Johnny Moses, Storyteller

​Dear Friend,

 Part of OMEC's vision has always been to find a path that gives voice to the indigenous wisdom where the organization was conceived. This vision recently took root when OMEC partnered with Johnny Moses to publish his story "The Medicine Clothes That Look at the People."
 Johnny Moses is a traditional storyteller from the Tulalip tribe of the Pacific Northwest. Johnny's traditional name is Whis.Stem.Men.Knee, which means Walking Medicine Robe. He is a healer and spiritual leader who carries the Si.Si.Wiss - Sacred Breath, Sacred Life - teachings of his people.

 Sandra Ingerman MA, describes Johnny and his works by noting that:
"Johnny Moses is a legendary storyteller! During a time on the planet when so many people have lost their way, Johnny Moses shares the traditional stories that create a road map leading us back home to ourselves, and to the Earth. I was so touched by his story The Medicine Clothes That Look at the People." 

 We live in a time of hyper-rationality, where it can appear that something has been lost. Many people find it difficult to connect with deeper meaning and with a sense of purpose that is greater than themselves. The ancestral voices speaking through Johnny's stories offer us an opportunity to turn inward and experience a deeper sense of ourselves and the world. 

As his traditional name implies, Johnny's stories carry medicine, the ability to heal. The stories he tells were passed down from his ancestors and carry the power of love, of our connection to one another and to the Earth. "It is good to go back to where your roots are from," Johnny's ancestors told him. "The spirits of the mountains are with us." Johnny's stories offer a glimpse into how we can be connected in spirit with one another and approach this world with love in our hearts, regardless of the apparent external circumstances. 

We at OMEC are honored to bring Johnny's stories to print, and to offer you this journey back to the roots. We also have a Johnny Moses storytelling video for sale! May the spirits of the mountains be with you, may you hear the ancestors' whispers in the wind and in the rustling leaves, may you hear their messages in birdsongs, and feel their presence in the warm rays of the sun.

 I also wanted to mention that OMEC VP and master drum maker Rob Murphy has offered one of his drums for sale, with 50% of the purchase price going to support OMEC projects. The 11" buffalo drum has a painted white buffalo on its face, and is housed on an octagonal cedar frame. It comes with a handcrafted drum bag and beater. The price is $300, please contact Rob at [email protected] if you're interested in purchasing this beautiful drum.

 Please visit the OMEC website for more detail on Johnny Moses and other programs, events and projects we have to offer. 

From My Heart to Yours,

Jeff Eissfeldt, OMEC Board Member