Great Hoop Dance Videos

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2013/06/07/six-hoop-dance-videos-you-need-see-149766

How is Pow Wow Regalia Made?

Regalia:  http://www.powwows.com/2014/02/26/ever-wonder-how-pow-wow-regalia-is-made/

Here is a related YouTube video

10 Ways You Know You Are At A Pow Wow

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/02/27/10-ways-tell-you-know-you-are-pow-wow-when-153734?page=0%2C0

1.  The handicap bathroom stall becomes a dressing room

2.  The whole world stops when an eagle feather lands on the ground 

3.  When Shawl Fringe gets caught in a lawn chair

4.  When people start lining up at 11:30 for 11:00 Grand Entry
5.  When you smell sage, sweetgrass and frybread and hear drums and bells in the same place

6.  The beat of your heart matches the beat of the drums

7.  The prominent hair style is braids  

8.  When you see hundreds of hickies and babies

9.  When you see license plates with NDNBEAR or REZPOWER

10.  When the MC shouts HOKA!

What is a Pow Wow?

Here is a link to a great one hour presentation that answers this question and gives visuals. http://www.powwows.com/2014/02/28/wacipi-pow-wow/

This Pow Wow documentary was originally broadcast in 1995 from Twin Cities Public Television.
“More than a homage to a great ancestry, the Pow Wow is an event of contemporary significance for the individuals and communities making up the hundreds of Native American nations.”

Read more: http://www.powwows.com/2014/02/28/wacipi-pow-wow/#ixzz2ueIRdmxE

Marshfield Pow Wow Language Cards Educational Presentation by CFT

This is an ongoing column about the interactive educational discussion presented by me (Claudia Fox Tree) at MCNAA pow wows. The recent May conversation held in Marshfield for the Spring Planting Moon pow wow was another opportunity to discuss a sampling of topics through an activity involving “language cards.”  As a quick reminder, I have created cards with four sets of words and phrases. The cards provide a point of departure for group conversations and then a question/answer time with me. I refer folks back to the Fall, 2011 Turtle Talk for a detailed description of the activity, the process for conversation, and a short discussion of the following words and phrases: legend, Tonto, Westward Expansion, primitive, I'm part Indian, Boriqua/en, Diné, AIM (American Indian Movement), smudge, Tisquantum (Squanto's name), regalia, tobacco, low man on the totem pole, and acting like a bunch of wild Indians.  See the Winter, 2011 Turtle Talk for the following words and phrases: Mexican, immigration, medicine man, redskins, shaman, sovereignty, I had a dream last and April’s Fool’s Day.

The "name cards" have words that are used to describe Native People.  This conversation is about when one would use which word, or what words should be explained before being used (or not used at all). We talked about Tisquantum (Squanto's name) and Boriqua/en (the Traditional name for the island of Puerto Rico).  See previous Turtle Talks to read specifics about these names.

The "text and media cards" have words that are "problematic" or require thoughtfulness before using as they can provoke strong emotional responses. These words may be seen and heard in textbooks, novels, movies, commercials, and cartoons, to name a few areas.   We talked about the word savage and how it has derogatory implications of being less than human or animal-like. We discussed the terms: Manifest Destiny, Reservations, Half-Blood/Half-Breed, Slave/Slavery, and Middle Passage.  Manifest Destiny implies that one group (European colonizers) has the right to overpower, exploit, and even kill another group because it is “destined” to have that land and be the dominant group. Reservations are areas of land reserved by the U.S. government as permanent tribal homelands. The United States established its reservation policy for American Indians in 1787. Today there are 314 reservations, among the last large tracts of private lands. More than 78 percent of American Indians live away from reservations. Half-blood and half-breed are derogatory terms that should be avoided.  They refer to a black/white mix, as well as a person who is half/part Native American. 

