June 15, 2012 –
MAYETTA: The 63rd Annual Native American Church (NAC) of North America Conference began today with the PBPN’s We-Ta-Se Color Guard and Chairman Steve Ortiz participating in the opening ceremonies. The PBPN is sponsoring the three-day conference that is being hosted by the Brown County Chapter of NAC.
Left to right, Laverne Haag, Earl Arkinson, President of the Native American Church of North America, PBPN Chairman Steve Ortiz, Gea Aitkens, and Jeanette Little Sun before the conference began this morning. Haag and Little Sun have been coordinating the conference and Aitkens is a Brown County NAC delegate.
We-Ta-Se posted colors today for the conference. From left to right, is Lorrie Wahwassuck (partial view) Chuck Jacobson, Frank Shopteese, Robert Jackson, and Jim Potts. Charles Wishkeno and Steve Ortiz, not pictured, also marched with the guard.
Chairman Ortiz addressed the crowd and gave an overview about the importance of Native American churches and that there are three on the PBPN Common Land.
Some delegates getting ready for the business meeting and watching the opening ceremony.
Part of the opening included a singer who is in the foreground. Some of the NAC officers are in the background.
Four tee pees have been set up in Prairie Peoples Park that will also be the scene of prayer meetings and traditional meals this weekend.
Roy Spoonhunter helps to pitch one of the teepees.