scott Valley, California, at the foot of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. A quiet, knowledgable cultural practitioner, Fanny's greatest joy was talking with the people of the Klamath and Salmon Rivers, sharing stories about the old Káruk ways. A proficient basketweaver, she also enjoyed collecting acorns and pine nuts. Blessed with a smile that was “worth more than anything”, Fanny was loved by all who knew her. CLICK for FANNY FISHER VIDEO
FANNY FISHER - Káruk elder Fanny Fisher was raised on the Salmon River, in Scott Valley, California, at the foot of the Marble Mountain Wilderness. A quiet, knowledgable cultural practitioner, Fanny's greatest joy was talking with the people of the Klamath and Salmon Rivers, sharing stories about the old Káruk ways. A proficient basketweaver, she also enjoyed collecting acorns and pine nuts. Blessed with a smile that was “worth more than anything”, Fanny was loved by all who knew her. CLICK for FANNY FISHER VIDEO
RONALD GRIFFMAN
• KÁRUK • SHASTA • YUROK • ROGUE RIVER • MODOC • PIT RIVER •
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As NATIVE WINGS Founder-Director, Ron connects with people from a diversity of cultures, ages, backgrounds, and tribal affiliations.
RON'S MISSION
• to create bridges of understanding between people of different cultures, religions and backgrounds
• to care for and protect Mother Earth, her waters, and all living things
• to support those who strive to protect the Earth's natural resources
• to increase awareness about Native Law and traditional protocol
• to encourage people to learn about and uphold the healthy values of their ancestors
• to connect people with reputable spiritual advisors and traditional healers
• to provide cultural support and advocacy to indigenous brothers and sisters
• to teach people to respect and appreciate Native sacred sites
• to bring Native Wings' stories, songs and drumming to students
• to inspire people to help and respect elders, visit them to alleviate loneliness and depression
• to drive people to purification sweat lodge ceremonies, pow-wows, and other Native ceremonies
• to encourage people who have been abused or are addicted to come to the healing ceremonies
• to continue on with his multi-dimensional quest for personal healing
Listening to his grandpa, Káruk medicine man Charlie Thom (1928-2013), talk about ceremony
In the past 20 years Ron has traveled a lot and experienced many things, good and bad. Always grateful to his Grandpa Charlie for the valuable life lessons he passed onto him, Ron offers this reflection:
"Everywhere I go I see disconnection and alienation in different ways and in different layers. A sickness has erupted in many of the communities I visit. It is a very big wound that is hard to heal. People feel friction with the dominant society. Many have a constant feeling of disappointment, negativity, and a need to fight to survive. Commercialism is choking traditional cultures… family values are becoming lost… children are fast entering mainstream ways of thinking.
"So what is the solution?
"People need to connect with their own heritage. Open those cultural doors so that people can breathe, feel their connection to Mother Earth, and realize that they are connected to everything that is alive.
When people understand their relationship to the plants and the animals and to other forms of life, a deeper appreciation, respect, and valuing of who they are, and where they’ve come from is reborn.
"Identities, self-confidence, and self-respect are strengthened. Healthy relationships develop, providing fertile ground for the creation of sustainable communities.
"Connect with the Earth... connect with the elders... connect with your heritage... connect with yourself!"
- Ron Griffman
• Call a trusted friend or relative
• Ask for what you need - you will find help
• Don't abuse substances or anything else
• Join a group where you will be listened to
Are you suffering from...
• Find healthy ways to help yourself
• Pray in your own way - you will be heard
• Go to a Native healing ceremony
• Connect with your own cultural heritage!
In this video, Ron Griffman talks about his memories of childhood, his healing journey, and the importance of a loving family
To learn the sacred songs of our people is to learn about our history. It is like reading a biography of my ancestors. - Ronald Griffman
Cooking amma (salmon) in the traditional way, over an open firepit
RON'S STORY
Born in 1976 in far Northern California, Ron Griffman (Káruk/Shasta/Yurok/Rogue River/Modoc/Pit River) was a bright, beautiful, popular child. Blessed with relentless energy and a deep interest in his Native culture, he had an enthusiasm for life that was limitless.
CHANGES
At age 13, while playing a traditional Káruk “stick game” with his young cousins, brothers and friends, Ron became critically injured when a stick became lodged in his brain. Barely alive, he was air-lifted to a hospital in Redding, California, where he struggled to survive. Neurosurgeons said that Ron’s head injury was so severe that if he ever woke up from his coma - and it was doubtful he would - he’d never walk or talk again.
RECOVERY
Several months later, Ron did wake up - but to a new body. With his right side completely paralyzed, he was no longer able to walk. Unable to talk, the only thing he could do was cry and scream. During those critical days, and throughout much of Ron’s painfully difficult recovery, his beloved grandfather, Northern California Karuk medicine man Charlie “Red Hawk” Thom, was at his side. Charlie encouraged Ron to never give up. He also told Ron that the sweat lodge would be key to his return to health.
FAST FORWARD to AGE 29
Ron amazed everyone by graduating from middle school, high school, and then California's Humboldt State University - with not one but three B.A. degrees in Political Science, Native American Studies and Anthropology. Partially paralyzed on his right side, he refused the aid of a wheelchair, choosing instead to hop and limp to propel his body forward. And though his injury left him with severe aphasia (the inability to speak clearly), his hearing and cognition were perfect.
Following his Grandpa Charlie's advice, Ron became a devoted sweat lodge participant. He started learning about Natural Law, his own Native culture, and about other cultures and religions. He began to speak out for justice, his love for Mother Earth, the importance of environmentalism, and the need for equality between all people.
GOALS
After his graduation, Ron chose an unusual (mostly self-funded) career: the creation of his non-profit organization, Native Wings. With the intention of traveling the Native sweat lodge-Bear Dance-sundance-powwow-ceremonial circuit from Northern California to Southern Oregon (with trips throughout California, and thus far to Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota and Mexico) Ron’s primary goal has been self-healing, helping people of all walks of life, ages and cultures, and creating bridges of understanding between people about Native Law, traditional values and eco-stewardship. And he has done it! Since his graduation, Ron has healed himself in many ways, made friends and tries to help people wherever he goes.
NATIVE WINGS