The term, enslaved people, is preferred to slaves or slavery because it better describes the practice imposed on a people and retains their human dignity, rather than remind the people that they were objectified as mere property.  Part of our discussion about enslavement included remembering that Columbus immediately enslaved Native Americans and the practice continued for centuries, quickly including Africans through the Triangular Trade.  Also, we discussed instances where Native Americans enslaved other Native Americans (i.e. Maya, Aztec).  This Native American enslavement was qualitatively different than the “curious American institution of slavery,” since captured folks who were enslaved could earn their way out of enslavement, eventually inter-marry, and even rise in the social-political power structure, something African people never/rarely were able to do.  Some Native Americans also owned and enslaved African people once they had assimilated into the southern economic plantation system.  This is particularly interesting, since these same Native People who felt like they were “just like everyone else” were then marched across the country in what is known as the Trail of Tears for being clearly NOT part of the mainstream society. The Middle Passage refers to the Atlantic slave trade. John Henrick Clarke sums it up, “No where in the annals of history has a people experienced such a long and traumatic ordeal as Africans during the Atlantic slave trade. Over the nearly four centuries of the slave - which continued until the end of the Civil War - millions of African men, women, and children were savagely torn from their homeland, herded onto ships, and dispersed all over the so-called New World. Although there is no way to compute exactly how many people perished, it has been estimated that between thirty and sixty million Africans were subjected to this horrendous triangular trade system and that only one third-if that-of those people survived.” The part that is missing is that Native Americans were included in this trade when they were brought from the Americas to England/Spain and when they were brought between the U.S. and Caribbean areas.

The "phrase cards" have expressions that one might read in magazines or books or hear on television or in social situations. This conversation can be about the problems with the phrase, a larger stereotypical context, or a piece of history that is captured in the phrase. We talked about the phrase, “I had a dream last night” and how Native Americans are stereotyped as interpreters of dreams.  See previous Turtle Talks to replay a more detailed explanation.

The "culture cards" have words that are meaningful to Native Americans and important to now when you are re/connecting with the culture. I choose some words that are common across Native Nations, and others that are specific to a particular Nation, to give participants a taste of culturally relevant terminology. In Marshfield, we talked about these cultural words and their impact:  Holocaust and Giveaway/Gifting. The Holocaust is known as a time when 12 million deaths and murders (6 million of which were Jewish) during WWII by Hitler and his followers occurred.  It’s important to know that Native Americans also describe the destruction of culture and people in the Americas as a holocaust.   Similarly, Holocaust Remembrance Day – April 18, to honor the memory of the Six Million Jews by learning about their heroism in the face of inhumanity, and exploring the roots of anti-Semitism.  The word holocaust evokes destruction of any people.  We talked about the term and meaning behind the giveaway/gifting. This is the custom of sharing property or making some other personal sacrifice to honor the recipient or earn prestige for the giver (e.g. Potlatch).  The term giveaway appears especially connected to Native People from the plains.  Often also associated with reciprocal obligation.

Haverhill Pow Wow & Language Cards Educational Presentation by CFT

Over the many years that I have been teaching about Native American culture and helping people unlearn stereotypes and misinformation, one thing has emerged - everyone is in different places with what they know, don't know, and want to know about.  In addition, we can all improve in our ability to understand oppression and grow in activism and ally behavior.  The challenge for me has been to meet people where they are and help them reach not only a new learning, but also a deeper understanding that they might be able to apply to their next encounter. 

The MCNAA Haverhill workshop was a brief opportunity to discuss a sampling of topics through an activity involving cards with words and phrases related to Native Americans.  When people arrive, I ask them to look at the cards and talk to their neighbor about what they know and/or don't know about the words and phrases in front of them.  Then, I ask them to choose a few cards for me to elaborate on.  In this way, the activity and conversation is different every time and geared toward interests of the group.  It also builds a learning community emphasizing the power to language; words on paper and words on the tongue.  In addition, a level of trust begins - It's okay to talk about this, I have something to contribute, and I might even learn something.
I have created these "language cards" with four sets of words and phrases.  The "name cards" have words that are used to describe Native People, like "Indian," "First Nations," "Indigenous People of the Western Hemisphere Before 1492," "Wampanoag," and "Woodland."  These words provide a point of departure for conversations about when one would use which word, or what words should be explained before being used (or not used at all), and why getting to the Nation's own name for themselves is a good idea.

The "text and media cards" have words that are "problematic."  These words are seen and heard in textbooks, novels, movies, commercials, and cartoons, to name a few areas.  They include words like "Tonto," "Westward Expansion," and "primitive."  They can be a problem because of inaccurate information and also because of the emotions that may be triggered when the word is used.  In Haverhill, the word "legend" came up for elaboration.  The problem here is that our creation stories are called legends, but other people's creation stories are called names like the Bible, the Qur'an, and the Torah.  Our oral stories passed on by ancestors through the generations are just a legitimate as the ones that were written down and deserve to be respected in the same way.

