Chicken Dance History

WhoMe · 09-26-2005, 02:25 PM

Undoubtedly, Chicken (Prairie) Dancing is becoming more popular coast-to-coast.

I have seen Navaho, Comanche and Lumbee chicken dancers.

Anybody wanna' venture out and explain this dance? Perhaps the who (tribe/s), what, where, whys and how?

Slammer · 09-26-2005, 06:56 PM

I know for a fact that it had originated in Cree and or Blackfoot territory in what is now Canada. It is disputed between the two of who created it, mostly by the Blackfoot, who absolutely want to lay claim to it. I know that both tribes have their own ceremonies and societies, but it shouldn't come down to attempting to lay claim to it. The Cree have their own, and the Blackfoot have their own: the two tribes can meet and dance together, besides pow-wow was created elsewhere. Today chicken dance at the pow-wow is for everyone that wants to dance it, enjoy it. It is nice to see chicken dancers from all over turtle island. Heck, there is even a Negro chicken dancer in Canada!

**Wojapi4Me** · 09-27-2005, 09:47 AM

Yes, this dance did originate with either the Cree or Blackfoot people...which one I'm not sure. But this is (or was originally) a society dance, and I've been told that it still exists in this societal form in some Cree communities (Battleford).

Now, the question: If this is still considered a society dance by the Cree (or Blackfoot or both), is it proper for anyone to just decide to make a Prairie Chicken Dance outfit and start dancing without going through the proper measures?

CloudN9ne · 09-27-2005, 11:29 AM

the chicken dance came from the Blackfeet confederacy...... let me reaffirm everyone that the chicken dance (and it's songs) is a sacred dance and not merely a dance style.. it is a dance that must be learned and taught in the appropriate way, with the dancer being initiated into the chicken dance society. the dance is imitating the prarie chicken in mating, no bustle is worn.
there is also a dance called the roundbustle which orginated from the yakama and nez perce and other northwest tribes which was a warriors dance. that dance was performed at National Powwow by Nakia Williamson with the duck and dive......that dance also has right.

most things that the dancer carries when he dances have a meaning like the otter skin that is a part of a society, there are alot of things that some ndn people don't understand about this dance. to me i think this dance is very sacred especially with my blackfeet roots, it kinda p***es me off when i see it done the wrong way, when it should be done the right way.

This dance was very popular in the northwest area and canada and still is.......

darkwaterlum · 09-27-2005, 02:37 PM

Thanks for the recognition Dennis, the fella that taught me is Arnie Mc Donald whom is BlackFoot, he is over in Afganistan right now, but stationed here in NC at Fort Bragg. And he was told that you must be taught by another Chicken Dancer, sort of handed down..

CloudN9ne · 09-27-2005, 03:17 PM

Arnie is not blackfeet he is a salish/pueblo.... i know because i come from the same place he does........i am flathead/cree/blackfeet but enrolled flathead, my dad is flathead and my mom is blackfeet/cree.............just to let you know it doesn't count.......

**Emmy** · 09-28-2005, 08:30 AM

On the lines of the above comments... what happens when the dance is brought to people who dont know it and ten inturn are taught by some1 who doesnt really know it?

And end up teaching it wrong? or giving them the right to wear certain items, when they dont have the right to give???

**Wojapi4Me** · 09-28-2005, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emmy

On the lines of the above comments... what happens when the dance is brought to people who dont know it and ten inturn are taught by some1 who doesnt really know it?

And end up teaching it wrong? or giving them the right to wear certain items, when they dont have the right to give???

Ask the Kiowas, this is exactly what has happened with THEIR gourd dance.

ndngirl_19 · 09-30-2005, 06:42 AM

It's intersting that you all bring this up, and good. I believe one needs to know where their dance style comes from and originated. My family use to powwow a lot in ALberta and I remember seeing this dance done by some elderly men. It was awesome because you can see their story and the prarie chicken itself. But I believe that this dance was done in different forms depending where you were at. It is found primarily in the northern western area of the US & Canada. I seen the Blackfeet (primarily) and the salish tribes do this dance.
I moved to Kansas a while back and I knew Prarie Chicken was coming back in the west, but when it reached the midwest, everyone there, that was dancing it, looked and danced like a Crow dancer. LOL! I tried to asked & tell a few of the guys they were dancing it sort of wrong, but who's going to listen to a woman? But I can tell u I don't like it when a guy spins a lot. I was told by some Blackfeet/Blackfoot friends how it should be done and I relayed it to my brother-in-law and he went and asked more about it. So it was all cool. But learn and get the right/permission, instead of going out there without knowing anything..

sookout sh'nob · 10-01-2005, 11:16 PM

Right. Just like grass dancing,hoop dancing, jingle, gourd, and men's traditional dancing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CloudN9ne

the chicken dance came from the Blackfeet confederacy...... let me reaffirm everyone that the chicken dance (and it's songs) is a sacred dance and not merely a dance style.. it is a dance that must be learned and taught in the appropriate way, with the dancer being initiated into the chicken dance society. the dance is imitating the prarie chicken in mating, no bustle is worn.
there is also a dance called the roundbustle which orginated from the yakama and nez perce and other northwest tribes which was a warriors dance. that dance was performed at National Powwow by Nakia Williamson with the duck and dive......that dance also has right.

most things that the dancer carries when he dances have a meaning like the otter skin that is a part of a society, there are alot of things that some ndn people don't understand about this dance. to me i think this dance is very sacred especially with my blackfeet roots, it kinda p***es me off when i see it done the wrong way, when it should be done the right way.

