Ten years ago, a group for Native families and Christian leaders suggested that Wiconi International host a Family Camp & Pow Wow. Having just completed a 22 city Many Nations, One Voice Conference series the last thing Richard Twiss wanted to host was another conference. What he opted for instead was a less structured community gathering, a place where families could come and "hang out". A place where Native elders could teach and be honored. A place where youth could learn more about their culture. With so many hardships in Native communities, he desired for this annual gathering to be an oasis of "living water" for those who attended. Whether it be the ministry teachings, the sweat lodge ceremonies or the pow wow, he strove for authenticity for the community. One of the tell-tale signs of Creator's blessing was the number of non-Christian Native folks who attended the pow wow each year to dance and enjoy the day because, as they say, "I like the spirit I sense in this place. " The Wiconi International Mni Wiconi Wacipi Living Waters Family Camp and Pow Wow is the largest and most successful event that we host annually! 

With Richard's sudden passing last year, the Board of Directors and staff have pledged to carry on Richard's dream and legacy for the "Living Waters" Family Camp. The annual Saturday Pow Wow has been renamed The Richard Twiss Memorial  and 10th Annual Living Waters Pow Wow. The mantel of "Camp Director" has been handed to long time camp attendee and Native community leader Casey Church. As with Richard, Casey also has a desire for the Family Camp & Pow Wow to be a gathering place and an oasis of "living water" for families that attend.

For 2014, the 10th annual Mni Wiconi Wacipi Living Waters Family Camp will be held July 24-27 with the  Richard Twiss Memorial Pow Wow being held Saturday, July 26. These events will again be held at the Aldersgate Conference Center in Turner, Oregon. 

Each year, Wiconi receives requests from Native families, couples, and teens who would like to join us in Oregon, but who just don't have the funds to do so. Every year the staff at Wiconi International work very hard to raise money for our "Scholarship Program" and help send Native people to camp. These scholarships have made an incredible difference in the lives of many, including:

Namarr Newson is one who experienced camp because of this program. He says, "What always impresses me about Family Camp is the sincerity. There is a strong sense of family shared there. Every time I attend, I feel like I am attending a family reunion."

Here is where you come in: We are looking for people who will commit to sponsoring a camper, such as Namarr with an $80 tax deductible donation. Your $80 donation covers food, lodging, and registration for a three-and-a-half day adventure in camping, powwow, and learning from some great teachers and talented musical artists. Additionally the following donation options are needed:

Please pray and consider making a contribution, whatever amount you are able to give will be honored and appreciated. Every little bit helps. 

Click Here to make your secure online donate

You can also contribute online at www.wiconi.com or you can call us at 1-360-546-1867 to give by credit card. You can also mail a check, payable to Wiconi International       PO Box 5246, Vancouver, WA 98668

Thanks again for investing in the lives of our Native youth and families. Your part will go a long way towards building a better future for today's First Nations Peoples.  

Migwetch,

Casey Church, Director

Wiconi Living Waters Family Camp & Powwow