The "phrase cards" have expressions that one might read or hear like "low man on the totem pole" and "acting like a bunch of wild Indians."  This conversation can be about the problems with the phrase, or it can also be about a piece of history that is captured in the phrase.  In Haverhill, the phrase, "I'm part Indian," was selected for further explanation.  This phrase is important because it reminds us that many/most Native Americans are multiracial and multicultural.  Also, it reflects a part of history where identifying as Native American was dangerous or shameful, so families did not pass on their heritage, and now descendants are reclaiming their culture.  The context of the expression can also yield varying responses from the people who hear it.  Some people will laugh because it is said so often.  Others might wonder if the person knows their nation or aspects of their culture. Some might even be offended that someone identifies as part Native, but doesn't interact. learn, or practice within the culture. Still others, might want to know why we hear, "I'm part Native," but never hear "I'm part African/Black," thereby reminding us that oppression of fellow humans continues and, for now, Native Americans are the group that is admired.

The "culture cards" have words that are meaningful to Native Americans, like AIM (American Indian Movement), smudge, Tisquantum (Squanto's name), regalia, and tobacco.  If people know the meaning and significance of these words, then they are "in touch with the culture."  I choose some words which are common across Native Nations, and others which are specific to a particular Nation, to give participants a taste of culturally relevant terminology.  For example the word "Boriqua/en" is the indigenous word for the island of Puerto Rico and "Diné" is what the Navajo call themselves.  In Haverhill, most people were familiar with the words on the culture cards, in most other situations, these are the cards which people know the least about. People who attended the workshop on Saturday or Sunday contributed their own perspectives and also had a chance to listen to each other's points of view, as well as mine.

Pow Wow Activities - Sample Assignment by CFT

Pow Wow Investigation Activity (This can be given to kids with the expectation that they will attend a weekend Pow Wow)

You can get this information by listening to the Announcer, reading the program, asking the vendors questions, speaking with dancers, and looking at tables and books.

1. After Grand Entry, there is a Veteran’s Dance, who is considered a veteran?

2. Why are circles important? Which direction does the dance area open toward? Why?

3. What is one special kind of dance?

4. How many Jingle Dress or Grass Dancers were there?

5. How many drums and drummers? Are they all women or men? Why?

6. Ask Native American people you see what Nation (tribe) they come from until you have three different tribes. List them.

7. What is the Announcer/emcee's name and nation?

8. What is the storyteller’s name and nation?

9. Why is storytelling important?

10. What story did you hear from the storyteller?

11. What does Intertribal mean?

12. Were there any special ceremonies that occurred?

13. Find someone selling dream catchers, what is a dream catcher and why is it important?

14. Find someone selling sage. What does sage smell like to you? Why is sage important?

15. Europeans traded glass bead with Native Americans, what are three *traditional* materials that Native Americans make their own beads from?

16. Name two instruments you can buy at Pow Wow.

17. Name three things made of leather that you see today.

18. What are three things you saw specifically for children today.

19. How many turtles did you see?

20. What is something you should NOT do at Pow Wow?

21. How many children do you see in regalia?

22. Do all Native Americans have black hair? feathers? live in a teepee? wear moccasins?

23. Introduce yourself to one Native American person in regalia. Tell your name, grades, school, and background. find out from them:

• their name or names (they may have a Native name and an English name)
• their nation
• where they live
• what they do for work
• how they travel
• any meanings about their regalia

Answer Key to Pow Wow In formation Gathering

1. A veteran may be anyone who put their life between their home and the enemy, or sent a child to war.

2. In this area of the country, circles open in the East. The East is where the sun rises and many nations in the East have this as part of the meaning of their name, ie: “People of the Morning Sun”. They are important because circles symbolize many things, including life, equality, and balance, etc.

3. Some specialty dances are Grass, Fancy, Traditional, Jingle, Hoop, etc.

5. Even though women are and have always been drummers, recent Eastern traditions exclude women from drumming at the “mother drum” due to how much “power” they have to “amplify”, they can sing and rattle at the drum and using hand drums is okay, but they would not be sitting and drumming.

7. What is the Announcer/emcee's name/nation? (Marvin Burnette/Sioux, Starr/Nipmuc, answers vary)

8. What is the storyteller’s name/nation? (Loril MoonDream/White Mountain Apache, answers may vary)

9. Stories teach behavior, tell the history, give role models, etc.

11. Intertribal means many nations have come together, many nations are sharing their dance and songs, guests are also invited to dance, etc.

