Going native

Book Description

When Tom Harmer first encountered Chopaka, a mountain held sacred by the Okanogan people, something deep within him recognized home. This profound memoir chronicles his transformative journey from outsider to family member within an indigenous community, revealing how authentic spiritual connection transcends cultural boundaries.

Settling among the Okanogan band in their traditional territory, now interspersed with white-owned ranches and orchards, Harmer embraced the rhythms of rural life. He worked alongside community members in the fields and pastures, feeding cattle, tending alfalfa crops, and harvesting apples. Eventually, his commitment to the community led him to serve as an outreach worker for local social services.

Through patient immersion in daily life, Harmer gradually absorbed the Okanogan language and cultural traditions. More significantly, he was welcomed into the sacred dimensions of their spiritual practices. Under the careful guidance of a respected elder, he underwent demanding purification ceremonies and vision quests that revealed a startling truth about his own spiritual journey.

These rigorous rites unveiled that a shumix, or spirit partner, had been influencing his path since childhood, explaining the deep sense of belonging he felt among the Okanogan people. Harmer's account offers readers a rare glimpse into indigenous spirituality while exploring themes of cultural adoption, spiritual awakening, and the mysterious ways our lives are guided by forces beyond ordinary understanding.