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I have a deep love for my people. I dearly love
to see my elders, the ladies with the Indian dresses, long braids, and bandannas;
and the gray men, some with long braids. Some of them carried on the stories
of the old days, of the songs, of the tragedies and of the triumphs.
--David Matheson
RED THUNDER is an engrossing saga spanning several generations
of a Schee-tsu-umsh/Schi'tsu'umsh family, starting in the early
1700s, before the tribe's widespread contact with European settlers.
It recounts a time when the tribe was governed by laws based exclusively
on traditional Schee-tsu-umsh/Schi'tsu'umsh teachings and the
rules of nature. Set amid the tribe's originally claimed territory,
which spans present day Northern Idaho, Eastern Washington and Western
Montana, Matheson's narrative faithfully recreates an all but vanished
way of life.
Matheson translates the oral traditions of his forbearers
into an inspiring and enlightening story of harmony--man's harmony
with the natural world, as well as his quest for peace and unity of purpose
with a Higher Power. RED THUNDER endows its readers with new perspectives
on qualities and experiences common to all traditions—like courage,
love, and family, tragedy, hope, and renewal.
Until now, these stories have been guarded secrets among
his tribe, partly from fear and partly from a need to protect what they
have left. Matheson feels the time is now right to share his people's
history because it is a story so much of the world yearns for; it is a
story of faith, courage, and togetherness.
In RED THUNDER, readers see through new eyes essential
life lessons, such as:
* Respecting elders' wisdom and appreciating the many rewards of
extended family.
* Living in harmony with nature and the animal kingdom.
* Opening our spirits to the incredible healing power of nature.
* Incorporating ceremony and prayer in our daily lives.
* Properly honoring motherhood, marriage, childbirth, and other major
rites of passage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
David Matheson has been a member of the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe
since his birth in 1951 at the home of his grandparents. He has served
as a Council leader, the Tribal Chairman, and manager of various tribal
operations over his career. He is a traditional leader working to retain
tribal cultural traditions, the native language, and ceremonial practices.
His knowledge of ancient teachings provides him with a deep understanding
of the ceremonial practices of native people. David Matheson also holds
an MBA from the University of Washington. He resides in Northern Idaho.
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