Dear Reader,
Welcome to Black Hawk Visions. I’m Oliver Stone, the author behind this journey into Apache wisdom and its relevance in our modern world. Before you delve into the following pages, I’d like to share my background and the inspiration behind this work.
I was born and raised in Silver City, New Mexico, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Southwest. This landscape’s diverse cultural heritage has profoundly shaped my life and perspective. My journey has taken me through service in the Marine Corps and a career in non-profit management, experiences that have deepened my appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community.
However, the true heart of my work stems from a more personal source. My father was fortunate enough to have been mentored by Tahoma Whispering Wind, a revered Apache elder, during his time at Mary Himes’ Poor Folks Farm in Dry Creek. Alongside influential mentors like Ben Lilly, Tahoma imparted invaluable lessons about life, spirituality, and our profound connections with nature to my father. These teachings were passed down to me, igniting a lifelong passion for Apache philosophy and practices.
I hold a deep respect and reverence for the Apache heritage and the profound wisdom it embodies. The stories and teachings shared in this book, particularly those inspired by Tahoma Whispering Wind, are conveyed with utmost gratitude and appreciation. It’s essential to recognize that while these narratives draw from Apache traditions, they have been adapted and enriched by personal experiences and ancestral teachings.
As you embark on your journey through these pages, I urge you to approach the activities described, such as foraging for native herbs, practicing survival skills in the wild, and using natural remedies with caution and respect. Nature offers abundant resources but demands knowledge and preparation to navigate safely. Always verify the safety and legality of gathering and using wild plants, consult local regulations, and consider sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact.
In presenting these teachings, I strive to maintain integrity and authenticity, recognizing that these are interpretations shaped by personal interactions and cultural exchanges. My goal is to celebrate this wisdom in a manner that honors its origins and inspires others to cherish and respect the rich cultural heritage of the Apache people.
Through this book and Black Hawk Visions’ broader offerings, I hope to foster a greater appreciation for the delicate balance between humans and the earth, encouraging a more harmonious existence with our incredible planet. May these words serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern life, guiding you towards a deeper connection with nature and yourself.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Let’s explore the timeless wisdom of the Apache together, finding ways to apply these teachings in our daily lives for a more balanced, mindful, and sustainable future.
With deep respect and gratitude,
Oliver Stone
