walking-backwards / Káruk medicine man JACK "Walking Eagle" THOM

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.

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

Click to see MAP Click to see VIDEOS Click for the different MEANINGS of the name Walking Backwards

Walking Eagle Photo © Sky Delight

KÁRUK MEDICINE MAN / CEREMONIAL LEADER

JACK "WALKING EAGLE" THOM

Click to see PEOPLE Click for the different MEANINGS of the name Walking Backwards

A beloved Káruk medicine man - ceremonial leader and nephew of Charlie "Red Hawk" Thom, Jack "Walking Eagle" (Hün-Na-îtch) Thom has led purification sweat lodges and sun dance ceremonies in Siskiyou County, California, for many years. A devoted advocate of healthy, sober living, he supports the spiritual growth and healing of people from a diversity of cultures and backgrounds around the world.

"Some things you can’t change, but you can change yourself… You can clean yourself up… and once you start doing that, then you’ll be finding out that life is alright… That’s what the young people are looking for. They want something. Every young person ought to be proud of who they are… because they’re somebody. They’re somebody special..."

- Jack "Walking Eagle" Thom