12. Some special ceremonies are honor dances, eagle feather retrieval, etc.

13. Traditionally a piece of vine twisted in a loop, now sometimes made with wire, with a “web” made of sinew inside. It is put at the head of one’s bed to “catch” the bad dreams, while letting the good ones pass through. Objibway/Assinabe origins)

14. The smoke from burning sage is used to purify and cleanse the spirit, like water cleans the body.

15. Some *traditional* materials that Native Americans make their own beads are bone, wood, clay, shell, etc.

16. Some instruments you can buy at Pow Wow are drum, flute, rattle, etc.

17. Some things made of leather are regalia, pouches, purses, moccasins, etc.

18. Some things specifically for children could be cradle board, books, moccasins, etc.

19. Turtles could be in books, regalia, statues, jewelry.

EXTRA CREDIT (This activity is appropriate for Grades 6 and up, depending on curriculum)

We have been studying human origins, civilization, and culture. Attend the Native American Pow Wow this weekend and write a 500 word essay describing the culture you see. Remember culture includes the "human-made" part of the environment. It refers to elements such as values, social norms, beliefs, attitudes, world views, styles, traditions, and systems of meaning (beliefs, behavior, language) that are shared and transmitted by an identifiable group of people through learning and experience.

Pow Wow Etiquette

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The word Pow Wow comes from the Algonquin "pauau" and means a gathering of people to celebrate an important event. Most Pow Wows are non-profit and depend upon donations, raffles, blanket dances, etc. for support. Donations are encouraged as a way to honor someone. Any participant can drop money onto the blanket to aid in the powwow expenses.

We are always glad to see people attend pow wows, and learn more about our cultures and ways. If you have never been to a Pow Wow, here are a few rules that may help you feel more comfortable and know what to expect. Keep in mind that traditions vary from region to region and Pow Wow to Pow Wow. When in doubt, quietly wait until there is a break in the action and ask the folks near the drum(s) to point you towards the Arena Director (Master of Ceremonies /Announcer). Here are some general guidelines to follow:

The Arena:

The arena is considered a sacred ground and should be treated with respect. Profanity and unruly behavior should not be used. Never cut across it to get to the opposite side. Treat the arena as you would treat a church. Go in the "door" and out the same way, not under ropes.

Do not sit on the benches inside the circle around the dance area, these are for dancers in regalia. Seats with blankets, shawls or regalia items on them are “taken” and should not be bothered. Do NOT sit on someone else's blanket unless invited. Uncovered seats are considered available. Many Pow Wows don’t have seating, so, bring along a lawn chair or blanket and make yourself comfortable.

Pets should be left at home. The Arena is a sacred place from the time it is blessed until the Pow Wow is over. At no time should pets be allowed in the Arena, unless they are working service animals.

The formal part of a Pow Wow begins with Grand Entry around noon. When the Eagle Staff is brought into the arena, in the company of the American Flag, or when they are taken from the arena, it is respectful to stand and remove your hat in honor. The Flag Song, Honor Songs, Veterans Songs, and Indian National Anthem also require the respect of standing and hat removal (unless wearing an eagle feather or other powerful personal medicine). They are not songs for dancing. The Pow Wow ends with the closing ceremonies. In between, there is dancing, drumming, stories, and sometimes crafts for children, special demonstration, etc. The Announcer lets people know what is going to be happening.

Recording/Photos:

Photos of individual dancers should only be taken with their permission, and no commercial photography without first checking with the MC and Pow Wow staff. Tape recording of the drums should be done only after asking the drum group. Video recording should be only for personal use, unless by previous arrangement with the staff. Absolutely NO recording of any kind on Honor Songs, Flag Songs, Veterans Songs, Gourd Dancing, prayers, or at any other time the MC specifies. Obtaining an individual's permission is a respectful recognition of that person's dignity and rights of privacy.

Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs and Other Disrespectful Behaviors:

Pow wows have strict rules against alcohol and drug use in the entire area of the pow wow, and most prohibit smoking in or near the arena. Dress and act appropriately. Hot pants, halter tops, and swimwear are not appropriate in most dance arenas, consider bringing something to “cover up.” Pointing with the fingers is considered poor manners by some nations. If you must point, use your head and nod in the direction you wish to indicate.

Arts and Crafts:

At any given pow wow, you will find a wide array of Native arts, handmade crafts, and jewelry for sale. Often this is how these vendors make a living, and sell quality goods at a reasonable price. Most will not accept checks, so it is a good idea to have cash on hand. Please use care when handling merchandise.

