Post by blackcrowheart on Oct 18, 2005 14:48:09 GMT -5
Medicine Pouches
Prescribed by an Elder, plant material can also be worn in a medicine
pouch by a person seeking the mercy and protection of the spirits of
the Four Directions. Elders caution Natives not to conceal any other
substances in their pouches. To do so would make a mockery of their
beliefs.
Peyote, a hallucinogenic material used by Natives in some parts of
the US, historically is usually not considered a part of the Canadian
Native culture. Other herbs and dried animal parts (diamond willow
fungus, dried/powdered beaver testicles and buffalo droppings) are
some other materials that may be burnt in ceremonial functions.
CEREMONIAL RITUALS
Pow-wow
Some say the name is derived from the Algonkian word meaning "to
dream". Pow-wow an ancient tradition among aboriginal peoples, is a
time for celebrating and socializing after religious ceremonies. In
some cultures, the pow-wow itself was a religious event, when
families held naming and honouring ceremonies.
Giveaway
For instance, a family celebrating a member's formal entry into the
dance circle, or wishing to commemorate the death of a loved one,
often hosts a giveaway during a pow-wow. This tradition embodies the
value of sharing with others. Gifts such as blankets, beadwork and
crafts are given to friends and visitors followed by appropriate
songs and dances.
Sweetgrass Braid
Today
Today's pow-wow is more of a social event, although honour ceremonies
and other religious observances remain important parts of the
celebration. Dancing, feasting and having fun, the old ways are
remembered and pride is taken in traditional heritage as old
friendships are renewed and new ones begun. Elders say that coming
together in a joyous spirit is an important unifying and healing
experience which brings together many nations in a celebration of
life.
Honour Songs
Honour songs, as their name implies, are requested to honour
particular individuals. Spectators should always stand and remove
caps and hats when an honour song is intoned. The traditional pow-wow
is more conducive to socializing and is not as demanding for
participants. The hosts share the prizes with all registered singers
and dancers. Whether competitive or traditional, pow-wows still bring
people of all nations together in a celebration of life.
Grand Entry
Spectators should always stand and remove caps or hats during Grand
Entry, Flag Songs and the Invocation. This beautiful parade of pride
and colour starts off the pow-wow and each subsequent session of
dancing. Preceded by the Eagle Staff, invited dignitaries and various
categories of dancers join in the Grand Entry and dance to a special
song rendered by the drum groups, following the path of the sun
through the sky. The line-up is as follows: Eagle Staff, Flag
bearers, dignitaries and princesses, men's traditional, grass and
fancy dancers, followed by women's traditional, jingle and fancy
dancers, youth and children in categorical order. All competitors
must participate or risk losing points and/or elimination if they
don't.
Eagle Staff
The Eagle Staff is an important symbol to many North American tribes.
The eagle represents the Thunderbird spirits of the supernatural
world who care f~r the inhabitants of our physical world. Qualities
such as farsightedness, strength, speed, beauty and kindness are
attributed to the eagle, which never kills wantonly, only to feed
itself and its family. The Eagle Staff symbolizes reverence for the
Creator and all of life
Invocation
Any significant event is initiated with words of prayer by a
respected Elder. Traditionally, First Nations never had "priests" as
such but rather spiritual leaders. They are often offered tobacco
with a request for prayer indicating respect and honour for that
person and the higher power. Hunters and gatherers frequently
expressed their gratitude with tobacco to show respect for the life
they had taken.
Flag Songs
The respect shown to veterans or warriors is an integral part of
Native culture, a tradition that harks back to the times when tribal
welfare depended on warriors. In a society based on collectivity,
veterans are honoured for self-sacrifice to their cause and their
willingness to die so that others may live. Special songs are sung to
honour veterans who fought under these flags. Veterans are also
honoured as flag bearers, by being called upon to retrieve dropped
eagle feathers and through various veterans' songs. Dropping an
eagle's feather is serious business during a pow-wow. Retrieving it
involves a ceremony - overseen by an Elder or respected spiritual
leaders and/or warriors (veterans). All spectators should rise and
remove hats or caps. No cameras may be used at this time.
Dancers - Mens Traditional
This dance originated in times when war parties returned to their
villages to "dance out" the story of their battles, as well as
hunters depicting stalking their prey after a successful hunt. The
traditional dance outfit is frequently decorated with bead or quill
work and features a circular bustle of eagle feathers. Traditional
dancers may also carry objects symbolic of their warrior status such
as shields, weapons, staffs or Medicine Wheels - reminders of the
wisdom in the four directions, unity and the cycle of all things.
Dancers are judged on how well they keep time to the music, follow
the beat of the drum and stop with the music, both feet on the
ground.
Mens Grass Dance
Contemporary grass dance outfits feature many colourful fringes in
place of the grass tussocks that were originally tucked into their
belts. Many dancers also wear a hair roach, a crow belt and carry an
eagle bone whistle, emblems of the Omaha Society where the dance
originated. Although it is a free-style type of dance, the troupe
must follow the drum beat and stop with the music with both feet on
the ground. Dancers also keep their heads moving in time to the beat
to keep their roach crest feathers spinning.
Mens Fancy
Said to have originated in Oklahoma in the early 1900s, this dance
was begun when promoters of native ceremonials asked native dancers
to beautify their outfits for the spectators' benefit. Based on the
same step as the traditional grass dances, the fancy dance also
features increased speed, acrobatic steps and varied body movements.
Dancers must also be able to follow the beat, stopping precisely at
its end.
Sneakup
This specialty dance simulates warriors sneaking up on their prey or
tracking an enemy. On the drum roll, they shake their bells and
gesture while sneaking up on the centre of the dancing arena,
stopping on the last beat of the verse and walking back to the
perimeter. On the fourth rendition they continue as in a normal song.
EAGLE FEATHERS
Womens Traditional
Some of the most beautiful outfits can be found in this category.
Long dresses are frequently decorated with heavy beadwork, ribbons or
shells. Beaded or concho belts are also worn as well as hair ties,
earrings, chokers and necklaces. Most dancers carry a shawl, an eagle
fan or a single feather. The dance consists of bending knees in time
to the beat, giving slight up and down movements to the body while
subtly shifting the feet to turn.
Womens Fancy Shawl
The fancy shawl outfit consists of a decorative knee-length dress,
beaded moccasins with matching leggings, a fancy shawl and various
jewellery pieces. The dance itself is extremely mobile with a great
deal of spinning and fancy footwork. Dancers in this category must
follow the drum beat and stop precisely at the end, both feet on the
ground.
Jingle Dress
Jingle dancers wear knee-length cloth dresses featuring row upon row
of small bells or jingles sewn to the fabric. Dancers follow the
drumbeat to make their jingles sound with the lightest step possible.
The sound should stop precisely on the drum beat.
Team Dance
Team dancing is a relatively new addition to the pow-wow. Dancing in
a single style, team members must synchronize their movements.
Dancers are judged on synchronization, their outfits and how well
their steps are put together.
------------------------------------------------
***TREATMENT OF MEDICINE BUNDLES BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
Once the Medicine Bundle has been touched by someone other than its
designated guardian, it can no longer be used in its uncleansed
condition. The custodian must again perform purification rites (which
may take three or four days and involve the presence of different
spiritual Elders) to restore the Bundle's sacredness. In other words,
vital spiritual essence is lost when these items are not treated
according to the respect they deserve.
In most cases, police and security officials have not been aware of
the spiritual significance regarding the Bundle's contents. Nor have
they been culturally sensitized enough to the Native Elders' regard
of ceremonial accessories which must be treated with the utmost
respect.
Description
Eagles' wings and feathers, rawhide gourds, drums, abalone shells,
prayer cloths and prints are some of the more common objects in use,
in addition to the pipe. Eagle wings and feathers are awarded for
outstanding deeds. They may be worn in the hair or on a costume, but
normally they are carried in the hand. Indians regard the eagle as a
sacred bird. The eagle represents power, strength and loyalty. The
four sacred plants, sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco or
kinniekinnick (red willow shavings) are also often worn in
a "medicine" pouch around the neck or pinned onto clothing. Elders
may have additional sacred items such as bear claws on a thong or
badges that have been given as gifts during ceremonies.
Searches
Male law enforcement officers may conduct a search of someone wearing
these without incident if they ask the wearer to open the bundle. If
the person is genuine, then the request will be granted. The
spirituality of the bundle is only violated if it is touched or
opened without the carrier's permission. It is therefore important
that police officers be aware that spiritual items of religious
significance should be treated with the proper respect and not be
touched by anyone except the Elder/Custodian.
Female police officers should, whenever possible, have a male officer
conduct this search. This is due to the belief that women, during
their "moon time", are spiritually far more powerful than men and the
simple act of viewing the items will cause them to be desecrated.
What is important to remember is that in ever increasing numbers,
Natives are returning to their own heritage in expressing their
religious beliefs. These sacred objects may be encountered with
greater frequency now that spiritual Elders often travel great
distances to conduct their sacred ceremonies. While keeping public
safety in mind, security personnel and other law enforcement
officials should endeavour to make themselves more aware of these
traditions and the artifacts involved through increased cross-
cultural training and awareness.
When in doubt about any Indigenous Ceremony or items used by Natives
one should always contact the local Tribal Elders in the community in
question for proper information regarding such matters.
