POWWOW

I have decided to join the bandwagon and write an entry every day for a month so here it goes

My first entry

Oh dear this is rather scary writing this entry in the new Microsoft word which I downloading for a 60 day trial period. I was using word 97 so you can see why Im having just a tad bit of tech shock.

THE ANNUAL TRIBAL POWWOW

In the early part of October, my baby sister was chosen to be the head Woman dancer of our annual Powwow. When she told me this incredible news, I knew right away that I wanted her to wear my beautiful white buck skin.

She Looked absolutely stunning in my wedding dress, I was worried that it wouldnt fit her because the regalia was tailored made for me. Good God..I never realized how many measurements are made to make such a masterpiece and even my moccasins were tailored made for me. Baby sister wasnt worried and assured me this wouldnt be a problem.

While at a family gathering at the end of summer, I had her try on my regalia for all of us to view. We all gathered around all 5 of her sisters and 10 nieces sitting on the carpet waiting for this modeling show.

She was so beautiful stunningly beautiful.

Yes, I was jealous but my pride for her quickly wiped away the jealousy.

I thought about how far our tribe has come in the last 10 years, how our tribe refused to be moved to a reservation likes all the other local tribes. Our tribe had too much pride to succumb to the pressures of the government.

I cried with happiness to see my sis

I cried thinking about my daddy. Its too bad he wasnt alive to witness this joyful moment.

But this I do know

Daddy is rejoicing in the spirit world and dancing with all his might that his youngest daughter has been honored in such a way.

I felt such an honor to assist my baby sis into our regalia, lacing up the leather and straightening the bead work. Like my own wedding this was such a sacred moment for me and for her of course, one that I will treasure in my heart for ever. We could hear the crowd gather and the drumming begin. It was time…it was time for baby sis to shine.

What an exciting time

The powwow was the biggest yet. I was anxious to take pictures but had to be mindful that there are many moments during a powwow that picture taking is prohibited. For instance, when a eagle feather is placed on a drum during a drumming session This is considered a sacred ceremony and needs to be honored. So I was very careful and respected the sacred drumming and dancing.

I will always remember this day

The highlight of the powwow for me, was watching my sisters children dance with all their might. They dont really understand the hardships and struggles that our tribe has overcome, yet they dance as if there was no tomorrow, they are the future for our tribe and the future is STRONG.