The Regalia:

Dancers wear traditional regalia, not costumes, when they dance. If they are going to dance anything other than open Intertribals, they wear regalia. Every part of a dancer's regalia is very important to him or her for various reasons. Many hours go into the intricate beadwork and detailing, and a full set of regalia may take years to complete. The feathers or leather may be over 100 years old and very fragile. Never intentionally touch another dancer’s regalia, person or property without permission.

If you should discover a feather on the ground (this is really about Eagle feathers, but many children cannot tell the difference), please, do not pick it up! Rather, guard it and notify a Pow Wow official. There are ceremonies for the returning of a fallen eagle feather, which under no circumstances may be photographed or video taped. Certain items of religious significance should be worn only by those qualified to do so. Respect the traditions.

Dancing:

The Announcer will specify who is to dance and when, and when visitors may participate. Listen to the Director. S/He will announce who is to dance and when. Most Pow Wows conduct Intertribals in which the public may participate. Before dancing barefoot speak with the Arena Director. At some events this may only be done by Sundancers known to the organizers. In some places it is OK for adults to dance while carrying infants or small children. In other places this is considered contrary to local etiquette. Ask before doing so.

Respect the Head Man and Head Woman Dancers. Their role entitles them to start each song or set of songs. Please wait until they have started to dance before you join in. In some traditions, it is considered improper to pass the Head Man or Woman Dancer within the Arena.

Some songs require that you be familiar with the routine or have special eligibility rules in order to participate. Trot dances, snake, buffalo, etc. require particular steps or routines. Veterans dances may be restricted to Veterans, Combat Veterans or in some cases, War Mothers or the relations of Veterans. If you are not familiar with a particular dance, observe and learn. Watch the Head Dancers to learn the procedures.

Drumming:

Before sitting at a drum, ask permission from the Head singer. Do not touch a drum without permission. If you wish to ask for a special song from a drum, talk to the Area Director first and make sure the Master of Ceremonies is informed. It is traditional to make a gift (monetary, tobacco, or otherwise) to the Drum for special requests. More information about the Drum can be found here.

Giveaways:

Giveaways, attributes of Indian generosity, are held at many dances. They are acknowledgments of appreciation to recipients for honor or service given to the people. When receiving a gift, the recipient thanks everyone involved in the giving. They may be asked to dance in an Honor Song following the Giveaway.

Questions:

If you have a question, ask, just take time to get to know the person you are talking with, before asking a string of questions. Most dancers, singers, elders and staff are happy to help. It’s nice to offer a cold drink or other small, symbolic gift to those who help you.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Songs

Lyrics/Vocables for Songs I Use in My Classes

You can find many of these songs on YouTube, all on their original Music CD, and mostly all on iTunes.

Mostly Pow Wow Drum Songs
ARAWAK MOUNTAIN SINGERS (Arawak and Taino)
Listen To The Jingles 2:15
Everybody Dance 2:48
Señorita Linda 3:18
Soldier Boy Fought Hard 3:36
Dance Dancers Dance 3:37
Guazabara 3:22
Within The Circle 3:31
BROOKE MEDICINE EAGLE (Crow - from Montana)
Hey Ney Ya Na – Ute 3:50
Wishi Ta 5:49
Neesa Neesa 2:49
Women's Shuffle
Willow Song 4:19
CRYSTAL WOMAN (Cherokee)
Honoring the Deer 2:14
EASTERN EAGLE SINGERS (Canada)
Mi'kmaq Gathering 2:10
Kwan-Do-Daey 2:48
Ko-Ju-A 2:56
Rabbit Two Step 2:53
JOANNE SHENANDOAH (Wolf Clan/Oneida Nation - Iroquois Confederacy)
Iroquois Social Songs 5:27
SHARON BURCH (Navajo)
Little Star Shine 3:34
First Cry 3:05
I Walk Alone 3:39
Welcome Home 3:43
Corn Song 3:07
ULALI (Cherokee and Tuscarora)
Mahk Jchi 2:39
Mother 4:38
Native American Rattle 1:17
WALELA (Cherokee) Video of their song below:


Mostly in English Native American Songs
JOANNE SHENANDOAH (Wolf Clan/Oneida Nation - Iroquois Confederacy)
I May Want a Man 4:02 with A. Paul Ortega
We Are the Iroquois 3:32
Please Sign Here 4:22
BROOKE MEDICINE EAGLE (Crow - from Montana)
Walking (Pine Needles) 4:24
Circle Round the Wheel 6:22
Path of Beauty 5:32
BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE (Cree) Here is her educational website
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee 5:16
My Country 'Tis of Thy People You're Dying 6:49
CRYSTAL WOMAN (Cherokee)
Here Come a Woman 3:41
Eagle Prayer Song 2:52
The Buffalo 3:27
The Trail of Tears 5:18
Who Will Speak for Mother Earth? 4:02
Seven Generations from Now 5:38
Fancy Dancer 3:11
Amazing Grace 4:14 video below:


