We are part of sacred work of which we may never see the ending.
-Oscar Romero, Bishop of El Salvador.
Outspoken advocate for the poor. Assassinated 1980.
I have a friend who lives on the Pacific Coast of Washington State. For over forty years he’s worked in various capacities as a non-Native with a small, vibrant Native American tribe, most significantly as part of their Treaty Protection Task Force. He’s engaging and intense, skilled in navigating the complexities of cross-cultural interactions. One early morning along a rocky shoreline trail on Puget Sound, I remember him emerging from the cold waters near Madrona Point. It was a few hours before his wedding. He had a beaming smile on his face. He was getting ready.
For hundreds if not thousands of years, those same waters of the San Juan Islands have served as feeding grounds for Orca whales. In 1970, nine of them, newly born, were captured and sent to various aquariums across North America. One of the Orca calves, named by members of the Lummi Tribe as Tokitae, ended up in Florida. For 53 years she lived there in captivity. For decades, tribal efforts, most recently led by Lummi leaders, including Jewell Praying Wolf James and the tribe’s Treaty Protection Task Force, focused on bringing her home.
It was no easy process. The Lummi believe, my friend says, that whales are our brothers and sisters — “People Under the Sea.” Few of us in American culture share, much less understand such a view of the world. For commercial and media reasons, the Florida aquarium chose to call the young Orca whale “Lolita.” The clash of perspectives was pronounced. Protests and heated conversations persisted between the tribe‘s cultural viewpoints and the aquarium’s claims of property rights and potential lost revenue.
This past April, an agreement was finally reached. Tokitae was coming home. Preparations were made for her return in September. The plan was she would be first nurtured and acclimatized in the waters of Puget Sound, then released to swim and live in freedom for the remainder of her life. This time, not as a pay-for-view amusement attraction, but as a living member of her people in waters where she was born.
On August 18th, Tokitae died. Still in captivity in the Florida aquarium, she was awaiting her journey home to Puget Sound. Plans were quickly made in consultation with tribal elders. Her cremated remains were carried back home where they were quietly, ceremoniously spread upon the waters near Madrona Point. Prayers and sounds of Salish drums echoed across the Bay.
A physician here in Michigan and I were in conversation not long ago. He and his wife are parents of two young daughters. He’s an attentive father, reading to them during evenings on a regular basis. He’d come across a children’s book that struck him in an unusual way. Its author, he said, had written these closing words: “Maybe you will be the one to shine the light in the darkness. Maybe you will be the one who speaks for those who have no words.”
Winter 2024 Ecotone Newsletter
CONTENTS
JOURNAL NOTES
PROJECTS & PRESENTATIONS
Congratulations to Institute friend and supporter Marcia Gonstead for her recognition as 2023’s Volunteer of the Year by the State of Michigan. Marcia is a resident of our nearby rural community of Big Bay and continues to make remarkable contributions to protect our region’s natural resources and improve the health and well-being of our community life.
The CTI Director led Sunday morning services in Republic at Bethany Lutheran Church on 10/23, Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn on 12/17, and the Unitarian faith community via Zoom for Escanaba, Petoskey, and Marquette on 12/10. He also brought reflections during memorial services for Nancy Railey and Jim Shirtz, extraordinary individuals who leave behind, for many of us, examples of compassion, and quiet dignity.
On November 17th, the Director published a “Letter to the Editor” in the Mining Journal, our regional newspaper, on “Violence, Religion, and Politics in the Middle East.”
Bows to Rick Pietila, a key CTI Advisor who recently passed his U.S. State Department qualifying exam. Rick currently works under contract for the government. He resides in Ottawa, Canada with his wife Jackie, who works as part of the State Department’s administrative staff. And to Pat Twohy, Jesuit priest, mentor and cross-cultural teacher for CTI’s Director during 15 years in the Pacific Northwest. Pat is now retired and has moved to California to reside with a small Jesuit community there.
The second of a series of Men’s Retreats, “Riding the Tiger: Spirituality in the Second Half of Life,” was facilitated on 10/20-21 at Fortune Lake Camp in Crystal Falls, in partnership with the Northern Great Lakes (Lutheran) Synod of the ELCA. Thanks to colleagues Lee Goodwin and Ken Kelley for serving as co-facilitators. Fifteen men from four U.P. counties, ages 32 – 87, explored issues of friendship, vocation, and the challenges of aging. A prayer of blessing was lifted for 32-year-old Blair Suave, preparing to depart and serve as a medical officer in the US Army.
