I see strong spirits every second Saturday at TEC meetings as they never cease to come up with good ideas and plans to carry them out. I plan to see strong spirits in our Braves at Brave Day, March 8 th at Camp Eastman , as they strive to become Warriors. However, these Braves cannot make it on their own; they need guidance and experiences shared from higher paints such as Keepers and Runners and adult paints. To complement the strong spirit, we have strong backbones as I have mentioned before. I have seen great examples of these in the workers down at Camp Eastman as they give selflessly of their time, money, and talents to work on their heart's reservation. Though more numbers are at camp on workdays (every second Saturday), there are some strong backboned individuals that are at camp nearly every Saturday! I truly envy and applaud them. I also applaud those who used their backbones recently to cook at the Klondike Derby February 15-17; your help is greatly appreciated.

I cannot express how truly proud I am to lead such a group of people. All who wear the Claws I consider my family, and therefore will support you as family. I say this often, but I truly mean it: if there is anything I can do for you, contact me and I will do all that I can. I am not important, but the office I hold is. As long as it is mine to hold I pray the Creator guide me to uphold the strong spirit of the chief, and that I may have the backbone to see it through.

I invite all tribesmen (and women) to open your heart, your eyes and your ears and let this spirit bless you this season. May the gentleness and giving spirit continue to envelop your life. I'll see you at Camp or I'll see you at Winter Banquet - but I will see you along the path again.

Yours in Brotherhood Brandon Howard,
Chief Many Feathers, Son of Soulkeeper

“…and now I pray the blessing of the Great Spirit upon you,
so long as your feet may trod the trail…”