Looking Back for New Direction to Lead Us Forward
Gathering of Native American Young Adult at Wright Square
Savannah, Georgia – NAIC
Wright Square, is the final resting place for Tomo-Chi-Chi, the American Indian Leader who helped General James Oglethorpe.
Back Row: Dr. Richard Grounds, Sherita Eagle, Robert Foote, Curtis Wright, Ian Phillips, Brett Jackson, Trinity Norwood, Rachel Ridgway
Front Row: Robert King, Terica Stanley, Kayleigh Vickers, Anne Marshall, Sadie Ann King
Photos By Ragghi Rain
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Tomo-Chi-Chi’s Grave
Memorial Reads: “Tomo-Chi-Chi, Mico of the Yamacraws, a tribe of the Creek Indian Nation, is buried in this square. He has been called a co-founder, with Oglethorpe, of Georgia. He was a good friend to the English, a friendship indispensable to the establishment of the colony as a military outpost against Spanish invasion. He negotiated with Olgethorpe the treaty, formally ratified on May 21, 1733, pursuant to which Georgia was settled. Mary Musgrove, half-breed niece of Emperor Brim of the Creek Indians, acted as interpreter between Olgethorpe and Tomo-Chi-Chi and lent her great influence to the signing of that treaty and to the treaties negotiated by Olgethorpe with other tribes of the creek nation.
In 1734, at the age of 84, with his wife Senauki, Tomo-Chi-Chi visited the English Court and was recieved by the King and by the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was a man of fine physique, tall and of great dignity.
He died October 5, 1739 at Yamacraw Indian Village, and at his request was brought to Savannah to rest among his English friends. He was buried here with military honors.”
025-4 Georgia Historical Commission 1952
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For more information about The Memorial of Tomochichi visit the link below:
The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America — Tomochichi’s Monument
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In mid-September, The Native American International Caucus (NAIC) sponsored “Looking back for new Direction to Lead us Forward,” a youth conference focusing on preparing young adults with the leadership tools necessary as they take positions in their churches, Tribes, and local communities. The group came from all different corners of the country and each young leader took away something different from Savannah, the seminars, and the fellowship.
“Savannah, Georgia is a historical city and sharing our own history during these sessions was extremely important. We did this through sharing our culture with each other such as singing our tribal songs during group meetings. During our Love Feast we sang Amazing Grace in Yuchi and Creek language. We also connected to our history with a lecture by a guest speaker, Dr. Richard Grounds,” (Saddie King, Arizona)
“The group bonded together through a number of leadership activities, led by Ragghi Calentine, during the weekend, which also included storytelling and discussion. As young leaders, we directed our attention toward developing characteristics that make an effective leader. We also discussed what we expected from leaders in our Native communities and the United Methodist Church. Dr. Richard Grounds led a discussion on the impact of genocide in the United States. During his talk he also shared Rev. John Wesley’s Journal. The group in Savannah discussed the more complex relationship John Wesley had with Native Americans. We discussed not only these historical stereotypes and misconceptions written by Wesley but also the images that are still popular today” (Terica Stanley, Alabama)
“My trip to the city of Savannah was a wonderful eye opening experience. The amount of history gave me great insight into the Methodist Church’s past. From the any candy shops, rugged streets, and beautiful architecture I’ll definitely look forward to the day I get to return. I have enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Georgia and will miss the feeling it gave me,” (Robert Foote, Los Angeles)
The conference ended with sorrowful goodbyes and plans to meet again. Overall the conference was a great success creating great friendships, memorable experiences, and lessons that’ll last a lifetime.