Prescribed by an Elder, plant material can also be worn in a medicine
pouch by a person seeking the mercy and protection of the spirits of
the Four Directions. Elders caution Natives not to conceal any other
substances in their pouches. To do so would make a mockery of their
beliefs.
Peyote, a hallucinogenic material used by Natives in some parts of
the US, historically is usually not considered a part of the Canadian
Native culture. Other herbs and dried animal parts (diamond willow
fungus, dried/powdered beaver testicles and buffalo droppings) are
some other materials that may be burnt in ceremonial functions.
CEREMONIAL RITUALS
Pow-wow
Some say the name is derived from the Algonkian word meaning "to
dream". Pow-wow an ancient tradition among aboriginal peoples, is a
time for celebrating and socializing after religious ceremonies. In
some cultures, the pow-wow itself was a religious event, when
families held naming and honouring ceremonies.
Giveaway
For instance, a family celebrating a member's formal entry into the
dance circle, or wishing to commemorate the death of a loved one,
often hosts a giveaway during a pow-wow. This tradition embodies the
value of sharing with others. Gifts such as blankets, beadwork and
crafts are given to friends and visitors followed by appropriate
songs and dances.
Sweetgrass Braid
Today
Today's pow-wow is more of a social event, although honour ceremonies
and other religious observances remain important parts of the
celebration. Dancing, feasting and having fun, the old ways are
remembered and pride is taken in traditional heritage as old
friendships are renewed and new ones begun. Elders say that coming
together in a joyous spirit is an important unifying and healing
experience which brings together many nations in a celebration of
life.
Honour Songs
Honour songs, as their name implies, are requested to honour
particular individuals. Spectators should always stand and remove
caps and hats when an honour song is intoned. The traditional pow-wow
is more conducive to socializing and is not as demanding for
participants. The hosts share the prizes with all registered singers
and dancers. Whether competitive or traditional, pow-wows still bring
people of all nations together in a celebration of life.
Grand Entry
Spectators should always stand and remove caps or hats during Grand
Entry, Flag Songs and the Invocation. This beautiful parade of pride
and colour starts off the pow-wow and each subsequent session of
dancing. Preceded by the Eagle Staff, invited dignitaries and various
categories of dancers join in the Grand Entry and dance to a special
song rendered by the drum groups, following the path of the sun
through the sky. The line-up is as follows: Eagle Staff, Flag
bearers, dignitaries and princesses, men's traditional, grass and
fancy dancers, followed by women's traditional, jingle and fancy
dancers, youth and children in categorical order. All competitors
must participate or risk losing points and/or elimination if they
don't.
Eagle Staff
The Eagle Staff is an important symbol to many North American tribes.
The eagle represents the Thunderbird spirits of the supernatural
world who care f~r the inhabitants of our physical world. Qualities
such as farsightedness, strength, speed, beauty and kindness are
attributed to the eagle, which never kills wantonly, only to feed
itself and its family. The Eagle Staff symbolizes reverence for the
Creator and all of life
Invocation
Any significant event is initiated with words of prayer by a
respected Elder. Traditionally, First Nations never had "priests" as
such but rather spiritual leaders. They are often offered tobacco
with a request for prayer indicating respect and honour for that
person and the higher power. Hunters and gatherers frequently
expressed their gratitude with tobacco to show respect for the life
they had taken.
Flag Songs
The respect shown to veterans or warriors is an integral part of
Native culture, a tradition that harks back to the times when tribal
welfare depended on warriors. In a society based on collectivity,
veterans are honoured for self-sacrifice to their cause and their
willingness to die so that others may live. Special songs are sung to
honour veterans who fought under these flags. Veterans are also
honoured as flag bearers, by being called upon to retrieve dropped
eagle feathers and through various veterans' songs. Dropping an
eagle's feather is serious business during a pow-wow. Retrieving it
involves a ceremony - overseen by an Elder or respected spiritual
leaders and/or warriors (veterans). All spectators should rise and
remove hats or caps. No cameras may be used at this time.
Dancers - Mens Traditional
This dance originated in times when war parties returned to their
villages to "dance out" the story of their battles, as well as
hunters depicting stalking their prey after a successful hunt. The
traditional dance outfit is frequently decorated with bead or quill
work and features a circular bustle of eagle feathers. Traditional
dancers may also carry objects symbolic of their warrior status such
as shields, weapons, staffs or Medicine Wheels - reminders of the
wisdom in the four directions, unity and the cycle of all things.
Dancers are judged on how well they keep time to the music, follow
the beat of the drum and stop with the music, both feet on the
ground.
