In preparation for this tribal issue, the Spirit of Ma'at sent our managing editor, Diane M. Cooper, to an amazing conference that took place last October at the Thunderhorse Ranch in West Point, Texas (www.marythunder.com.

Entitled ''One Mind, One Heart, One Prayer, One Millennium,'' the conference was a vision of the ranch's founder, Mary Elizabeth Thunder ''. . . to bring together Elders of all races from the four corners of Mother Earth to share traditions and ceremony at this change of Millennium.'' The conference attracted 40 speakers. Diane's mission was to interview as many of the elders as she could, and to bring back messages to our readers from these many traditions.

Each day began with introductions of the elders and the awarding of blankets and other gifts honoring their presence. A teaching or sharing of ceremony followed. In the late afternoon and early evening, there were more introductions and sacred ceremony.

Diane says of her trip:  ''With so many elders attending, you can imagine that there were 'happenings.' For example, during one ceremony the ceremonial chief and mentor for the ranch called up thunder and lightning as a show of power. Imagine sitting in an open-sided, big-top-style tent, with the wind blowing in sideways, the thunder booming overhead, and huge spikes of lightning hitting the ground just outside the tent walls. The energy was intense!

''And there were many incredible ceremonies. In addition to the Four Colors Ceremony conducted by Maestro Tlakaelel -- an elder and Toltec shaman whose words you will hear later -- there was an inipi (sweatlodge)conducted by Chief Leonard Crow Dog, and a uwipi (healing ceremony).

''And although it is always really cool to be in the presence of power displays, I have to say that sitting one-on-one and dialoguing with these indigenous elders and wise men and women was by far the best part! It was a rich and intense experience.''

The Spirit of Ma'at wishes to acknowledge those who took the time to sit and talk with Diane during this event: Yeva Gladwin, Maestro Tlakaelel, Grandmother Sara Smith, Grandfather Michael Bromley, Gail Culley, Yeva Gladwin, Nikko Grimes, Chief Michael Hull, Sharon ''Sogbellissa'' Burney, Ken Page, Chief Tue Bear and Ocie Wolffe, and Mary Elizabeth Thunder.

The interviews that follow were selected because we feel that they best express the message of the whole. We hope you enjoy the richness of the dialogue and the heart of their words.

Grandmother Sara

Maestro Tlakaelel

Chief Tue Bear and Ocie Wolffe

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