The Heart of America Annual Spiritual Gathering began in 1996. It has consisted of returning attendees, new attendees, a wedding, adoptions, healing ceremonies, dancing, drumming, sweat lodges, circles, the Sacred Fire, the Medicine Wheel and its yearly renewal, the building of the new Sweat Lodges, the ceremonial grounds, good food, meeting new friends and renewing old friendships, opportunities to serve, learning experiences, talks by Elders, circles by invited guests, blanket dances, education in histories and traditions, good stories, native regalia, musical instruments, artists and performers, giveaways, "thank you" ceremonies, opportunities to express feelings, children and youth serving, and more than ample expressions in prayers, devotions and appreciation of the Creator, experiences which bring tears, laughter, joy and unity!

The fact that it has been going this long shows that we are serious and successful in DOING what we say that we are GOING TO DO.

This Gathering of People came about with the desire of several Native and non-native people who wished to celebrate their heritage and spiritual natures with others of the same mind and background.

As Believers in the equality of the races of Mankind and in recognition of principle of One Creator they worked hard and brought about this meeting of Peoples. Black, White, Yellow, Red and Brown skin tones predominated—and when it came together—those colors were forgotten and HUMANNESS prevailed as the pre-dominant qualification for enjoyment.

Respect came harder because it is our nature to believe that we are right and our ownways are the good ways. With time and encouragement, most attendees became aware that for THIS TIME and THIS GATHERING it was good to honor and allow the ways of others even though different. Through this DIVERSITY in custom, ceremony, and belief systems we all won out and found that UNITY could be achieved despite our differences.

It is a good formula. We smile and laugh a lot!