Celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day

It was wonderful way to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, October 13th. It was a fascinating experience listening to the evening's main guest, Tlakaelel, the Tolteca-Chichimeka elder, teacher, and guardian of the oral tradition. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and wisdom with a group that gathered at Michigan State University's International Center to hear him talk and exchange information. The photo below was snapped after the event with some of the people in attendance. Tlakaelel is at the center-right in the green shirt.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

October 13th: Indigenous Peoples' Day

This coming Monday, October 13th, is Indigenous Peoples' Day across the land. In honor and celebration of the day, the Peace Education Center of Greater Lansing (MI) will be hosting indigenous leader Maestro Tlakaelel on October 13, 2008. He will speak at Michigan State University's International Center at 7:30 p.m. in Room 303.

Tlakaelel returns to the Lansing area after having conducted the Four Color ceremony in Okemos last year. This time the community will get a chance hear Tlakaelel speak and to ask questions in an informal, intimate setting. It will be rare opportunity to spend time with one of the world's most honored indigenous leaders.

-- Rico Thomas Rico

Short Bio of Maestro Tlakaelel

In 1947, Tlakaelel was commissioned by the Council of Anahuak with a spiritual mission and was given the name and spiritual title of "Tlakaelel" which means "Counselor to the Council". In each generation there is only one man who carries this name. Tlakaelel is the first indigenous leader in the history of Mexico to have achieved with the aid of his Kalpulli, or spiritual group, official governmental recognition of the Native Religious Tradition. This has taken more than 500 years to accomplish.

Maestro Tlakaelel in

Okemos, Michigan 2007