A public viewing of the documentary “The Return” was held at Marquette’s Regional History Center on the evening of 10/25. It tells the story of how over a hundred community members joined us to celebrate the reburial of Fr. Marquette’s remains 6/18/22 on the shores of Lake Huron. A partnership with Marquette University, Jesuit priests and members of the Native American community made this unique historical event happen. Following the film’s viewing, six Native American delegates from St. Ignace’s Museum of Ojibwa Culture and CTI’s Steve Mattson and Dan Rydholm made guest presentations. Each attendee was welcomed with a smudging of sage. Sounds of eagle whistles opened and closed the evening’s event.
Two Spirit of Place retreats unfolded this fall, each designed as experiences of what Joe Piccione has come to call “Engaged Spirituality.” For the first one, “The Mystery of Trees,” 25 individuals participated from six states for three days at Big Bay’s historic Thunder Bay Inn. On our last morning together, we planted 100 Northern white cedar trees along the banks of the Yellow Dog River.
The Institute’s second retreat, “The Art of Walking,” involved 25 individuals from 12 states and eight faith traditions. It took place in early November in the foothills above Santa Fe at a Benedictine monastery. Jeannie Wagner, physical therapist, provided insights into the dynamics of posture and body mechanics. John Rosenberg, Kent Fish, Don Miller, Joe Piccione, Diana Magnuson, Mike Grossman, and Larry Skendzel served as special presenters. Ruth Almén coordinated participants in facilitating CTI’s memorable immersion into the worlds of pilgrimage, mobility, and sacred reflection.
A SHOUT OF GRATITUDE
Thanks to those of you from so many walks of life for your ongoing encouragement and support. A graceful bow of thanks to CTI Board members Steve Mattson and Jim Elder!
THE GIFT OF WATER
THE GIFT OF WATER: ECOLOGY, ART, And the SPIRITUAL LIFE
Limited Edition: Copyright, 2023, ISBN 979-8-9876283-0-0
Edited by Paul Lehmberg
A book review from Elizabeth Palmer’s “Gifts you can Read” The Christian Century Magazine, December 2023
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is nestled between three of the Great Lakes, so its artists and poets are well acquainted with the beauty and dangers of water. The ”Gift of Water” is a clothbound anthology published by the Cedar Tree Institute, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of ecology, religion, and mental health.
Originally published in the “Marquette Monthly Magazine,” these 45 essays are glimpses into the vibrant waters of the Upper Peninsula and pleas for their conversation. “She has taken on the pain of others,” writes poet Heidi Stevenson about the fierceness of Lake Superior as it carves away at the shoreline during a storm. “And now she is fighting to save herself. I don’t blame her.”
Now available for purchase at Snowbound Books and the Regional History in Marquette Michigan or by order here at the shop on our website. All proceeds go to support environmental projects.
Following a first printing of the “Gift of Water” in June of 2023, this modest collection of essays received unexpected heartfelt communications from a wide variety of individuals, some who live near streams of Colorado’s mountains, in coastal communities of Hawaii, next to Florida’s Tampa Bay, alongside Virginia’s Potomac River, and on a sailboat docked in Washington State’s Puget Sound. In thanksgiving for this outpouring of responses, a second printing of 500 copies hardbound copies was authorized in August and is currently available.
The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our past, they are on loan to us from our children.
-Ghandi
HEALING THE EARTH
WATER STEWARDS II 2024-2025
Protecting Drinking Water in Michigan’s Rural Upper Peninsula
A Cedar Tree Initiative in partnership with representatives from Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), Buddhist, Unitarian, and Jewish faith traditions. A collaboration with 5 Federally recognized American Indian Tribes.
GOALS and OBJECTIVES
- The planting of 1000 cedar trees by volunteers in the Northern Great Lake’s Basin in response to the impacts of climate change
- Three Community Forums:
- The current state of drinking water on the planet.
- Challenges for quality drinking water in North America.
- The state of water quality in the Upper Peninsula.
- Seven congregational workshops on water for quality testing in rural settings
- Advocacy for regional tribal environmental/water projects
- Monthly columns on Water, Health, and the Environment
- Full economic support for drilling two wells for drinking water in Asia and Africa
There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change. People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread. But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost. Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old. Nothing you can do can stop time’s unfolding. You don’t ever let go of the thread.
-E William Stafford
IN MEMORIAM
Jim Shirtz
1951-2023
A grounded, unpretentious woodsman, faithful husband, caring father, loyal friend. Jim helped the Institute lead Tai Chi classes at the County Jail and Bay Cliff Health Camp’s annual retreats for post-polio survivors. He joined the Institute Director each spring at a remote cabin to make maple syrup and sugar. One of his two sons Michael, along with his wife Pam, sang “Over the Rainbow” at Jim’s memorial service. You could hear a pin drop.
