Our Beginnings, Our Future
Cherokee Elder Momfeather Erickson visited the physical site of Mantle Rock, and received a vision for the "Regathering of the People". Mantle Rock is a natural rock arch formation spanning 180 feet under which thousands of Cherokees sought shelter and hundreds perished during the Removal, Winter of 1838-39. Today this sacred site, owned & managed by the Nature Conservancy, is a Native American Historical Landmark and lies along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail across Western Kentucky. Our Center is located in nearby City of Marion, Kentucky.
Momfeather and her husband, Dean, founded the Mantle Rock Native Education & Cultural Center in 2001, and it is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization. Mantle Rock is governed by a Board of Directors, can call upon Advisory Council for input, and operates through a core group of volunteers. We work in partnership with elected officials, state commissions and local organizations and groups in advocacy of Native American rights, cultural preservation and awareness.
The Center consists of a 5 acre site with two buildings, including a large Gathering Hall. Capital improvements are planned and fundraising to accomplish these objectives are underway. Our long-term vision is to expand the Center into a 45 acre complex for achieving our goal of becoming a premier Native American university and peace center.
Our Vision is for the Healing of the Human Spirit and Mother Earth for Seven Generations through Love, Peace and Stewardship following the Old Ways. Our Mission is to Connect the Health & Well-Being of the All Peoples and Mother Earth through Indigenous-Based Education and Training. Our Values are Being a Community of Respect, Honor, Integrity, Peace & Unity.
Momfeather and her husband, Dean, founded the Mantle Rock Native Education & Cultural Center in 2001, and it is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization. Mantle Rock is governed by a Board of Directors, can call upon Advisory Council for input, and operates through a core group of volunteers. We work in partnership with elected officials, state commissions and local organizations and groups in advocacy of Native American rights, cultural preservation and awareness.
The Center consists of a 5 acre site with two buildings, including a large Gathering Hall. Capital improvements are planned and fundraising to accomplish these objectives are underway. Our long-term vision is to expand the Center into a 45 acre complex for achieving our goal of becoming a premier Native American university and peace center.
Our Vision is for the Healing of the Human Spirit and Mother Earth for Seven Generations through Love, Peace and Stewardship following the Old Ways. Our Mission is to Connect the Health & Well-Being of the All Peoples and Mother Earth through Indigenous-Based Education and Training. Our Values are Being a Community of Respect, Honor, Integrity, Peace & Unity.
Board Members
Momfeather Erickson, Founder & Ex-Officio
Dean Erickson, Ex-Officio
Marty Soaring Eagle Martin, Chairman
Randy Nelson, Vice-Chairman
Stella Brown, Interim Treasurer and Secretary, Elder
Karen DeWitt, Elder
Bill Fox
Mary Greer
Kevin Ray
Tina Rongers, Interim Executive Director
Dean Erickson, Ex-Officio
Marty Soaring Eagle Martin, Chairman
Randy Nelson, Vice-Chairman
Stella Brown, Interim Treasurer and Secretary, Elder
Karen DeWitt, Elder
Bill Fox
Mary Greer
Kevin Ray
Tina Rongers, Interim Executive Director
Advisory Council
Muhammad Abdussabur, MA
Greg Antinucci, IL
Dennis Banks (Anishiabe), MN
Peter Carlson, NM
Mike Cherry, KY
Mike Crabtree, KY
Dan Creely PhD, IL
J.R.Gray, KY
Ted Herrera (Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Huichol), TX
Tracey Jordan PhD, KY
Choogie Kingfisher (United Keetoowah Band), OK
Fred Knowles PhD, GA
Lovonna Lovern PhD, GA
Ann Leslie, IL
Margaret Manchell (Cherokee Nation/Shawnee), OK
Steve McCullough (Lakota), IN
Bob Nitsch, FL
Jon Sweeny, MA
Russ Young PhD, NM
Greg Antinucci, IL
Dennis Banks (Anishiabe), MN
Peter Carlson, NM
Mike Cherry, KY
Mike Crabtree, KY
Dan Creely PhD, IL
J.R.Gray, KY
Ted Herrera (Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Huichol), TX
Tracey Jordan PhD, KY
Choogie Kingfisher (United Keetoowah Band), OK
Fred Knowles PhD, GA
Lovonna Lovern PhD, GA
Ann Leslie, IL
Margaret Manchell (Cherokee Nation/Shawnee), OK
Steve McCullough (Lakota), IN
Bob Nitsch, FL
Jon Sweeny, MA
Russ Young PhD, NM