I took this photograph of Joseph Rael, Tslew-teh-koyeh, a Native American from Picuris Pueblo for the Santa Fe Sun newspaper, it was not published.

Joseph is one of the few Native American medicine men willing to work with white people, and used to regularly lead sweat lodges, and other ceremonies that he received through personal visions. He has since retired from this work.

Starting when he was 13 years old, Joseph has lead ceremonies that came to him through visions. At the times of his visions, Elders of the Tribes would ask him for ceremonies.

Fourtyfive (45) peace chambers have been constructed around the world in order to further develop what he had forseen through his visions.

He is the author of several books:

• Being and Vibration

• Beautiful Painted Arrow: Stories and Teachings from the Native American Tradition

• Native American Teachings (2 Cassettes)

• Tracks of Dancing Light: A Native American Approach to Understanding Your Name (Earth Quest)

• The Way of Inspiration: Wah-Mah-Chi

• Sound: Native Teachings and Visionary Art