The earth and myself are of one mind. The measure of the land and the measure of our bodies are the same.

- Hinmaton Yalatkit (Joseph) Nez Perce



It was our belief that the love of possessions is a weakness to be overcome. . . Children must early learn the beauty of generosity. They are taught to give what they prize most, that they may taste the happiness of giving. . . The Indians in their simplicity literally give away all that they have to relatives, to guests of other tribes or clans, but above all to the poor and the aged, from whom they can hope for no return.

- Charles Alexander Eastman (Ohiyesa)












































About Us

Fellowship Meetings

  • Beginning Jan. 1999, Indian Fellowships developed throughout Missouri, eastern Kansas and northern Arkansas
  • Relearning basic oral traditions
  • Purification ceremonies & talking circles
  • Restoration of indigenous languages through learning of songs & prayers - Cherokee as well as other languages once commonly spoken in this area.

Annual Gathering

  • Beginning fall 2002, Indian Fellowships gather annually for three days of indigenous cultural immersion
  • Indigenous oral tradition incorporated by speakers
  • Ceremonies enacted including crafts, games and dances of the people
  • Heirloom seeds shared or made available, promoting restoration of indigenous agriculture
  • Indigenous language lessons given

The Daksi Grounds

  • Traditional Chickamauga Cherokee Practice Grounds in Bates County, Missouri
  • Osi Ceremonies (Prayer Sweats) kept since Dec. 2000
  • Sacred Fire of the Cherokees kept since April 2010
  • Six major, annual Chickamauga Cherokee ceremonies kept
  • Weddings, Baby Blessings, Naming Ceremonies, Traditional Adoptions, etc.
  • Indigenous heirloom crops raised in large garden plots: Cherokee Old Tobacco, Cherokee corn varieties, beans, squash, tomatoes, peppers, etc.
  • Undoing effects of cultural genocide through restoration of indigenous oral traditions, ceremonies, agriculture and language

Newsletter, E-Mail & Website

  • Signals newsletter eagerly read by hundreds of American Indian families
  • Indigenous news, relevant essays, etc. received by hundreds via MAIF E-mail Linkup
  • MAIF Website: contains information, papers, essays & even downloadable e-books

Veterinary Care

  • Sheri Moellinger DVM & Bud Moellinger head this up
  • Dr. Sheri is Veterinary Consultant for MAIF
  • Free or for-donation veterinary care provided
  • Annual trips to Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation
  • Vet. Clinics provided for Indian Fellowships

Consultant/Helper Jan Owens

  • Chickamauga Cherokee

MAIF Health Consultants

  • Marcia Rainey & Terry Rombauer

Other Active MAIF Helpers

  • Bruce Redden
  • Bud Moellinger
  • Jan Owens
  • Jay Redden
  • John Redden
  • Kathy Whitley
  • Linda James
  • Randy Whitley
  • Ron Owens
  • Terry Haupt