This year’s theme “Our Passage to Contentment” comes about because many of us have just happened upon a special place in our wilderness travels that somehow we just cannot let go of or forget. It is “Our Special Place” and undoubtedly will not have an easy trail back. As we make the PASSAGE back it relieves our daily stress and gives us great CONTENTMENT. As we make the trip, which is as often as possible, we may share it with others or not, it is OUR SPECIAL PLACE. It is our trip back that is “OUR PASSAGE TO CONTENTMENT.”   

The White Eagle Conference Center is located in historic Madison County. The location of the conference center has a deep hallowed history going back to the Oneida Indian Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. The mighty Iroquois Confederacy has left its lasting influence on the development of our country. We are very honored to be able to walk the hallowed grounds of the Oneidas, one of the five original nations of the strongest of all American Indian alliances. We are certain that the many events which occurred in the hills, valleys, woods, and streams of this countryside played an important and significant part of local , as well as national, Indian history. Of the many recorded events and legends of early days, there is one that has significant impact on our Rendezvous location, the story of the Great White Eagle.

In the Grove area, on the grounds of the White Eagle Conference Center we go back in thought to the past. You are now living in the land of the mighty Iroquois and at the campfire of the Oneida Indian Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. The story of the Great White Eagle is as follows:

The Great White Eagle appeared to them; “Brothers of the Iroquois, I come in peace. Look not to the knife on your belt not the hatchet of war. Let me draw near to your fire; in its light you will see that my face is not painted for battle. I hold out this hand in friendship, but take it not; it is the hand of a spirit. Harken to me and open your ears to what I have to say. I come to you in peace from the great Castle of Spirits where your forefathers dwell, where darkness has been driven from the Heavens and the light of the Full Harvest shines over all and forever.”

“White Eagle dwells here once again and guards this place as once he did before I was a spirit. Again he brings these things to all who look to him: resourcefulness, judgment, keenness of vision. Brothers, take him for your sign. See how he sheds the darkness and appears as Hiawatha and the wise men saw him. Where the White Eagle spreads his wings, there will be wise and fruitful leadership, there will be crafts and skills of man to be used for good of all.”

The White Eagle Conference Center is alive with this tradition. Note that many of the cottages and buildings of the Grove Area bear the names of the Tribes and Chiefs of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Long House was named for their meeting place. The Tepee was always the source of great warmth and comfort that all Indian nations enjoyed.

The Winter Rendezvous 2010 Planning Committee welcomes you to come and enjoy the warmth of our Tepee at the White Eagle Conference Center for Winter Rendezvous 2010!

Don Hawkins,  Chair     

The New York State Outdoor Guides Association will host its 2010 Winter Rendezvous March 25-28, 2010 at the beautiful White Eagle Conference Center in Hamilton, NY.   

The Rendezvous Committee has planned a full schedule of events, including guides’ certification and licensing exams, educational seminars, award ceremonies and social events.  Current guides can update certifications, refresh skills and renew friendships, while aspiring guides can obtain required certifications, take the NYSDEC guides’ exam and mingle with working guides, all at one convenient location.     

Spouses and guests may enjoy late winter sports, such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.  Antique and small shops a nearby.

We encourage attendees to contribute a door prize for the annual raffle to be held at the banquet on Saturday evening.  This event is always a highlight of the evening and is a fund raiser for the Association.