About

The Ga'an are the Sacred Mountain Spirits of the Apache people. Usen, or Creator, sent these sacred beings to teach the Apache people how to live in harmony. They are Ancient Messengers and Teachers of the Apache ways. There are 1,000 years of songs that the Ga'an have blessed the Apache people with with these teachings and they are sung in increments of four. Four is a sacred number to the Apache people. It represents the four directions, the four seasons, the four sacred mountains, and the four sacred colors. The Apache Crown Dancers are channels of the Ga'an, meaning they allow the Sacred Mountain Spirits to embody them. Men are the only ones who are able to learn these ways fully and it can take up to 20 years. There are sacred prayers and blessings that must be done in a specific way by someone who walks a sacred path in this life.

This offering is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Ga’an. Chiffon will be sharing a little bit about the stories around the Ga’an, their significance to the Apache people, who they are, what they represent, their healing, their blessings, the ceremonies that surround them, and the misconceptions around them. 

This offering will include a video presentation with images and videos of some of the ceremonies that Chiffon has attended and some of her relatives that will share a little bit about their training as medicine men for learning the ways of the Ga’an.

Who are the Apache people?


The Apache nation is comprised of Western and Eastern Tribes throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma - as well as the Mexican States of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Coahuila. Today, the Apache Nation is united by Jicarilla, Mescalero, Lipan, White Mountain, San Carlos, Kiowa, and Chiricahua Tribes. Before the dismantlement of the clans/band system in 1850, the Apache we recorded to have 28 bands, and 31 were absorbed by the Yavapai.

A list of existing Apache bands today are:

1. White Mountain group, divided into two bands:
     a) Eastern White Mountain b) Western White Mountain

2. Cibecue group, divided into three bands:
     a) Carrizo b) Cibecue proper c) Canyon Creek

3. San Carlos group, divided into four bands:
     a) Pinal b) San Carlos proper c) Arivaipa d) Apache Peaks

4. Southern Tonto group, divided into one band and six semi-bands:
     a) Mazatzal band b) First semiband - Sixth semiband

5. Northern Tonto group, divided into four bands:
     a) Mormon Lake c) Bald Mountain b) Fossil Creek d) Oak Creek

FAQ

  • How long can I access the course?

    All participants will all be given access to a recording of the session after they register for 30 days to watch and replay.

  • What language is this offering presented in?

    This offering is presented in English.

  • How long is the offering?

    The offering is approximately 1 hour.

  • What is the video quality of the offering?

    This offering is half video presentation and half Zoom presentation.

Chiffon Lark (b.1989) was raised in the Central Valley in California. Both her parents are of Indigenous descent. Her father is an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe (b.1965 Texas) and her mother (b. 1968 Arizona) is Mescalero Apache and Mexican descent.

Chiffon's GreatGrandfather (b.1919 Mexico) was a peyotero, or medicine person, and a member of the NAC (Native American Church). He was consistently in and out of jail for holding ceremonies before the The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 (AIRFA). He found work in the 1940's bringing indigenous peoples from Mexico into Texas illegally as a "Coyote". He met Chiffon' great grandmother (b. 1919, New Mexico) in Mescalero Apache territory and they had 12 children together.

Her mother, and maternal Grandmother (b. 1946 Texas), raised Chiffon and taught her the ways of Sacred Earth. Being especially close with her Grandmother, Chiffon was raised to know how to grow food from the land. She learned how to use plants and other species to cultivate physical healing through indigenous food preparation. Her Grandmother encouraged her to continue this and eventually taught Chiffon how to rely on her Dreams and prayer for guidance.

Chiffon is a full time Artist/illustrator who specializes in Alcohol Ink Illustrations of Wildlife. Her volunteer work involves helping recovering addicts in her community through sponsorship and emotional support.

Reviews

5 star rating

Sharing of Prayer, Gratitude & Connection for All tha...

Lily Anthony

I am happy, Apache, Chiffon wishes to share, Her peoples ways, of Practice, ceremony, Gratitude's and respect of the Medicine man's, connections with Ga'an.....

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I am happy, Apache, Chiffon wishes to share, Her peoples ways, of Practice, ceremony, Gratitude's and respect of the Medicine man's, connections with Ga'an... Many, I believe can learn & Understand how to begin their own sacred connections with nature spirits for comfort and guidance. Please keep up the sacred passion you have, to share with the world. Thank You

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5 star rating

Appreciation

Kin Aplin

I have great respect and appreciation for the gift of having had the opportunity to witness the Sacred teachings of the Gagan. We are truly blessed to have h...

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I have great respect and appreciation for the gift of having had the opportunity to witness the Sacred teachings of the Gagan. We are truly blessed to have had these teachings presented to us...

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5 star rating

I appreciated it very much!

Maya Herrera

Even though I am originally from Central America...but have 89% indigenous blood in me...I can say that I always deeply moved and feel that I related to the ...

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Even though I am originally from Central America...but have 89% indigenous blood in me...I can say that I always deeply moved and feel that I related to the stories and experiences that many indigenous people from North America have experienced in terms of their cosmology and resiliency...I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to learn and to connect at this level. Thank you...Gracias!

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4 star rating

I felt honored to be able to participate in this event.

Apple User

I am very glad I came to this event. Chiffon did wonderful research and a nice job of presenting. There were audio difficulties, so it was hard to hear pa...

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I am very glad I came to this event. Chiffon did wonderful research and a nice job of presenting. There were audio difficulties, so it was hard to hear parts of it, but this will be cleared up in the recording, which I am looking forward to experiencing. The story of the young boy has many lessons in it. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this medicine way. It was an honor to participate.Thank you!

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Course curriculum

  • 1

    Ga'an: The Sacred Mountain Spirits of the Apache People

    • Welcome

    • Video Presentation by Chiffon Lark: "Ga'an: The Sacred Mountain Spirits of the Apache People"

    • Q&A with Chiffon Lark

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