About Spirit of the Wind
Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles:
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We are a Native American nonprofit organization from Siskiyou County, Northern California, surrounded by the majestic Mount Shasta wilderness.
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Our Mission is to preserve and promote Native American Culture, Values, and Traditions through strong Community support and our expanding role in the community over the years.
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We organize, coordinate, and facilitate Native American Indigenous and Educational activities, Arts & Crafs Workshops, and Purification Ceremonies, like Sweat Lodges (Temazcal), to support and guide participants in restoring and strengthening their wellness.
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We are a charitable organization run by a small Board of Directors. We're aided by volunteers, contributors, and helpers participating in our Events and Ceremonies.
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The founders of Spirit of the Wind are our Ceremonial Leader Walking Eagle (Jack Thom, Sr.), from the Karuk Tribe of Northern California, and his wife Gentle Springs (Barbara Humiston), from the Wintun Nomlaki Tribe of Northern California.​​
Walking Eagle and Gentle Springs
Walking Eagle (Jack Thom, Sr.)
Walking Eagle:
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Our ceremonial leader,
Walking Eagle (Hün-Na-îtch) (Jack Thom, Sr.) is a beloved Káruk Elder who has led Native American Indigenous and Spiritual Ceremonies in Siskiyou County, Northern California, for over forty years.
He is a devoted advocate of healthy and sober living. He teaches by example and constantly reminds us that the answers to our questions are found in our prayers.
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Walking Eagle has appeared on multiple TV shows and documentaries. He participated in 4 episodes of Ancient Aliens, from the History Channel (one of them is from season 17, ep. 4, The Mystery of Mount Shasta). He's also been on Discovery Channel, and Travel Channel, among others.
He supports the spiritual growth and healing of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds worldwide.​​
All peoples and tribes are welcome to participate in our activities!
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Walking Eagle is the nephew of Charlie "Red Hawk" Thom (1928-2013), a legendary Káruk Medicine Man born in Quartz Valley, California, who became a notorious ceremonial leader, a knowledgeable culture bearer, and a protector of the environment and sacred sites.
We are committed to living in harmony with the Great Spirit.
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Our goal is to serve our Community.
To accomplish our Mission and Vision, Spirit of the Wind honors the following Guiding Principles (Core Values):
• Trust/faith in the Great Spirit - Grand Father - Creator.
• Reverence toward, value of, and support for our elders, relatives, and community.
• Collaboration with volunteers and community resources.
• Responsibility for our actions.
• Promotion of the common good through conscious interactions.
• Reflection and prayer before decisions are made.
​​We have friends from all over the world participating in our activities, and we welcome all peoples and tribes!​​​
Our Board of Directors:
​​​​​​​​​​​Daniel Pruett
(Cloud Eagle) Wintun Nomlaki
President/CEO
Marsha Nielson
Secretary
Barbara Humiston
(Gentle Springs) Wintun Nomlaki
Vice President
Fernanda Froes-Pruett
(White Feather Dreaming)
Treasurer/CFO
Marketing & Communications Director
​Donate to Spirit of the Wind
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Spirit of the Wind is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning donations are eligible for tax deduction.
We are operated almost exclusively by volunteers.
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We have recognized the importance of promoting and preserving Native American Culture, Values, and Traditions through strong Community support and our growing role in the Community over the years.​
Through our activities, we keep the Native American Culture alive.
One of our main goals for 2025 is to include the children in our events, called "Spirit of the Wind for Kids." Through these events, our "Little Eagles" learn more about our Culture and leave a positive legacy for future generations.​
Right now, we require financial support to move forward with our goal of having our activities free of cost for the community.
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Now we are gathering funds for our second event:
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"Spirit of the Wind for Kids II - A Gratitude Arts & Crafts Dinner",
Date: November 8, 2025.
Location: Community Center, Weed, CA.
Number of guests: 15 kids and their parents (a maximum of 50 people).
We need funds for:
• Facility location rental - Weed Community Center's grand room and kitchen: $600.00,
• Arts & Crafts materials - Native American beads and necklace materials
for the kids and parents to make their customized necklaces: $1,000.00,
• Catering for the event, 50 meals at $20.00 each: $1,000.00,
• Soft drinks and water: $250.00,
• Stationery and promotional material: $50.00,
• 6x3-foot vinyl banner with banner stand: $200.00,
• Operational expenses: $500.00.​
Total cost: $3,600.00
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*Meal donations are welcome, too!*
And you can help us, too, by donating to our cause so we can offset the event's costs.
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Every little bit helps, and each donation is greatly appreciated!​​​​​​​​
Donations are accepted through PayPal, Venmo, and Bank Account deposits.
Spirit of the Wind is a Confirmed Charity on PayPal.
To donate on PayPal:
Spirit of the Wind Inc
Email: contact@spiritofthewind.org
Or scan the QR Code below:
To donate on Venmo:
​@SpiritOfTheWindInc
Email: contact@spiritofthewind.org
Or scan the QR Code below:
For check donations:
Payable to Spirit of the Wind
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Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1203
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
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For money wires, bank deposits, and other payment methods, please email us at: contact@spiritofthewind.org
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Thank you so much for your attention and support!
Aho! 🪶
From July 19, 2025: Daniel Pruett (Cloud Eagle), Jack Thom, Sr. (Walking Eagle) and Krishna Guadalupe (Rainbow Buffalo).
From July 19, 2025: Krishna Guadalupe (Rainbow Buffalo) and Daniel Pruett (Cloud Eagle)
Spirit of the Wind Email: