Mary Sunbeam, Cherokee Nation. Mary leads a blessing of childrenthat is an ancestral ritual that honors the child's life and path ofdestiny which is supported by elders, family and community. The blessingalso awakens in all adults the responsibility and commitment to be amodel, as a child is always watching and seeking guidance. The blessingcalls on the Creator to protect each child until the child can protecther/himself.The ritual honors those children who have made theirtransition and their spirit is at peace. The honoring of children forthose in our family and the children of the world unites all cultures inthe teaching of respect, understanding, compassion and tolerance in theprayer that each child in their growing leadership role can make adifference in world peace.