Main fundraiser photo

Wish to Give My All

Donation protected
Dear friends, my name is Charles Littleleaf and I am an enrolled tribal member of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation of Oregon, USA. I am also son to the late Chief Jack Littleleaf of Brocket, Alberta, Canada. My home is in Warm Springs and it is here where I reside with my wife, Vicky, and work from my flute shop.


I have been a recording artist and performer on the Native American flute for several years now, releasing my first CD Ancient Reflections back in 2003, which contains my rendition of Trail of Tears / Amazing Grace. After releasing this album to worldwide distribution, I have also expanded my journey shortly thereafter to designing custom Native American flutes for people around the world.



Music and the art of flute making have been my passion since I quit drinking alcohol many years ago. They are art forms that I have dedicated the rest of my life to. It is my way of giving back to humanity for their inspiration during my sobriety. My work allows me to help enrich the lives of others by way of flutes and music. And especially so for those who are in need. For me, there is no better way to keep me on the good red road, to help another human being.

My spirit feels that, if anyone who has a calling to learn the Native American flute, they should have an instrument in hand. If a person is less than financially secure, but longs to hear and feel the healing vibrations of music from the Native American flute, it is they who should receive without too much of a financial burden. So whenever I am able, I strive to make this a reality for them which is something I have been doing for many years. If my music and art can bring a smile to the spirit of another, then I know I am doing a good work.



Running a one-man flute making shop is quite an expensive endeavor, in and of itself, especially as demands grow each year. Yet I refuse to raise my flute prices, which I have not done in over 11 years. I want everyone to have the opportunity to acquire one of my instruments during the type of economy we are consistently facing. Whether rich or poor, sick or in good health, I am here to help bring hope to a reality.

My heart longs to continue doing both of what I do; to give my service to anyone who is in need of a Native American flute, a 'healing tool' for self reflection, and to offer my music to the world over that could help to calm the spirit of another. And most of the time to accomplish the latter, it takes everything I have in my pocket, set aside for music, to be able to assist in this regard. To produce an outstanding quality album, not from home based record and editing sessions, it takes a great deal of time, energy and money to achieve.

While on this life-long journey in music and flute making, it has been clear to me that my music portion of my work has taken a back seat which has been at the hefty expense of flute making. And every year that passes, I realize that my time on earth is growing shorter, just as it is for all of us, yet I have so much music left unfinished that I want to share. I often find myself wondering if I will ever be able to complete my next few CDs long before it's time for me to head to the happy hunting grounds. I think and dream about this daily.



Just as I find that I may have an open window to new possibilities of growth in this regard, my music again moves to the back seat as rising flute making demands continue to take the lead. And although this realization has weighed heavy on my heart for such a long stretch of time now, I do not want to give up one for the other. In my humble opinion, they are both greatly needed in this world.

Long ago, I started a new CD project with the intention of happily sharing it with the world, and when I was much more financially able prior to starting up a flute shop. Here is a sample from the project, titled "˜Essence of Life' - a song that was given to me by a beautiful Grandfather cedar tree. Many people who have followed me and my music are aware that this project has been a long time coming. And too those of you who have been waiting for this CD, your enduring patience with me has been greatly appreciated. I have a few songs already invested in this one project, as well as a few songs for an upcoming Christmas album. But I still have a great deal more to do on each of them. And due to the expenses of keeping my flute shop running and supplied 24/7, it has been a long haul to even get to another starting point on my music - a point I just cannot ever seem to reach.

My wish for my music has been to hire a Grammy nominated artist who will work the accompaniments behind my flute playing; to give my sound a natural, healing appeal. Not only is this professional a gifted artist in his own right, he is also extremely gifted when working with the Native American flute. In my humble opinion, he is the best of the best in delivering a natural, sensitive balance to my flute playing. In addition, it has also been my desire to bring in a few other accomplished artists who can join me in my endeavors, to eventually offer the world one of the most healing and therapeutic Native American flute music CDs for all to enjoy.

It is these projects, which will include studio recording time, editing, mastering and replication work, to know that it will take far more in funds to complete than I will ever have available specifically for music. My realization is that I do not have the means because of my continual financial responsibilities in flute making. After sharing my concerns with a colleague in the music industry, who is also a close friend of mine, he brought this website to my attention with the suggestion of putting all pride aside to achieve the help I need. I have been praying much in recent weeks about this, eventually took my friends advice, and have started this campaign. During this program, I will also continue with my own music investments as they become available.

There have been far too many great contributions on this continent that have been left undone. It would be comforting to know that, once the day arrives where I am ready to meet my maker, the music I am leaving behind will continue to inspire others for generations. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Many thanks to everyone for your consideration of my campaign, while I continue to work hard at designing Native American flutes for folks around the world to enjoy. My appreciation extends well beyond words. I realize the goal I have set forth here could take quite some time to reach, but I am grateful for whatever anyone can do to help me work towards achieving my musical journey of hope. I will not only strive to do my very best on these projects, but I promise everyone who donates that you'll receive my music when released.

In gratitude,
Charles Littleleaf

Link to some of my flute work at Facebook
Link to my flute music website
Link to our videos at YouTube

Organizer

Charles LLeaf
Organizer
Warm Springs, OR

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.