This is how the obituary in the newspaper began. The obituary listed family who had preceded him on his journey to ‘the other side of the camp’. It also listed the survivors. As I read the standard notice of the obituary, my mind focused on the word –survivor. Chipa had a zest for life and he was sometimes like a whirlwind that caught people up in the vortex of his excitement. I’m sure there were some who wondered if they were going to survive an adventure with Chipa.

There were times when I would be so aggravated with him and I would not hesitate to let him know exactly what I was feeling about him at the moment. I would question his sanity and my own sanity for being his side kick.

Yet, I am still here. Not just surviving my time with Chipa – no…. I’m rich – rich in memories of the adventures and crazy good times we shared. He was brave and exciting. He was fragile and compassionate. He didn’t hesitate when he saw a need. Whether it was a family stranded or a turtle trying to cross 4 lanes of speeding cars on 575. Chipa stopped and helped. My life would have been so much less without Chipa.

So many of us have our stories of time spent with Chipa. Dave and the apple fritter he used to save Chipa when we visited Sampson at Bear Camp in Ellijay. Brave warriors who tried to outrun Thunder in the pasture. Or maybe foolish warriors – you’d have to ask their wives and mothers. Some will tell you how in a dark time of their life he would cry with them. Sit in silence with them. His calm presence helping them thru the darkness. Others will tell you how funny he was.

He loved using the expression edu-tainment. He had a serious message about Native history and preservation of culture. He was equally devoted to Mother Earth – our environment – and he understood that education and entertainment could be merged to deliver the messages in an effective and powerful way. Messages that he hoped would be part of the change he longed to see in the World.

One of the events during the Annual Mothers Day Festival was a demonstration of “Warriors on Horseback.” Chipa and a friend John Stikes, portrayed a Native American vs. a US Cavalry Soldier who cross paths while each was on horseback. The pair demonstrated hand to hand combat in a historical sense. Chipa explained, “It’s a dance/drama to a song known as a sneak-up. Yes, it is a re-enactment as we do not mean to perpetuate stereotypes, but these things did happen.”

Chipa Wolfe was a constant advocate for animal welfare and always included animal rescue groups at the festival, including My Brother’s Keeper, Best Friends Animal Society and Save the Horses. In his private life he walked the talk when it came to the environment. He went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to rescue dogs, cats, snakes, horses, cows, emus, etc., all of whom had been left behind during the storm. Chipa and Ruby ended up adopting several of the rescued dogs that were not claimed by their previous owners – one he named Tripod.

He rescued baby bears whose Mothers had been killed by traffic or hunters. He also helped to rehab wolves, birds, foxes, raccoons, and other animals – injured or abducted as babies – and reintroduced them into the wild whenever possible. He stood up for people, sacred places like burial sites, the environment, and critters who did not have the platform or voice to speak for themselves.

Chipa’s horse – Jackson – was actually owned by Cheryl – another friend. Jackson carried Chipa through many shows. On Sunday May 8, 2016 Jackson donned a stunning three piece beaded regalia created by artist Paul Berryhill. Jackson displayed this beautiful beaded work in the arena during the family’s receiving line, which followed Chipa’s honor song and dedication held during the 2016 Festival.

Jackson is special in many ways. One way is that he has one brown eye and one blue eye. Many believe that the animal with one brown and one blue eye can see Heaven and Earth at the same time. On the day of the honoring for Chipa, Jackson was being a handful! But as soon as he was dressed, painted, and heard the drums; he changed. He just knew something was going on and he had to be on his best behavior.

Your Spirit will always be in the center of our Gathering Circles.