From his earliest years growing up between a clinic and hospital in his native Guatemala, Miguel Rivera has been learning and practicing healing. Veering from traditional medical paths of his parents and family Miguel’s journey led him to the drum and ceremonies rooted in the earth. For over 50 years, Miguel’s work has included talking circles, vision quests, Sundances and he has participated in well over 5,000 sweat lodges. He is a founding member of the Western Gate Roots and Wings Foundation, a member of the Guild of Future Architects and a Board Member for Wolf Connection.
David and Miguel discuss his journey to learn these ceremonies from Native American elders, how he uses these teachings to help youth, veterans, as well as his work with people from all cultures. His journey has led him to work with Robert Bly, Dan Hillman, native elders Wallace Black Elk, Raymond Stone, Grace Spotted Eagle and so many others. Through all of his work, Miguel looks to bring people into a collaborative, kind, inclusive and prosperous world.
An accomplished drummer, and a man in love with the language of sound, Miguel taught drumming at the Men’s Conferences in Mendocino and Los Angeles from 1991 to 1995 and in Minnesota from 1993 to the present. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Soldier’s Heart, Shade Tree, a mentoring group in Los Angeles.
Along the way he has translated all the works of Humberto Akabal, outstanding Maya- K’iche’ poet and artist from Guatemala. In addition Miguel has accumulated a lengthy list of film and tv credits for his work in sound effects and editing. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0729365/