The Sacred Fire Elders Council Summer Solstice Gathering brings together Elders, families, and community members for a day of prayer, fellowship, storytelling, and cultural teachings

The Sacred Fire Elders Council Summer Solstice Gathering brings together Elders, families, and community members for a day of prayer, fellowship, storytelling, and cultural teachings centered on the theme "Culture → Commodity → Culture: Tobacco's Journey Full Circle."

Through Sacred Fire ceremonies, Elder-led discussions, oral histories, prayer tie making, and the blessing of the Medicine Wheel Garden, participants will explore tobacco's unique role in Lumbee history. Once a sacred gift, tobacco later became a commodity that helped sustain Lumbee families, educate future generations, and strengthen our communities. As we reflect upon that legacy, we also seek to restore tobacco to her sacred place as a gift of prayer, gratitude, and connection to Creator.

This gathering provides an opportunity to honor our ancestors, preserve traditional knowledge, strengthen cultural identity, and ensure that these teachings continue to guide future generations of Lumbee people.

Food will be served.