NAFPS Forum
General => Frauds => Topic started by: kosowith on January 25, 2009, 08:39:02 pm
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We have a new "healer" working here in the Netherlands. He goes by the name Michael Redsky claims he is Cherokee of the "Paint clan" trained in traditional Cherokee crystal healing by "his elders" from the age of 8 when he had his first vision. He lists his numerous talents as: the ability to speak to animals, alive and dead. He can teach a person to locate a animal helper and then speak to them. he will help you contact a pet that has passed on, and he helps dead pets transition to the next world, heals with crystals ($100.00 + per session) and he has a new flute CD available. According to the people in both Oklahoma and Mississippi no one knows him, and the elder I spoke to said that there is nothing he claims to do that is traditional Cherokee. (I forgot to mention - raised away from whites, didn't speak English until he was grown, etc.)
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I don't know why an alleged traditional Cherokee spiritual person would be in the Netherlands selling ceremonies when the people he claims to be from are in need. Also a traditional Cherokee is not going to be working with the spirits of dead animals (see Origins of Disease, Mooney for an explanation of why). Traditional Cherokee use of crystals is vastly misunderstood and used by charlatans to impress newage types. I looked at a couple of the sites that mentioned him and I am not "buying it"; he doesn't look like any Cherokees I know. He looks more like Kevin Spacey (who is a white actor.)
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I got this message from a traditional person in Oklahoma today - He checked Redsky's Web site after he got back home today and the message was: "I looked at that jackass's Web site, and he is so full of shit it isn't even funny."
I also got a message from a woman who went to see him over the weekend and wanted to know why I was protesting against him. She thought we Indians all got alone - I didn't even bother to go into that one. I aksed how he dresed and she said that he had explained that he only dressed in his "traditional way"" (feathered headdress and ribbon shirt) because the people here demaned it. I tried to explain to her that the headdress is NOT traditional Cherokee, nor is the tipi he set up. I also said if he was a real traditional healer why did he live in New York, and travel to Holland to heal, why was he not at home helping "his" people who really need the help, - But he has the usual story - "I had a vision that told me to travel the world for world peace and to heal all who came to me asking for help -(at $100.00 per session)"
He is just another rip off artist!
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I met Michael RedSky too when he was in the Netherlands. This men has no intention to do wrong. Why I feel so much bitterness and hatred in your writing.If Creator doesn't want this men to spread his words He would stop him. Michael RedSky went to an hospice to bring comfort to a dying woman,he went to an autistic boy who doesn't want to live because he feels not loved. He went also to an nursinghome and a school.Never he asked money , he even gave away some very personal belongings to some people. You should come in the summer to the Netherlands when there are Indians all dressed up in there regalia's, on the corner of the streets in the big city's. Playing there music and selling there cd's. Is that the way we want to learn about the Native Culture. That's showtime and has nothing to do with the Native Herritage.I know from people who went to one of the Gatherings with Michael RedSky, they din't regrat it and they are waiting and looking forward for him to come back. Ones again why this hatred and bitterness against Michael RedSky.
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I am not bitter, and I certainly do not hate Mr. Red Sky. If anything I feel a bit sorry for what he must be going through and you are correct that the creator will at some point step in and set things right. I was asked by several people if I knew him before he showed up in the Nederlands. I did not, so, since I did not know this man personally, I read his web site. After reading it and because it was so different from what the Cherokee elders I have known say, I checked with friends who do live within the Cherokee communities, to get their response to what his web site said. The response was the same from each person who responded. They find his web site and the statements/claims on it offensive. One elder, who is a well respected spiritual leader, who was a close friend of Phillip Deer and is a "priest" for the four grandmothers was particularily offended and plans to address the issue with others of the Cherokee culrure committee. Perhaps that is also part of the creator's way of setting things right. What they said was that anyone who says they can contact people who have gone on, who will assist in "finding an animal helper," help animals transition to the other side, do crystal healing for price, or give so called Indian or Cherokee names without the proper ceremony is in violation of all Cherokee protocols and is not following the traditional Cherokee ways of life and spirituality. Take for example the giving of an Indian name - and I have been told by one person that he gave several people "Indian names" when he met them. A name can not be given without a ceremony that has to be held within the Cherokee community. These Cheremonies can only be performed with other elders and ceremonial leaders assissting and only can only be done in the Cherokee language.
