I guess I don't see "northern" & "southern" lines as clearly as others do. It just doesn't seem as black and white to me. I also don't see the point in making a big deal out of it. How do you define northern & southern? For example:
-Are Omaha songs northern because that tribe is in Nebraska?
-There are many Ponca songs that are the same as Omaha songs. And since the Ponca were moved to OK and some still live in NE & SD, are they northern or southern?
-How would you classify Ho-Chunk songs? Most Ho-Chunks live in WI & NE, but their songs are more similar to Ponca & Omaha songs than other "northern" tribes.
Some generalizations can be made. But if the group is singing those southern songs well and in the right place, and people are happy dancing to it, then just enjoy it. It's all good.
CEM
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