Nancy Railey
1942-2023
Known as one, if not the best of Northern Great Lakes concert pianists and teachers, Nancy’s end-of-life reflections were lifted up, with her permission, in the Spring, 2023 issue of the Institute’s “Ecotone.” Nancy was a gracious, talented, gentle spirit. Her family, friends, and students were transformed by her devotion to the best of classical music.
Bob Langseth
1933-2023
An informal “bishop,” Bob was a towering figure in the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the ELCA Lutheran Church. He planted trees with CTI, helped establish relationships with struggling churches in Tanzania, wrote grants to create the Keweenaw National Park in Upper Michigan, and was a fierce, prophetic voice for the oppressed. In Swahili, his friends in Africa called him “Tembo” which translated to English, means “kind, powerful elephant.”
Eric Iverson
1938-2023
Friend and supporter of the Cedar Tree Institute, Eric served for years as a Family Service Worker and a Presbyterian interim pastor in Kentucky. He and his wife Libby joined us on retreats along the shores of Lake Superior. Eric was an accomplished artist, a deeply reflective, insightful individual to all fortunate enough to know him.
Carl Braaten
1929-2023
A “prince” in the world of academic theology, Carl was a combative, provocative intellectual who carried, for many of us in the Lutheran community, legendary prowess. He suffered no fools. Carl was an avid, competitive tennis player. A student he once played against confessed to me that playing against Carl Braaten was so intimidating that he soiled his pants. A professor for the CTI Director during years of seminary in Chicago, Braaten on more than one occasion, quoted his father, a one-time missionary to Madagascar. “No one can hate like a religious person can. No one can love like one either.”
Craig Howe
1993 -2023
Craig, for several summers, served as a tree planter with selected Cedar Tree Institute projects in restoration efforts along the Yellow Dog River. As a young adult, he faced challenges as he sought to navigate life in rural Michigan. Scott Ehle, pastor of Bethel Lutheran Church in Menominee, is a former NMU student and friend of his brother Ryan. Both Ryan and Scott served as extraordinary student leaders during campus ministry days at Northern Michigan University. In November, Scott led funeral services for family and friends.
ON THE HORIZON 2024
The Way of the Dream: God’s Forgotten Language
Zoom Series. Five sessions beginning Tuesdays 1/15/24 / 9 A.M. – 10 P.M EST.
With Jon Magnuson, Barb Ojibway, and Will Sharp. In partnership with the 2024 Winter Faith Formation Project of the NGLS/ELCA
Tai Chi /QiGong On-site Classes
Wednesdays 5:30 -6:30 P.M. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Mind/Body Practice with Diana and Jon Magnuson.
View our Tai Chi page for more information.
Spirit of Place Retreats 2024
- The Mystery of Healing —September
- The Mystery of Water —October
- The Spiritual Brain: Pain, Pleasure and the Mystical Experience —November
The Unbroken Circle
Three workshops to build networks of medical care, compassion, and skill with medical providers who serve individuals under hospice and palliative care. Coordinated by Mike Grossman.
Gravity and Grace
Deep Ecology and the Spiritual Life: A Tribute to Joseph Sittler
Conference and Retreat in Marquette (TBS)
A collaboration with interfaith communities.
To mentors who are helping us navigate the challenges ahead. Thank you Nanda and Pam Shrestha, Jeff Noble, Bob Kraus, Louise Hanna, Ken Kelley, Anne Rydhom, Ruth Almén, Paul Lehmberg, Kurt Russo, Rick and Jason Wester and Mary Hupfer.
CTI BOARD
- Jon Magnuson, CTI Executive Director
- Steve Mattson, Financial Consultant, Wells Fargo Private Client Services, Retired
- Jim Elder, Attorney
ADVISORY COUNCIL
- Larry Skendzel, Physician, Hospice Care
- Gareth Zellmer, Consultant, Trainer
- Ken Kelley, Professor Emeritus, NMU
- Rick Pietila, U.S. State Department
- Jan Schultz, Botanist, USFS, Retired
- Michael Grossman, Family Physician
RESEARCH FELLOWS
- John Rosenberg
- Ruth Almén
- Kent Fish
- Joseph Piccione
Prayers for Bill
Bill Waters, friend, CTI supporter and colleague experienced a serious motorcycle accident in September, days after his participation in the Institute’s “The Mystery of Trees.” Bill is a former faculty member at NMU, professional clown, and an adventurer who has joined eight Institute Spirit of Place retreats across North America. He’s a certified mediator who once worked with CTI in providing training for the City of Charlotte’s Sheriff Department in North Carolina. In recent years, Bill’s become an accomplished woodworker building miniature canoes.
Lift him up with good energy and light, along with his wife Fran and son Vincent who have been faithfully by his side these past months.
Thank you for reading the Winter 2024 Ecotone Newsletter, the official Newsletter of the Cedar Tree Institute.