As to the "Indians" who play at the Dam or other street corners in Holland, Germany, Belgie, Sweden - of course you should not try to learn about North American Indian culture from them. They have no idea about it themselves. The last time I saw them, one of them had his feather on upside down and North American Indian cultures do not play music on pan pipes. These groups are NOT North American. They come from Guatamala and according to a Peruvian friend who runs a booth in the markt, and who knows them very well - they (the musicians) say the only reason they bought the pow wow outfits was to try to sell more CD.s. and yes it offends me that we are even ripped off by other Indians. If you have seen them you must be aware that they don't even play real music, they just pretend while a CD is playing in the back ground.
I am glad that you enjoyed your time with Mr. Red Sky. It is good that he helped people. However, I have been told that although he did not ask for money, a number of people did give him gifts of money. That is fine, but he still should not be presenting what he does as "authentic" North American Indian/Cherokee. I even understand that he said that he was told to dress traditionally and that is why he wore the clothers he did. If this is so, he should know what traditional Cherokee dress for a man is and wear it. What he was pictured wearing is not traditional, other than as a mid-20th century pan-plains Indian. Again there is nothing wrong with pan-Indian clothing, but it is not "traditional."
It is unfortunate that so many people in other countries do not understand why we, North American Indians, feel such great sorrow when these things happen and when people misuse, intentionally or unintentionally our sacred ways. It is sad that you can not understand that if he came as an ordinary person, who just wanted to comfort people in his own personal way, no one, absolutely no one would have a problem with it. But when he has say "I am a traditional "Cherokee healer" to be accepted, well I guess maybe it says more about the people he wants to heal than about himself. It is unfortunate that so many people in European countries do not appreciate their own traditions and have to try to find peace outside. I wish you only the best, and hope that you will find the peace that you are seeking.
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I met Michael RedSky too when he was in the Netherlands. This men has no intention to do wrong. Why I feel so much bitterness and hatred in your writing.If Creator doesn't want this men to spread his words He would stop him. Michael RedSky went to an hospice to bring comfort to a dying woman,he went to an autistic boy who doesn't want to live because he feels not loved. He went also to an nursinghome and a school.Never he asked money , he even gave away some very personal belongings to some people. You should come in the summer to the Netherlands when there are Indians all dressed up in there regalia's, on the corner of the streets in the big city's. Playing there music and selling there cd's. Is that the way we want to learn about the Native Culture. That's showtime and has nothing to do with the Native Herritage.I know from people who went to one of the Gatherings with Michael RedSky, they din't regrat it and they are waiting and looking forward for him to come back. Ones again why this hatred and bitterness against Michael RedSky.
Wolfswispher...don't mean any disprespect, but you do have a lot to learn. The people dressed up selling cd's are not Native American in the sense you think....they're native South Americans....often Peruvian. For some reason they dress up in their own versions of pow-wow style outfits and sell themselves as Native American because people over there buy it. There's no pan flutes in Native American music...that should be your first clue in that regard.
As for Michael Redsky...if he's doing these things and claiming to represent Cherokees (badly from what Cherokees say) and charging a price....he is indeed a bad person as he's using the Cherokee name to sell a false dream and unfortunately you've bought it. I feel bad for you. I just googled his name and quickly came up with a price for a private sitting with him.
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Private Sittings with Michael Redsky
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2008
Time: 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Price: $130.00
Presenter: Michael Redsky
Location: Circles of Wisdom
Private Sittings with Michael Redsky
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$130 for 45-60 minutes
*
$260 for 120 minute Crystal Therapy Session (available 8/1 only)
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If you want to learn about Cherokees I'd suggest you actually go to a Cherokee community...otherwise you're not getting the real thing. There's no single person that can represent the overall spiritual integrity of an entire people. He should just represent himself and take away the Cherokee references...especially if he's mispresenting them. I think we can both agree that a person that would do those things isn't doing anybody any good. You could've learned what he could teach on your own for free...from the write up on him on this particular site they say he lived in an orphanage as well as a mosque, but no mention of any Cherokee community. The ad also claims he blends all the worlds religions...that's an interesting claim. I wonder how he pulls that one off and makes it believable. You gotta face it Wolfwispher...he is charging and he is using the Cherokee people as a selling point, while at the same having no knowledge of any people in Cherokee communities....
