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The Returning – Cast Paper

“The Returning” – there is a tradition among some Northwest Coast peoples of shamans or others who have ascended to heaven after which, having gained divine knowledge and experience, returned to earth to tell all as they share their knowledge and their story of the journey. Like a bodhisatva of the Hindus, they alight among us to help us toward our own enlightenment. This being has returned from such a journey and is about to pivot his legs putting his feet down, then stretch out his arms and upturned hands to be with us again, wiser, sweeter, more indulgent of all that life has to offer, and to show the way as best he can. -Barry Herem