Tai Guey Taino Woods Communty, 

Summer Bliss
As the radiant summer sun graces the Land, Taino Woods Sanctuary comes alive with the vibrant energy of the season. We are delighted to welcome you to our July newsletter, where we invite you to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and transformative experiences that await you.

Step into Atabeyra (Mother Earth), our sacred space, and be captivated by the majesty of towering trees adorned in their full Summer Solstice foliage. The lush greenery creates a breathtaking backdrop as you embark on your journey through the trails, where ferns unfurl in exuberant abundance, guiding your path. And when dusk descends, keep a watchful eye for the whimsical fairies that dance and twinkle amidst the ethereal glow of the River of YES!

Exciting News: Introducing Our New Website and Taino Social Platform
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new website: www.tainowoods.com! It’s more than just a website; it’s an indigenous social media hub exclusively for our Taíno Woods Sanctuary community.

Join Taino Social, our vibrant online space, where you can connect, share, and bond with like-minded souls. Create your unique profile, join lively groups, and start your own pages. Share your pictures and content taken at Taíno Woods Sanctuary to help us build and improve the site.

By becoming a member through our website, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits and support our mission. Experience free gatherings, volunteer opportunities with overnight camping, a complimentary wood bundle, priority ceremony registration, exclusive discounts, and more. Your membership also helps improve our website and supports our land maintenance.

*And remember, our website will now be our primary form of communication with the community.*

Visit www.tainowoods.com to create your own profile in Taino Woods Sanctuary online!

Volunteer Opportunities: Join Us on the Land!
“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan

We are in need of volunteers to assist us with various projects, including fall gardening, wood splitting, and Tipi set-up. If you have experience or a keen interest in using chainsaws, wood splitters, wood chippers, or ATVs for hauling wood, we would love to have you on board. Carpentry and gardening skills are always appreciated.

Save the dates for our upcoming July Volunteer Weekends:

• June 30th – July 1st
• July 7th – July 9th
• July 14th – July 15th
• July 21st – July 23rd

Even if you are only available for a day, your contribution makes a significant impact. We start at 10:00 am or earlier, so please consider volunteering for the day.

Volunteers will be compensated with overnight stay, meals, and exclusive access to our medicinal ceremonies. 

Shoutout to our Tekinas: We are meeting on the Land on the Fridays of these Volunteer Weekends. Bring your drums and those lovely voices and open hearts! 

To sign up, email us at tainowoodsvolunteers@gmail.com with your availability or click on the Volunteer button on our website: tainowoods.com.

Your involvement as a volunteer is critical as we expand our healing and prayer services and create more opportunities for gathering. 

If you’re seeking a more long-term commitment and want to be part of our expansion efforts, we are also looking for dedicated Team Members. Whether or not you can physically be on the Land, your passion and support are valuable to us. Express your interest by emailing us at tainowoodsny@gmail.com. We appreciate your love and support.

Together, let’s make a difference and create a space of healing, connection, and Calmunity.

Journey of Prayer and Purification: Upcoming Ceremonies
While we are currently reducing our ceremonies due to a wood shortage, we have some special events lined up for you to experience the power of purification.

Here are the upcoming events:

• Sunday July 23, 2023: Tuning True Lodge: Let Go and Grow
  • Groweesha is pouring this lodge to happily teach about whale medicine: sound vibration; and share how we are instruments as a way to meet the elements in full liberation to the alchemy of our families.
    • Register by Wednesday July 19th

• Saturday August 19, 2023: Blue New Moon: Setting Intentions
  • Join us in setting intentions and planting the seeds of our desires under the powerful energy of the Blue New Moon
    • Register by Wednesday August 16th

• Weekend 10/7/23-10/8/23: Fall Equinox Danza with Behike Miguel Sague
  • Immerse yourself in the sacred energy of the Fall Equinox as we come together for a Danza led by Behike Miguel Sague
    • Purification Lodge will be held on Saturday 10/7/23
      • Register by September 26th

To register for our purification lodge teachings or inquire about overnight accommodations, email: sweatlodge@tainowoods.com. Please note that overnight stays are not part of the purification lodge ceremony, except for the Fall Equinox Danza. 

For assistance with accommodations, you can also email us at: tainowoodsny@gmail.com.

Introducing the Powwow Buffalo Heartbeat Drum:
We are honored to present the magnificent Powwow Buffalo Heartbeat Drum, lovingly crafted by master drum maker Keven Peterson. This extraordinary drum holds a sacred presence at Taino Woods, resonating with the power of ancient traditions and the heartbeat of the buffalo.

Keven Peterson, with over 20 years of experience and having crafted over 20,000 drums, brings his expertise and deep spiritual connection to every creation. He was even entrusted by the Hopi Nation to repair their centuries-old drums. As a dancer and vision quester, Keven understands the profound prayers and intentions that flow through each beat of the drum.

What makes this drum truly exceptional is the use of buffalo hide, specifically including the skin of the backbone. This unique construction allows the drum to produce the deepest tones, offering an expansive range of resonances.

We express our gratitude to the buffalo for its sacred gift of skin, to Keven for his craftsmanship, and to Chantel and Jesse for their contributions. And most importantly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you, as we gather around this drum to unite as one heartbeat.

If you are interested in participating in our amazing group of drummers and song-keepers, join our Tekina Drumming/Song Group via our website: tainowoods.com; and if you have any questions about any of these updates or opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out at: tainowoodsny@gmail.com.

A Special Bo Matum:
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all our community members and a special appreciation to Miguel Sague for their participation, contributions, and wisdom at the Summer Solstice Dance. Your presence and dedication have enriched our ceremonies and brought healing and joy to our hearts. Thank you for sharing your strength, love, and laughter with us. We are immensely grateful for the connections we have formed and the wisdom we have gained. Together, we continue to heal, grow, and learn!

See you on the Land!

Seneko Kakona!