Superdog
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I've also gotta wonder if he's enrolled or not. His website sells his CD's and other items as Native American so I'm wondering if he might be enrolled Cherokee. If he is that makes him even more dangerous as according to his website he also claims to be a sundancer and has a lot of Lakota references (hmmm....Cherokee claims with Lakota overtones...never heard that theme before). If he's not enrolled then he's not in compliance with the NA Arts and Crafts Act and breaking the law. The Myspace page says he was taught sundance ways by Manny Twofeathers (I remember his name on here somewhere, but he's not coming up on a search...any more info anyone??)
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Sorry....the more I check out the google hits the more disturbed I am by this guy....
From the redskyhealing website:
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http://home.att.net/~redskyhealing/services.htm
Ceremonies
Red Sky Healing offers Native American Ceremonies
Vision Quest
A way to place yourself on your intended path in life by connecting with animal & spirit guides and natural elements.
1-3 days in a teepee.
· Sweat Lodge for purification and cleansing
· Handfasting Ceremony when you are ready to take your life partner
* Lancing of the Feathers
Bonding parent and child
bringing families together
Lancing of the Feathers Ceremony
Fire Spirit of the Sun
· Fire Ceremony
Chanting and singing utilizing
the fire spirit
Ceremonial photography services are also available so that you may have a tangible remembrance of your experience.
Please contact Red Sky Healing if you are interested in experiencing authentic Native American Ceremonies.
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The website also offers massage therapy from people he works with and then goes on to say "If you have a group of 8-10 people who would like to receive massages by licensed massage therapists who are a part of Red Sky Healing then let us come to you. Keep in mind that you after you have received your massage you might want to receive a reading with Michael Red Sky who can offer you his visionary abilities."
All I see is sell sell sell......
In tiny print he puts that the website doesn't "sell" ceremonies....fees are to cover costs incurred....
Sorry if I don't believe it. I mean "ceremonial photography"?????? sheesh....
Superdog
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Mods, can this guy be moved to the frauds section already?
Enrolled or not, he's ripping people off and his story has enough holes to drive a semi through. I don't know anyone raised the way he's claiming and his 'ceremonies' ain't got a thing to do with Cherokee.
Wolfwhisperer, if people sound a little angry it is because what this man is doing is wrong. If he visits sick people, great. But that doesn't change the fact that he is misrepresenting what he is doing. I guess he's where you learned the word 'wado,' but did he teach you any other Cherokee? Or is his knowledge restricted to 'siyo and wado? If so, he's not an adawehi or anything else. BTW - we don't live in tipi's and never did.
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I think Lakota people would be legitimized in some anger towards him as well as he's co-opted sundance and vision quests as part of his claims to legitimacy and also uses the term "Mitakwe Oyasin" (his spelling on the website) as a catch all "Native American" belief.
The affiliates page explains his recent move into the Netherlands.
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Jacqueline Guelen, "Wolf Who Speaks" is the European Contact for Redsky Healing. Jacqueline is a hospice nurse who has helped many to cross smoothly to the other side. She lives in The Netherlands and recently came to visit Michael Redsky and his family for 10 days. She attended Spirit Bear Lodge and met many new people and experienced a lot of wonderful adventures. Her website is www.wolfwhospeaks.nl
Please join us in welcoming Jacqueline to the Redsky Family!
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I've also noticed he will conduct things over the phone (at $130 a session still) so I'm wondering how he justifies a $130 phone call (as he claims it covers cost incurred).
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I've heard from some of the folks at the tribal offices in Oklahoma and after looking at his web sites, they are doing a complete search on him and any relations with the "Paint Clan" If he is enrolled in any of the Cherokee communites they will contact him directly and explain their insistance that he stop selling his ceremonies as "Cherokee." Especially the crystal skull part which has NO relationship to any Cherokee ceremony. If he is not enrolled or related they will make a public statement disclaiming him and anything he does.
