Wellness and Spirituality XV Conference

Keynote Speakers

Gene Thin Elk

Gene Thin Elk, MA, Lakota Sioux, is a spiritual leader and healer to the “Wase Wakpa” Sioux community in Vermillion, South Dakota, as well as to the thousands of individuals and communities he has worked with across America. Noted in a wide variety of publications for his exceptional leadership in the field of Native American drug and alcohol rehabilitation and cross-cultural training, Gene was listed among Time magazine’s top 100 people of the year, as well as a prominent contributor to the healing of Sioux people in the book, “Vision Quest”.

Gene’s work has spanned the spectrum of health and healing to include cultural training for groups as diverse as nursing associations, psychiatrist, universities, banks, hospitals and prisons. Rooted in his spiritual leadership in the central prairies, Gene has traveled and worked extensively across the United States and into Canada as a healer, cultural advisor and program developer. Founder of the Medicine Wheel, Inc., Gene continues to be involved in the development of community-based initiatives for wellness and healing both locally and nationally.

Caleen Sisk-Franco

Caleen Sisk-Franco, Winnemem Wintu, is the great niece and successor of Florence Jones, and is now the Spiritual Doctor and Leader of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe. Married to tribal member Mark Franco, she is the mother of two children, Mike and Marine. Caleen is deeply involved in maintaining the Winnemem Wintu culture and ceremonies and is the focal point for the Winnemem’s recognition efforts. Caleen received her BA from Chico State University, Chico, CA in 1975, and received her teaching credential, from CSU, Chico in 1976. Caleen assumed partial responsibilities as the Spiritual and Tribal Leader of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe in 1995 during the tribal leadership transition period, and assumed full leadership responsibilities in 2000. For over 30 years, she was mentored and taught the traditional Winnemem ways by the late Florence Jones, the Winnemem Wintu Tribal and Spiritual leader for over 65 years. Caleen concentrates her time on maintaining the cultural and religious traditions of the tribe. Caleen is an internationally known speaker on traditional tribal issues having spoken on such diverse topics as global warming, the spirit of water, sacred sites protections and the responsibility of tribal people to honor their tribal lifeway. Caleen is deeply rooted in her spirituality, her family and her devotion to her tribal people!

Conference Brochure

Logistics | Keynote Speakers | Workshop/Presenters | Registration | Schedule