About Spirit of the Wind
​About Us:
We are a Native American nonprofit charitable organization from Siskiyou County, Northern California, surrounded by the majestic Mount Shasta wilderness.
We are a charitable 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, meaning that donations made to the organization are tax-deductible.
We are run by a small Board of Directors, and we're aided by volunteers, contributors, and helpers participating in our events, activities, and ceremonies.
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We organize, coordinate, and facilitate Native American Indigenous Ceremonies and Educational activities like Arts & Crafts and drum-making workshops.
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Some of our main activities, happening all year round, are the Native American Purification Ceremonies, also known as Sweat Lodges or Temazcales, to support and guide participants in restoring and strengthening their wellness.​
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Our founder, Walking Eagle (Jack Thom, Sr.), is from the Karuk Tribe of Northern California.
Walking Eagle is our Ceremonial Leader and has led Native American Indigenous Ceremonies in the Mount Shasta area for decades.
We are under a new administration that started on January 1, 2025, and our CEO is Daniel Pruett (Cloud Eagle), from the Wintun Nomlaki Tribe of Northern California.
We have friends from all over the world participating in our activities. And we welcome all peoples and tribes!
​Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles:
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We are committed to living in harmony with the Great Spirit.
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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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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.
Walking Eagle (Jack Tom, Sr.):
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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.
He supports the spiritual growth and healing of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds worldwide.​​
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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.
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Walking Eagle has appeared on multiple TV shows and documentaries.
He participated in four episodes of Ancient Aliens, from the History Channel (one of which is from Season 17, Episode 4, "The Mystery of Mount Shasta"). He has also appeared on the Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, and other channels.
He had recently participated in a filming for the Japanese TV Show "Another Sky", which will be aired soon. The main actor, Yosuke Sugino, and the filming crew had a full-on Sweat Lodge Purification Ceremony (Temazcal) tailored for them and the documentary purposes.
Walking Eagle (Jack Thom, Sr.), our Ceremonial Leader
Cloud Eagle (Daniel Pruett) with his 16-year-old companion, Max, on September 3, 2025.
Cloud Eagle (Daniel Pruett):
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Our CEO​
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Spirit of the Wind has a new administration since January 1 of 2025, and our CEO is Cloud Eagle (Daniel Pruett) from the Wintun Nomlaki Tribe of Northern California. And under his guidance, our organization has flourished and engaged in successful projects.
Some of our accomplishments are: acquiring new covers for the Sweat Lodge; having Liability Insurance for our activities, events, board of directors, and volunteers; applying for grants and sponsorships for our events and activities; having a Native American drum-making workshop for kids, which was completely free of cost for the participants; increasing our online presence on social media through our brand new Facebook and Instagram pages; having our website translated into multiple languages, increasing the number of people that reach out to us from all over the world.
Cloud Eagle (Daniel Pruett) is a Veteran, and his leadership skills include being in the National Guard for eight successful years and getting things done in an orderly and well-conducted manner. He has taken a leadership course in the National Guard and can work under adverse circumstances.
He has coached a basketball team, as a volunteer, for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County, in Blaine, Washington, and he is trained to work in a group, communicating with his peers, and completing the tasks presented to him.
He has worked at many construction sites and has been the Head of Maintenance for Cave Springs Resort in Dunsmuir, CA, for 20 years.
Our Executive Officers:
​​​​​​​​​​​Daniel Pruett
(Cloud Eagle) Wintun Nomlaki
President/CEO
Marsha Nielson
Secretary
Accounting Specialist
Fernanda Froes-Pruett
(White Feather Dreaming)
Treasurer/CFO
Marketing & Communications Director
A Big Thank You to our Team of Volunteers:
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This section is being updated.
We will be posting some pictures of our Team of Volunteers, who are always there for us, helping with the Sweat Lodge Ceremonies (Temazcales), and activities, and we couldn't be more thankful for their contribution.
In this picture, from left to right:
Janet Scott, Tashina Thom, Walking Eagle (Jack Thom, Sr.), Cloud Eagle (Daniel Pruett), Gentle Springs (Barbara Humiston) & Fernanda Froes-Pruett.
September 3, 2025.​​​​
From September 3, 2025, at the Sweat Lodge (Temazcal)
​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 was 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.​
Currently, we require financial support to move forward with our goal of making our activities free of charge 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 Native American Bead Making Workshop",
Date: July 18, 2026.
Location: Community Center in 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!*
You can also help us by donating to our cause, which will help 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 Inc
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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! 🪶
Spirit of the Wind Email: