About:

'The Dead Will Guide Us: teachings from Liberia's civil war', is the story of how the dead and nature, particularly elephants, have brought the human and natural communities together for peacemaking and reconciliation.

In November, 2004, everyday gandhis supported Voinjama's first post-war traditional Mourning Feast. Over 5,000 people peacefully attended. A cow and several chickens were sacrificed, providing food for the entire town. During a traditional Mourning Feast, the community comes together to settle their differences and, with drumming and dancing, conflicts are sent 'across the river' with the dead to their final rest. By eating from the common bowl, people pledge to live in peace.

Ceremonies of reconciliation followed to purify the water and the land. Elders came forward to share stories of the way people had lived in peace before the war and of their deep connection to each other and to the land. Ex-combatants, particularly child soldiers, turned to peacemaking.

We invite you to join us in this remarkable journey. See for yourselves how the adventure unfolded. Let it stir up the memories encoded in each of us, the experiences that lead to the rich and nourishing questions that will take us into a viable future for all beings.

About everyday gandhis: http://www.everydaygandhis.org

everyday gandhis is a non-profit organization registered in Liberia and the United States, with offices in Monrovia and Voinjama, Liberia and in Santa Barbara, California. We seek to educate and inspire the public, supporting peace through sharing stories and experiences that illustrate fresh thinking, respect for traditional culture, restoration of nature, innovative media, and the importance of community storytelling.

Santa Barbara, CA