TRIBUTES

Thank you for allowing us to join you on The Spiritual Journey To RECOVERY. For some, recovery may include overcoming an addiction, an illness, a death, an unexpected life event or challenges with relationships. These events or circumstances may be unexpected, with an impact and duration which may cause uncertainty.  

This website is not intended to promote any certain religious point of view. For many, a sense of Faith may provide A Guiding Rod to navigate the course ahead. For others, a sense of Spirituality may offer needed peace and reassurance. Combining Religious Practice and/or Spiritual Expression is a deeply personal matter. The intent of this web-site then, is to simply provide resources that may provide hope and an assurance that it is possible to continue to move forward, through circumstances or situations that may suggest otherwise.   

New Feather Village was originated from 30 years of academic training and clinical experience in the field of Spiritual Care and Pastoral Intervention, including: community services advocate for the homeless and aged; support staff at an assisted living community as a chaplain at a state psychiatric hospital which specialized in mental health and addiction treatment for youth, adults, forensics and adult psychiatric patients.  

From these experiences and from the training which I have been fortunate to receive, I have come to appreciate the value of each individual as a human being. For all of us are equal as Fellow Travelers. I look back upon those with whom I have shared a portion of my Spiritual Journey. It is from their influence that this project has been developed. 

Much of the material which is included throughout this project is taken from the 1st Nation Culture and Tradition, due to its ties with nature - the reverence of the elements, of the earth and the inhabitants which also make this earth their home.  During My Spiritual Journey, I have come to discover my paternal 1st Nation Roots, as well as a deep maternal Christian Heritage. I have come to recognize the importance of Relationships with Family and Friends, through times of struggle as well as celebration. A Discovery and Understanding of Family may provide a Spiritual Dimension and for those who choose - a sense of Religious Expression as well.     

I offer an invitation for all to discover and explore the abundance and richness of Family Of Origin – Heritage, Customs, Beliefs, Creeds, Vocations, Traits, Characteristics, Struggles, Victories. Because we are on a common adventure, we are united toward a common destination. It is a destination that crosses all creeds, cultures, and backgrounds. To do so does not mean it is necessary to accept, but to understand such an abundance and richness will bring about a greater awareness of KIVA (Keeping Individual Value Alive) - during the process of Healing and Recovery. We are all on a Journey of Self-Discovery – finding that which brings us together. 

As a community of Recovery and Healing, we may draw on each other’s experiences. I sincerely hope that all of us may re-discover our ties to each other, as fellow travelers on The Spiritual Journey to KIVA (Keeping Individual Value Alive).

May we go forward together that we may gain strength and encouragement along the way.
 

Cordially, Chaplain Michael L. Benedict, MA, LSUDC, BCCC, CPE Diplomate 

Chaplain Michael L. Benedict holds a Master of Arts (Therapeutic Recreation /Gerontology) and a Bachelor of Science (Youth Leadership/Volunteer Management). His Capstone Project for his Masters Degree consisted of a survey of the programs and services offered at senior citizen centers throughout central Utah (under the auspices of the State of Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services).

Chaplain Benedict completed post graduate work in Religious Studies at BYU. With Dr. Roger Keller,  he collaborated in the inception of a Chaplain Residency Program at A psychiatric hospital, for prospective armed forces chaplains who were assigned to compete one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in partial fulfillment of requirements for their Masters Degree in Chaplaincy.

His certifications include:

-Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor 

-Board Certified Clinical Chaplain

-Clinical Pastoral Education Diplomate

He and his wife, Tracy currently reside in Phoenix, Arizona. Her passion of 30 years has been in the arena of English Setter Championship Competition. One of her English Setters received 2nd Place at the 2022 World Dog Show Competition in Geneva, Switzerland. Her academic training and professional career has been in the area of Psychology, Science and Math.

She has also taught CPR in a variety of community settings, particularly on the Gila Indian Reservation in Arizona. As a United States Air Force Veteran, Tracy served in the Capacity of Radar Control. She was one of the very first women to become involved in the project while serving under the direct supervision of a Three Star General. She also served in the area of Chapel Management. She has also retired from the field of Education, teaching Advanced Placement High School Courses, as well as in low-income, remote elementary schools. 

Chaplain Benedict would also like to pay tribute to his late wife, Judith Ann, who was an ardent supporter of his academic and professional pursuits, even in the face of enduring physical hardship which brought about her passing in April 2019. During their 36 years of marriage Judith Ann served as an Academic Advisor at the College of Engineering at BYU. She was highly regarded for her effectiveness and thoroughness in her role. Most importantly, she was an affectionate and loving mother to three children - Kevin (with his wife, Laura and their four daughters); Serena (with her husband, Shannon); and Michael Albert (her Sweet Baboo). It is with a great deal of effort that she planted and maintained a backyard vegetable garden, with her mantra, 'Tomatoes Are Me'.

She remained steadfast in her spiritual and religious beliefs, which became her core for living a respectful and respected life. Certainly she lives on, for her influence remains as a guide and motivation for family and friends who cherish her still. 

For a period of a half century, Lacee and Molly have been looked upon as individuals who would give of their time, wisdom and knowledge to all, without hesitation. From a prison cell to a detox center; from a university classroom to a legislative hearing;  from conferences on addiction and mental illness to serving with clergy  and community advocates - Lacee and Molly have left their imprints upon the landscape - always known for a breadth of knowledge that was equaled by their generosity of time and insight. Lacee departed our midst awhile back to the embrace of The Great Father.  Still we feel his embrace around us as he drew us in with his contagious laugh and a smile that would light up any room as well as the lives of those with whom he came in contact. To Molly and to Lacee, I offer a deep offering of personal thanks for their guidance in helping me discover my 1st Nation Heritage s well as an appreciation for the customs and traditions which have taken on special meaning because of their influence. And so it is to Lacee and Molly that this presentation is dedicated. Their causes became their passions. May  all know them remain inspired from their mentorship and example. May all who visit New Feather Village feel of their influence - which lives on.

  -----

1st Nation – Cherokee

This is the Earth, healed again, growing green and blue. I want you to remember this exactly as it is, and then go and tell the people that if enough of us Hold this image in their minds, we can heal the Earth and make it like it was a long time ago. -Grandfather Rolling Thunder, Cherokee Medicine Elder

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-proverbs.html

http://www.quoteland.com/author/American-Indian-Proverb-Quotes/

http://www.sapphyr.net/natam/quotes-nativeamerican.htm