Phillip B Gottfredson is with Gary Lee Price sculptor of Timpanogos Chief Wakara
The Author
Timpanogos War Chief Black Hawk, the hero of Phillip B Gottfredson's book, My Journey to Understand Black Hawk's Mission of Peace, was a man of unwavering dedication to his ancestor's sacred teachings. His short time on earth was marked by the end of life as he knew it, as the colonization of his ancestral homeland, the Black Hawk War in Utah, tore his world apart. In his final hours, in severe pain and deathly ill, he rode horseback, taking nearly two weeks to reach Spring Lake, the place of his birth, and pass out of this world in peace. Along the way, the Chief visited every Mormon village, not to seek forgiveness but to offer his own. Despite his suffering, his dedication to his peace mission is a testament to his character and deserves our utmost respect.
"I willingly assimilated into Native American culture to understand Black Hawk's peace mission without regrets. It has been the best years of my life. But it's not about me; it's not about you. It's about all of us, the circle of life. I'm only the messenger," said Phillip
Reviews
"Mr. Gottfredson has done an amazing job of telling this story with passion and honesty. As you follow him through his journey of discovery, you will be captivated by his experiences. Bravo, Sir !" -Barely Ablemann, Washington DC
"This account is critical to understanding history from more than one perspective. This book brings light and knowledge to history that has been absent since the colonization of the United States." -J. Ferguson
"I finished reading your YOUR UNBELIEVABLE BOOK your experiences blew me away and I love how you dovetailed your views & everything so beautifully together!!! WOW WOW WOWWW!!!" - Gary Lee Price
"I am not exaggerating when I say that this book has changed my life. I can't recommend it enough". -Stephanie T Lundeen
"Diana and I have just finished reading a book that is told from the long forgotten Timpanogos Nation by Phil Gottfredson or Mr. Phil. My heart heaved. And the tears flowed from both our eyes as we heard the Indian version and their stories. Most touching is the statement made at the end of the book by Mary Meyers who is the current leader of her tribe. Her words burned into my soul and I felt her healing wisdom and truth of the importance of all of us having a greater awareness and expended understanding of what went on in these valleys during the Black Hawk war. This book ranks in the top 5 of all the hundreds of books that I have ever read in my life...and I have read hundreds if not thousands. Please purchase a copy of this book and read it. Truth matters. This suppressed truth touched Mr. Phil's heart. He gave up a job in management of the University Mall and went on a quest that his inner compass compelled him to do because of his sensitive heart and pursuing mind sacrificed for in order to be a generational spokesperson for the long forgotten Timponogos Nation." - Larry Ballard, Utah
Wow... where do I start? What I encountered in this book was an emotional roller coaster that gave me a new outlook on life, challenged me, and made me question my own existence and spirituality. It awoke in me a desire to be better, to respect Mother Earth more, to learn more about and find ways to help the Native Americans still living amongst us, and to be a better Human. I found myself actually shedding tears while reading some of the horrific events, wondering how Humanity could get so dark and think so lowly of another human that it could commit such atrocities. If we do not learn from our history, we are bound to repeat it. The author made himself vulnerable and talked about the most intimate parts of himself. Anybody who has sought to improve themselves, to connect to God, or to be more spiritual will GREATLY benefit from the journey and insights the Author shares. The last few chapters share the perspectives and injustices of the Native Americans today, how they still do not enjoy basic human rights the rest of us take for granted. I am grateful I read this book. I am grateful the Author wrote this book. I hope that I can do my part to try and make up a small portion to the Native American people of the injustices my ancestors caused to them. I will be buying more copies to give away, and for sure recommending this book to as many will listen. 5-Stars
Marcus Hadlock