Geral Blanchard

Iowans Explore Ancient Wisdom and Peacemaking

Venda girls from South Africa

Venda girls from South Africa

These girls are from the Venda tribe in South Africa. Geral Blanchard visited with the Venda people to learn more about their healing practices. To view a slideshow of photos from Geral Blanchard's travels and his AFSC talk in Des Moines on September 21, please click here.

By Jon Krieg, AFSC Senior Administrative Associate

Trust instead of fear. Generosity in lieu of greed. Compassion and community rather than vengeance and isolation. According to Des Moines author and healer Geral Blanchard, these are some of the timeless values which many indigenous and traditional cultures use to live peacefully and happily.

Geral Blanchard on Ancient Ways, Indigenous Wisdom

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Geral Blanchard on Ancient Ways, Indigenous Wisdom

In this August 30, 2011 edition of the Fallon Forum, Jon Krieg of AFSC's Central Regional Office in Des Moines visits with Geral Blanchard, author of the new book "Ancient Ways: Indigenous Healing Innovations for the 21st Century." With 40 years experience as a counselor in the realm of sexual violence, Gerry shares what he's learned from his visits with indigenous communities around the globe -- wars are not inevitable, there are healthier ways of dealing with crime and deviant behavior, and that spirit should have a role in healing.

Ancient Wisdom and Peacemaking with Geral Blanchard

Geral Blanchard

Geral Blanchard, left, visits with friends in Africa.

Geral Blanchard, left, visits with friends in Africa as they teach him about peacemaking and healing.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 - 6:30pm

Through words and photos, Geral Blanchard will examine interpersonal violence in indigenous societies, noting how resolution often entails making conflict resolution processes into sacred ceremonies. He will draw examples from the Hollow Water Ojibwa First Nation of Canada, the Q'ero of Peru, and various African tribes. Moving from the micro to the macro, Geral will stimulate discussion on how sacred indigenous traditions can be brought to the world stage to address international conflicts.

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