Elder Voices Project

The Elder Voices project is a branch of the Three Sisters Center for the Healing Arts. For several years, the Three Sisters Center has been gathering stories, interviews and lessons about Braucherei healing and spirituality. Recently we have had the great blessing of receiving the handwritten notes of interviews conducted by one of our teachers, Dennis Boyer. Dennis spent nearly five decades collecting the stories of eighty elders- stories which, without his foresight, might otherwise be lost to history. His interviews are rich, holding much of our lost tradition, and we have dedicated the Elder Voices project to transcribing these documents into a typed (thus legible) form. We keep them as a valuable reservoir of knowledge for future generations of Brauchers.

Most importantly, this project is an ongoing one. As we continue to create this archive of information, we are always in search of more. We are painfully aware that the majority of traditional knowledge lies within the minds and hearts of those elders who are closest to passing. We cling to the hope that they consider us worthy students who will respectfully carry their 'necessary traditions'.

So, if you or anyone you know has direct knowledge of Braucherei or Powwow tradition, please contact us. We are excited to hear personal stories of those who have been treated by brauchers, those whose close relatives or friends were brauchers, and those who are brauchers themselves.

We are sensitive to those who wish to remain anonymous, and can easily accommodate your desire for privacy if you prefer to send a letter or voice recording to our center. Your experience is important to us and will be treated with respect. If you are willing to share your story, know of someone else who may be, or would like to just discuss the practice with us please contact us.