I doubt many people, if anyone will read this given the many years since Wolf Song passed, but I hope it finds other's who cared for him.

We are dedicating the Nov 13th, 2021 Dawnland Story Festival (https://www.strawberybanke.org/events/dawnland-storyfest.cfm) to Wolf Song.

The 2021 Dawnland StoryFest is dedicated to the memory of the life and work of Wolf Song, a well-respected and much-loved Vermont Abenaki Storyteller

Wolf Song, (He Who Sings the Wolf Song), passed over on Nov. 24, 2000. Wolf Song was born (Rickie Provencher) on April 25, 1953, in Middlebury, Vermont. Wolf Song was only 47 years old – much too young – when he was taken away by a sudden cardiac arrest.

Wolf Song embraced his Abenaki heritage and drew audiences into a circle of sharing, laughter and wisdom by sharing the ancient voices of Native American traditional stories and legends throughout the United States and Canada. Wolf Song studied with Abenaki, Cherokee and Tuscarora Elders and teachers. His lectures and stories reflected his innate respect for women, humanity's connection to the Earth and the cyclical nature of life.

Wolf Song's intent was to pass on the legacy and wisdom of his ancestors. As Wolf Song would say, "Our bones are made of the earth, the earth is made of our bones." He asked his audiences to remember that as they walk on this land, they are walking on the bones of our ancestors. Wolf Song's mastery of acquainting his audiences with the breadth, depth and inherent value of Indigenous cultures will be long remembered. He believed it important for people to understand the legacy that Native Americans have and are giving to American society. He believed that it was necessary to embrace the past to consciously choose and direct our future.

Wolf Song shared his heart and time generously with everyone around him. His gift of laughter, love of life and his embrace and respect of the Earth will never be forgotten. Wolf Song touched many people's lives and hearts - including tellers and organizers of the Dawnland Story Festival, Anne Jennison and myself, Jonathan Cummings. It is directly due to the Wolf Song that I am here, here giving life and voice again to the stories that shaped me as a teller and a human being. Wolf Song was thankful for those who were a part of his walk, and would say, “It is when we tell stories to each other that we pause in our busyness to look into each other’s eyes, to touch each other from our hearts. That is the way it used to be a long time ago.”

We at the Dawnland Story Festival seek to make today that way again. And so we say “Wliwni” (thank you) to Wolf Song for sharing your joy of life and for providing inspiration to the storytellers and audiences who were privileged to learn from him.