Mens Grass Dance
Contemporary grass dance outfits feature many colourful fringes in
place of the grass tussocks that were originally tucked into their
belts. Many dancers also wear a hair roach, a crow belt and carry an
eagle bone whistle, emblems of the Omaha Society where the dance
originated. Although it is a free-style type of dance, the troupe
must follow the drum beat and stop with the music with both feet on
the ground. Dancers also keep their heads moving in time to the beat
to keep their roach crest feathers spinning.
Mens Fancy
Said to have originated in Oklahoma in the early 1900s, this dance
was begun when promoters of native ceremonials asked native dancers
to beautify their outfits for the spectators' benefit. Based on the
same step as the traditional grass dances, the fancy dance also
features increased speed, acrobatic steps and varied body movements.
Dancers must also be able to follow the beat, stopping precisely at
its end.
Sneakup
This specialty dance simulates warriors sneaking up on their prey or
tracking an enemy. On the drum roll, they shake their bells and
gesture while sneaking up on the centre of the dancing arena,
stopping on the last beat of the verse and walking back to the
perimeter. On the fourth rendition they continue as in a normal song.
EAGLE FEATHERS
Womens Traditional
Some of the most beautiful outfits can be found in this category.
Long dresses are frequently decorated with heavy beadwork, ribbons or
shells. Beaded or concho belts are also worn as well as hair ties,
earrings, chokers and necklaces. Most dancers carry a shawl, an eagle
fan or a single feather. The dance consists of bending knees in time
to the beat, giving slight up and down movements to the body while
subtly shifting the feet to turn.
Womens Fancy Shawl
The fancy shawl outfit consists of a decorative knee-length dress,
beaded moccasins with matching leggings, a fancy shawl and various
jewellery pieces. The dance itself is extremely mobile with a great
deal of spinning and fancy footwork. Dancers in this category must
follow the drum beat and stop precisely at the end, both feet on the
ground.
Jingle Dress
Jingle dancers wear knee-length cloth dresses featuring row upon row
of small bells or jingles sewn to the fabric. Dancers follow the
drumbeat to make their jingles sound with the lightest step possible.
The sound should stop precisely on the drum beat.
Team Dance
Team dancing is a relatively new addition to the pow-wow. Dancing in
a single style, team members must synchronize their movements.
Dancers are judged on synchronization, their outfits and how well
their steps are put together.
------------------------------------------------
***TREATMENT OF MEDICINE BUNDLES BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS
Once the Medicine Bundle has been touched by someone other than its
designated guardian, it can no longer be used in its uncleansed
condition. The custodian must again perform purification rites (which
may take three or four days and involve the presence of different
spiritual Elders) to restore the Bundle's sacredness. In other words,
vital spiritual essence is lost when these items are not treated
according to the respect they deserve.
In most cases, police and security officials have not been aware of
the spiritual significance regarding the Bundle's contents. Nor have
they been culturally sensitized enough to the Native Elders' regard
of ceremonial accessories which must be treated with the utmost
respect.
Description
Eagles' wings and feathers, rawhide gourds, drums, abalone shells,
prayer cloths and prints are some of the more common objects in use,
in addition to the pipe. Eagle wings and feathers are awarded for
outstanding deeds. They may be worn in the hair or on a costume, but
normally they are carried in the hand. Indians regard the eagle as a
sacred bird. The eagle represents power, strength and loyalty. The
four sacred plants, sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco or
kinniekinnick (red willow shavings) are also often worn in
a "medicine" pouch around the neck or pinned onto clothing. Elders
may have additional sacred items such as bear claws on a thong or
badges that have been given as gifts during ceremonies.
Searches
Male law enforcement officers may conduct a search of someone wearing
these without incident if they ask the wearer to open the bundle. If
the person is genuine, then the request will be granted. The
spirituality of the bundle is only violated if it is touched or
opened without the carrier's permission. It is therefore important
that police officers be aware that spiritual items of religious
significance should be treated with the proper respect and not be
touched by anyone except the Elder/Custodian.
Female police officers should, whenever possible, have a male officer
conduct this search. This is due to the belief that women, during
their "moon time", are spiritually far more powerful than men and the
simple act of viewing the items will cause them to be desecrated.
What is important to remember is that in ever increasing numbers,
Natives are returning to their own heritage in expressing their
religious beliefs. These sacred objects may be encountered with
greater frequency now that spiritual Elders often travel great
distances to conduct their sacred ceremonies. While keeping public
safety in mind, security personnel and other law enforcement
officials should endeavour to make themselves more aware of these
traditions and the artifacts involved through increased cross-
cultural training and awareness.
When in doubt about any Indigenous Ceremony or items used by Natives
one should always contact the local Tribal Elders in the community in
question for proper information regarding such matters.