FROM GATHERINGS TO ICSAW
Adam's work has long been rooted in bringing people together—across cultures, traditions, countries, and generations—to listen, learn, build relationships, and consider what can be carried forward for those yet to come.
A pivotal chapter unfolded during the Return of the Ancestors Gathering in 2009 near Sedona, Arizona, where Elders, spiritual leaders, cultural representatives, and participants gathered around a sacred fire that burned continuously for sixteen days.
The relationships formed through those gatherings continued to develop, contributing to an international council of Elders and spiritual leaders and, eventually, to the vision for the International Center for Spiritual & Ancestral Wisdom.
Today, ICSAW provides an organizational home for work centered on cultural preservation, ancestral wisdom, education, sacred traditions, community, and respectful exchange. Through ICSAW and his broader work, Adam continues to support relationships among Elders, Wisdom Keepers, teachers, communities, organizations, and people committed to protecting cultural knowledge and carrying ancestral wisdom forward.
Learn More About ICSAW
Across more than three decades, Adam's work has taken many forms.
He has helped organize international gatherings and cultural exchanges, hosted Elders and Wisdom Keepers, facilitated ceremony, supported Indigenous communities, advocated for sacred places and traditional plant medicines, worked with land restoration and preservation, led sacred journeys, offered mentorship and spiritual guidance, and spoken with groups and communities about ancestral wisdom, cultural relationship, and our responsibility to future generations.
Although these endeavors may appear different, they arise from the same foundation: relationship, reciprocity, respect, and service.
Adam sees his role not as speaking for the traditions or peoples with whom he has relationships, but as helping create opportunities for people to meet, listen, learn, and build genuine relationships with one another.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Adam's work continues through ICSAW, cultural gatherings, sacred journeys, ceremony, education, mentorship, advocacy, relationships with Elders and communities, and the ongoing creation of bridges among peoples and traditions.
After decades of traveling, learning, gathering, and building relationships, the heart of the work remains remarkably simple:
To bring people together.
To honor what has been entrusted to each tradition.
To care for the Earth.
To strengthen relationships across cultures and generations.
And to help create a better future for our children and those who will follow.
The vision continues to grow through partnerships, cultural programs, sacred journeys, community projects, and the development of spaces where ancestral wisdom can be honored and carried forward.
Whether you are drawn to learn more about Adam's journey, explore the work of ICSAW, participate in a gathering, travel to sacred places, or discover the many ways Adam makes his work available to others, you are invited to explore.
Explore Adam's Work