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>:( Once again us "REAL" Cherokees get pooped on by the lily white stuffing of a TWINKIE! It amazes me how these people can defend someone selling ANY Ceremonies, NO matter what Tribe they claim. SELLING ANY CEREMONY IS WRONG!!!!!!!!!! Plain and simple.
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He hasn't been in the Netherlands for some time now.... He is based out of NY, but is making the rounds of the entire New England area, and he has a website up and running. He is moving out of the Nuage arena and into pow wow because no one knows anything much about him. Right now he is passing and he is teaching and he is charging.
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:o :P
OMG, I met Michael Redsky at a gathering years ago and even I could see what a phoney he was, and trust me, I'm not an Elder or anything.
The list of his shenanigans never stops.
- he used to be a male stripper
- he has no Cherokee in him
- he preys on his female "clients" and uses spirituality and "Native Wisdom" to sleep with many of them, not sure but may even be borderline sexual harassment in some cases.
- some of the Elders took him to task and basically asked him to stop how he's been abusing Native culture and teachings and have given him fair warning
- he never shuts up. A sign of a good teacher or guide is their willingness to sit in silence and just let you be. Micheal is the type of person who has to interject at every comment anyone makes to show how "knowledgeable" he is, which to me is the biggest tip-off that he doesn't A) have any wisdom to offer and B) doesn't know his ass from his elbow about what he's talking about
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- he has no Cherokee in him but is actually of Portuguese descent, hence his coloring
- he preys on his female "clients" and uses spirituality and "Native Wisdom" to sleep with many of them, not sure but may even be borderline sexual harassment in some cases.
- some of the Elders in New England took him to task and basically asked him to stop how he's been abusing Native culture and teachings and have given him fair warning
Could you points us towards anything that can definitely pin him down on these points? Do you know his legal name, the elders who confronted him, or any of the women he may have harmed?
I think he's overdue to be put in Frauds.
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Once he showed me a card.
He told me it was a native american passport.
On the card was stated he was Mohawk.
He explained, that there was a limit on how many people could "join" a tribe, so Mohawk was chosen for him, because Cherokee was "full".
In a short while he will be in the Netherlands again and i will meet up with him again.
I don't remember the exact words he used, so i will pay attention to his words this time.
I do believe, that his intentions are good. He does charge, but only to cover costs and a little to be able to eat and drink (it's not free you know ;) ).
I really like to be in his presence.
He's a very likeable person.
However, i am a person that always questions ones motives, so..... to be continued. :D
Many blessings,
Wayne
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I'm not ndn, but a limit on tribal members ?? I'll leave that to the real ndn's on here..
just.. what does redsky say about babies being born? ???
as for needing money to cover costs.. that's an old justification imo.. I mean.. no one
"needs" to go traveling cross the world.. stay home where you don't have to cover costs. ::)
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I'll ask him about the babies.
Purtaining to the cost-coverage..... no-one needs to travel you say.
That's your opinion, wich i respect, but.... i have an other opinion.
I also charge money for the time spent in helping people.
[Tangent moved to Wayne's intro thread: http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=2909]
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Wayne, please put your beliefs about charging in your intro thread.
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He explained, that there was a limit on how many people could "join" a tribe, so Mohawk was chosen for him, because Cherokee was "full".
If he told you that then it's a complete lie. Completely untrue. Not to mention it disregards the concept of being "born" Mohawk or Cherokee as opposed to joining the Mohawks or Cherokees.
It's true that Haudenosaunee people use their own passports for international travel, but it's not a "card". It's a passport with several pages and the information entered in is handwritten (which is the reason why the UK wouldn't accept the Iroquois National Team's passports when travelling for the Lacrosse World Cup held there earlier this year....they cited it as a security concern).
This "limit" concept is laughable. (no disrespect to you Wayne...just what was told to you)
Superdog
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Thanks Superdog!
It makes a somethings more clear.
I will definitly hear him out..... and ask questions.
So.... still to be continued... ;)
Many blessings,
Wayne
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Photos from one of his European presentations: http://www.lunaspiritwalker.com/michael_redsky.htm
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Here he is performing.
