The Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery provided a beautiful setting for the informal exchange of information on topics relating to the history and culture of African and Native Americans. Smudging and a procession preceded a short program in which praise and honor were offered to the Creator and to the Ancestors. Members of the audience were reminded of the historic links between the two peoples, encouraged not to let their sense of identity be determined by others, and reminded as well that they need nobody's permission but their own to recognize their ancestry. There were performances by Legacy of Weyanoke, Suwabi African Ballet, and the young drum group Drums No Guns.

The wet weather was largely ignored. When the rain did choose to fall, the audience adjourned to the Information Association and Administrative Office to hear and converse with the Presenters. When it stopped, they came out again for the parts of the program in which everyone came together. The thunder & lightning finally got too close for peace of mind, but not until everyone had a chance to look, listen, interact and enjoy themselves.

Wolf Band Chief Jimmy Two Hawks says that according to tradition, thunderstorms signal the presence of the Thunder Beings. When they come, they do so for the purpose of opening hearts; if Rain comes with them, it is an additional blessing. Together, the Thunder Beings and Rain cleanse and wash away whatever our spirits would be better off without, so that the healing of the spirit may take place. 

Special thanks are offered to Scott & Mary MacElroy and the rest of the Wolf Band for their participation.