SHARON BURCH (Navajo)
We Are Here 2:55
Colors of My Heart 4:18
Brother Warrior 5:04
WALELA (Cherokee)
I Have No Indian Name 4:33

"Old Age" v. "New Age"

Sometimes, I receive emails about "mixing" traditions. Though we are a contemporary people and have traded for such things as glass beads and adopted such things as the horse, when it comes to spirituality and sacred practices, some things are meant to stay traditional. My friend, Don, recently wrote about this. I have his permission to repost below.
Claudia

In response to the reike woman. A while ago my dad and I were doing a sweat up in Maine. My dad and I were inside the lodge preparing the grandfathers when a woman approached us and told us her name was "Aurora". She wanted to know if she could bring her "Crystals " into the lodge. I turned to my dad and told him of her request. He hesitated for a moment and then said"Hmmm, you tell her that, that there is New Age...This here, is Old Age. We have been doing these things for many, many generations.

I have a hard time with these "Newagers." They come to powwow's with their crystals and Reike and things of that nature and I think misrepresents the teachings of our Elders. A lot of these teachings are changed or watered down to fit their New Age beliefs and that's how traditions become lost. We as Traditional People are not lost. We do not attempt to change the teachings of our Ancestors. I follow the traditional teaching that were passed down from my fathers teacher. I know these were good teachings because Slow Turtle and my Dad -"Red Rock Snapping Turtle" had the same teacher.

Please don't feel that I'm being very opinionated. I just feel that our culture needs to be protected. We need to Honor the "old ways". They have kept us on that spiritual path for the past 7 generations and will survive for the next 7 generations as long as we don't try to fix what is not broken. Please feel free to pass this on to the other Board members and Advisory members if you like.

 
With much respect,

DonDon

What's a Pow Wow? Where can I see one?

Pow Wow Calendar

Pow Wow Etiquette

Pow Wow Activity

What can a Pow Wow do for a community?

Here are photos and comments which capture some of my "inside" thoughts on Pow Wow.
2007
Gloucester Pow Wow (August)
Haverhill Pow Wow (September)
Bedford Pow Wow (September)

10 Ways to Tell: You KNOW You're At a Pow Wow When …

http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2014/02/27/10-ways-tell-you-know-you-are-pow-wow-when-153734

Gloucester Pow Wow

The Gloucester Pow Wow had beautiful weather, a fabulous view of the ocean, yummy food, and even good friends who came to visit us as we camped overnight.

The Pow Wow also had a celebrity surprise. She has made over 40 movies! She is probably the MOST well known female Native American actor of all time. She has won over 15 best actress and best supporting actress awards. Do you know her yet???? If you don't that says something about the business of show business.



Here are comments from my daughter, Cheyenne:
…she is from Smoke Signals, one of my favorite movies of all time! Go frybread power! Here is me and my BFF Addie posing with Irene. She has her own clothing line (I got a bunch of things) and also sings in a Native American rock band with her husband, Deni.
Here I am about to begin a jingle dress dance demonstration and Richard, the MC, is teasing me (and I'm teasing him back).


My friend Beth (who made this dress) brought new (stiffer) leggings which I'm trying out for the first time!














I got "staked" every time I danced for demonstration. This traditional men's dancer is collecting the money (the custom is that I'm no supposed to touch it). I gave it all to Len's drum, Split Feather, who drummed for me, except enough so I could buy an ice cream.

Haverhill Pow Wow 2007

The MCNAA Plug Pond Pow Wow in Haverhill.

Native American levity is apparent as my friend Don donned his rain gear and a snorkel in the dance circle - It was raining off and on during they day. Who says we are all "stoic" and serious?

Cheyenne, Beth, and Indigo (in the back) are doing a blanket dance (collecting money donations for the drum). Behind them on the right, is the "Native American flag," a wooden post with an eagle feather. Behind them on the left is the United States flag. This particular flag was one of the three flown at the World Trade Center and it was given to the Lakota Honor Guard who have travelled all over the country with it.

This video is a "Men's Traditional" dance, "Duck and Dive." It's becoming quite popular now. Cheyenne and I even had a chance to try out this dance at the Bedford Pow Wow where there was informal night dancing.