Hard to imagine that anyone could think this guy is Cherokee, but I also understand that perception is reality to people and that can lead someone to be easily fooled. Wonder how much a seat at the overseas performance cost.....
Looks like a performance in Europe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUzCHdkTC2M
Powwow flute playing in Greenbush, NY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SYf4s9xLDE
His website's currently down at the moment as well. Gonna keep on the lookout for the reconstructed page. Should be interesting what he comes up with next considering the straight up lies he seems to have been selling so far.
Superdog
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I am eastern Cherokee and I say without hesitation this man is a fraud. NOTHING even his regalia is Cherokee, I noticed somewhere that he said his Mohawk Grandfather ask him, Redsky if he could be his Grandfather, first that is not how traditions work and than he says the grandfather gave him an emrollment card, LOL this to is not how it works. I am ashame of how this fraud is exploiting our people, his flute music is not Cherokee either, it is made up. Anybody who would defend this fraud has NO respect for the REAL FIRST PEOPLE.
I am a person who speaks as it is and when my Cherokee blood gets boiling. Treat us with respect and we will do the same, the power of the medicine wheel is strong and like a i-na-du and will come back around! ???
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Two more sites of his, in Dutch. Even without knowing Dutch beyond what's almost identical to English, I can see he's a faux-Cherokee doing faux-Lakota ceremony.
http://www.naturescall.be/uk/ceremonie_nl.html
http://www.redskyhealing.be/events.htm
Other parts of the first site have him selling Australian digeridoos, promoting paranormal and planetary change nonsense, and offering catered workshops.
Mylife.com says that his full name is Michael Redsky Hester. A Michael Hester signed this petition in 2007 and listed his profession solely as musician, no claim of being a healer or even Cherokee.
http://www.defensahumanidad.cu/artic.php?item=5163
His myspace page says he was trained by the late exploiter Manny Rendon AKA Manny Twofeathers. He also claims he was trained by the Pope. ::)
http://www.myspace.com/redskymedicine
And that he does his "ceremonies" with crystals in a tipi. :o And lived in an orphanage and even a mosque.
http://www.nauticats.com/michaelredsky.htm
Here he claims to be a 10th generation medicine man.
http://www.therainbowtimesmass.com/trtmarch15.pdf
Long overdue, moved to Frauds.
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Apparently, I received the same links as Educatedindian. Here's a more detailed translation of the Belgian site which I presume is kept for Redsky as I doubt he speaks Dutch or Flemish:
http://www.redskyhealing.be/
„Michael Redsky is a proud son of the Paint Clan of the Cherokee. He received his knowledge from the early age of seven years at a Stomp Ceremony. All his life he has worked with many ceremonies and according to the traditions which were told to him by is tribal elders, his mother Lily Rose, his grandparents Johnny and Barbara, Many Two Feathers and his sister Redfeather.
His gifts are really unique. He discovered his gifts and the path he must follow with his love, and his concept of his own culture and his convictions through an experience of near-death as a little child. During the path of his life, he has also found insight and experience with many other cultures and religions. Therefore, he has much respect for all religions and religious convictions.
From his childhood he has also had the gift to communicate with animals, both with living animals and with those who have passed on. He has already helped many animals to cross over to the next world. Michael is in contact with his own animal leaders on a daily basis and he can also help you to establish such a contact. This causes a great bond with the circle of life and a deep respect for everything created by Mother Earth.
He is prepared to help everyone, with the help of the wisdom of the „Old Ones“ - our spiritual ancestors - who wants to come into contact with this wisdom to develop their own healing capacities. To achieve this, he uses traditional Native American ceremonies, his flute music, his communication with the animal world, his clearvoyant abilities, and he also uses crystals.
Michael furthermore is a dedicated Sundancer of the Wo Pila Sundance People.
Everybody who wants more information about Michael Redsky, please take a look at his website: www.redskymedicine.com .
Respect, honor, gratitude and compassion for all of life”
The site also publishes an agenda which says Redsky will be in Belgium from Oct 28 to Nov 15, 2010:
http://www.redskyhealing.be/events.htm
Agenda
Michael Redsky is in Belgium from October 28, 2010 until November 15, 2010
At workdays, Michael Redsky will give private sessions in the town of Bocholt. You can book these healing – reading or massage sessions at the link below. Please tell us the date and time you would like to come. Please also give a phone no. so that we can contact you if necessary.
Monday, Nov 1, 2010
Lecture (Life of the Indians in America) at Valkenburg/NL
Friday, Nov 5, 2010
Drumcircle at Schoten/Belgium
begin: 7.30 p.m. (access from 7 p.m.)
maximum of 25 persons
at Nature's Call
Saturday, Nov 6, 2010
Sweatlodge at Apeldoorn/NL
max. 32 persons
Eco-Tribe at Teuge
Sunday, Nov 7, 2010
Sweatlodge at Schoten/B
max 15 persons
at Nature's Call
Thursday, Nov 11, 2010
Communication with animals at Kleine Brogel / B
max 20 persons, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov 13, 2010
Drum Circle at Apeldoorn / NL
- address and time to follow -
It is still possible to organize one further lecture (Life of the Indians in America) and one drum circle in the vicinity of Bocholt. The exact date and time will follow.
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The second site, http://www.naturescall.be , does not belong to Redsky, though, but is a shop owned by a certain 'Johan' (pls cf http://www.naturescall.be/uk/teachings_uk.html ). Although the name of the shop sounds funny in English, the 'call of nature' has a different connotation in Dutch and Flemish.
His so-called teachings is a mishmash of nuage:
Johan is the founder of Nature's Call. He is honored to have received already lots of Teachings throughout the years. 25 years of Martial Arts experience (Jiu Jitsu, Kyokushin Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi...) gave him a lot of insights about Buddhism, Taoïsm, Body and Mind Harmonisation... Hinduïsm gave him the knowledge
of Ayurveda, the 3000 years old wisdom of a healthy long life in Harmony with our Dosha (Constitution). Teachings and Ceremonies with Mama Bernardo Moscote & Mama Juan (los Hermanos Majores Kogi, Colombia), Kajuyali Tsamani (Nabi Nunhue-the House of the Jaguar, Colombia) and Doña Maria Toiquema (Uitoto, Amazon basin) brought him in contact with traditional Shamanism and made him a Messenger. Receiving the 9 initiating rites of the Inca Shaman made it all complete. The Ceremonies and long talks with Tunka Hota Winyan and Grandfather Iktomica planted the seed of Native Indian Spirituality. These Teachings, Rituals and Ceremonies are now available for you. As the group of people responding to Nature's Call grows, the range of opportunities we can offer gets wider.
Our goal is to spread the message of Feeling Good and in Harmony.
As we can see, Johan is another one who assumes that there is one generic Indian culture: "The Ceremonies and long talks with Tunka Hota Winyan and Grandfather Iktomica planted the seed of Native Indian Spirituality." These names are Lakota.
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I am writing about this man Redsky. I am not an indian, however, a very good friend of mine is...Cherokee. She has gone to his sweat lodge and has been so infatuated with what Redsky does that he has taken her in as a "trainee". Nothing intimate...simply a "student" and at no charge, I believe. Some things he will teach her, other things she will have to find a place that does classes to teach. I am very unsure of this. When she talks I get a creepy feeling inside. Claims that once she knows what he is teaching her, they will travel together to the Netherlands and h also claims there is alot of money to be made there. And, after reading some of these posts, I'm wondering how to bring my scepticism up to her without her getting upset. She claims she is aware of what people say about Redsky, but she is so convinced that is he awesome and the negative talk is simply people that dont' know him. She also claims he is Cherokee and when I look at his picture, I'm not so sure. Would anyon have any thoughts on how I can approach this? He will be teaching stones, crystals, cards....things like that. Thanks to anyon that has some ideas here.
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Not sure why rdonez removed their posts, but it'd be an incredible coincidence if it wasn't related to this news.
A reporter also contacted me about, asking for information.
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http://poststar.com/news/local/warren-county-official-arrested-on-multiple-charges/article_893e6138-bf8e-11e0-b799-001cc4c002e0.html
Warren County official arrested on multiple charges
Story Discussion Warren County official arrested on multiple charges
JON ALEXANDER -- jalexander@poststar.com The Post-Star | Posted: Friday, August 5, 2011 2:12 pm | (93) Comments
QUEENSBURY -- Warren County's commissioner of Social Services was charged with felonies and misdemeanors on Friday after police accused her of attempting to defraud her own department.
Sheila M. Weaver's arrest is the most high-profile yet in Warren County's recent crackdown on Social Services fraud.
Investigators from the Warren County Sheriff's Office arrested Weaver, of Route 9, Warrensburg, on Friday afternoon after a six-week investigation when she turned herself in at the Sheriff's Office.
According to police, Weaver altered housing assistance applications for her live-in boyfriend, Michael Hester, and other housing assistance applications for two acquaintances, who now live in Glens Falls but who had lived with her in Warrensburg, Belinda M. Redfeather, 51, and Kenneth J. Redbird, 43.
"No matter what position you hold, if you do something criminal, we will charge you," Warren County Sheriff Bud York said at a press conference following the arrest.
Weaver, 47, was charged with two counts of second-degree forgery, a felony; two counts of second-degree offering a false instrument, a misdemeanor; and one count of misdemeanor official misconduct.
According to the charges, Weaver changed on the application the amount Hester pays for housing at their shared home from $637 to $0 monthly.
The charges also state Weaver altered housing assistance applications for Redfeather and Redbird in June.
Redfeather was charged with first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, a felony; petit larceny, a misdemeanor; and fifth-degree welfare fraud, a misdemeanor.
Redbird was charged with first-degree offering a false instrument, a felony.
Both are scheduled to appear in Queensbury Town Court on Aug. 22.
York said Weaver's association with Redbird and Redfeather is unknown.
Weaver was largely silent throughout Friday's arraignment in Queensbury Town Court.
She asked for an application for a public defender when Judge Michael Muller asked if she needed legal representation.
Following the arraignment, Weaver would not comment to a Post-Star report about the charges against her.
But, earlier in the week, she told a Post-Star reporter she was unaware of any investigation regarding her conduct as the leader of Social Services.
"There have been rumors swirling about me for three years," Weaver said on Tuesday. "It's ridiculous."
At Friday's press conference, county Administrator/Attorney Paul Dusek said that, as a high-ranking appointed employee, Weaver has the right to a hearing before county supervisors before any decision is made about her employment status.
"Assuming the charges were proven, I would think they are serious enough to warrant dismissal," Dusek said.
He noted that Weaver has yet to be proven guilty of any crime.
She has been placed on paid administrative leave, Dusek said.
Dusek said he expects the disciplinary hearings to begin next week.
Officials said the investigation of Weaver began after complaints were received from the public.
Weaver was hired by the county Board of Supervisors for the job in June 2008.
She moonlights at a new age, Native American-themed retreat and ritualistic center in Queensbury called the Spirit Bear Lodge, which, according to a 2009 press release, Hester founded in 1980.
According to the center's website, Weaver goes by the name Little Thunder Bear and Drangonfly Singer in ritualistic settings. Hester goes by the spiritual alias Michael Redsky and Magali Gigaei Golvloi.
It remains unclear if Hester will be charged for his involvement.
York said the investigation surrounding the fraud at the Department of Social Services is ongoing.
"You got the wrong guy," Hester said when asked for comment following Weaver's arraignment in Queensbury Town Court.
Investigators from the Warren County District Attorney's Office assisted with the investigation of Weaver.
Weaver was released on her own recognizance following her arraignment.
She is scheduled to return to Queensbury Town Court at 9 a.m. on Aug. 29.
The two felony counts could each carry more than a year in prison.
Only in The Post-Star's print edition Saturday:
Read more about the activities of Michael Hester, who describes himself as a Cherokee healer and has been living with the commissioner of the Warren County Department of Social Services, Sheila Weaver, who was charged with fraud on Friday.
Read more: http://poststar.com/news/local/warren-county-official-arrested-on-multiple-charges/article_893e6138-bf8e-11e0-b799-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1VrFUyRh2