This dance was very popular in the northwest area and canada and still is.......

stylin · 10-04-2005, 09:29 AM

This is my thought on the topic. Some people know what they are talking about and some people just like to talk like they know. Much respect to the people that still use this dance in their cermonies and do it in the right way but for yall that take your outfits and dance at pow-wow's (FOR MONEY) then try to preach aat people about how sacred it is and cut others down for dancing chicken in the arena I think yall are full of ****!!!!!! Once money is put up for the contest I think all religious meaning is gone. If the dance was ment to be sacred it should have never been introduced into the pow-wow arena and put on display for others to follow. That is my thoughts on the topic. WHAT DO YOU THINK????????

WhoMe · 10-06-2005, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stylin

This is my thought on the topic. Some people know what they are talking about and some people just like to talk like they know. Much respect to the people that still use this dance in their cermonies and do it in the right way but for yall that take your outfits and dance at pow-wow's (FOR MONEY) then try to preach aat people about how sacred it is and cut others down for dancing chicken in the arena I think yall are full of ****!!!!!! Once money is put up for the contest I think all religious meaning is gone. If the dance was ment to be sacred it should have never been introduced into the pow-wow arena and put on display for others to follow. That is my thoughts on the topic. WHAT DO YOU THINK????????

stylin,

That is a good point.

"Money changes things." It is out there now and there is no way stop the spread of contest chicken dancing.

__

Anybody else have some theories, facts or thought concerning the history of Chicken Dancing?

sookout sh'nob · 10-06-2005, 09:22 PM

Cree stuff....

http://www.sicc.sk.ca/saskindian/a99pow14.htm

and

http://www.sicc.sk.ca/saskindian/a99pow03.htm

George has passed on - but that's what those old guys do . Lucky for us we still have some of his words around.

kalifaz_beech_beauty · 10-07-2005, 02:29 PM

2 b honest me @ mah sis lauffed when we heard chicken dance 4 da first tyme but den dis guy who dances it met us @ explained 2 us what its bout n all. It's pretty koolerz!!!!

09-26-2005, 02:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
WhoMe PauWau Coordinator Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Land of 370 Broken Treaties Posts: 5,560	Chicken Dance History Undoubtedly, Chicken (Prairie) Dancing is becoming more popular coast-to-coast. I have seen Navaho, Comanche and Lumbee chicken dancers. Anybody wanna' venture out and explain this dance? Perhaps the who (tribe/s), what, where, whys and how? __________________ "Today, recognizing and respecting the origins of powwow aids in our Cultural Survival. If enough people break the rules because they are not satisfied...."We will have no culture." WhoMe

09-26-2005, 06:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Slammer Tiny Tot Dancer Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 68	the history I know for a fact that it had originated in Cree and or Blackfoot territory in what is now Canada. It is disputed between the two of who created it, mostly by the Blackfoot, who absolutely want to lay claim to it. I know that both tribes have their own ceremonies and societies, but it shouldn't come down to attempting to lay claim to it. The Cree have their own, and the Blackfoot have their own: the two tribes can meet and dance together, besides pow-wow was created elsewhere. Today chicken dance at the pow-wow is for everyone that wants to dance it, enjoy it. It is nice to see chicken dancers from all over turtle island. Heck, there is even a Negro chicken dancer in Canada!

09-27-2005, 09:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Wojapi4Me Kili! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Tha Rez Posts: 1,515	Yes, this dance did originate with either the Cree or Blackfoot people...which one I'm not sure. But this is (or was originally) a society dance, and I've been told that it still exists in this societal form in some Cree communities (Battleford). Now, the question: If this is still considered a society dance by the Cree (or Blackfoot or both), is it proper for anyone to just decide to make a Prairie Chicken Dance outfit and start dancing without going through the proper measures? __________________ If pro is the opposite of con, then wouldn't progress be the opposite of...lol

09-27-2005, 11:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
CloudN9ne Lavender Hill Mobb Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tha Rez Posts: 205	the chicken dance came from the Blackfeet confederacy...... let me reaffirm everyone that the chicken dance (and it's songs) is a sacred dance and not merely a dance style.. it is a dance that must be learned and taught in the appropriate way, with the dancer being initiated into the chicken dance society. the dance is imitating the prarie chicken in mating, no bustle is worn. there is also a dance called the roundbustle which orginated from the yakama and nez perce and other northwest tribes which was a warriors dance. that dance was performed at National Powwow by Nakia Williamson with the duck and dive......that dance also has right. most things that the dancer carries when he dances have a meaning like the otter skin that is a part of a society, there are alot of things that some ndn people don't understand about this dance. to me i think this dance is very sacred especially with my blackfeet roots, it kinda p**es me off when i see it done the wrong way, when it should be done the right way. This dance was very popular in the northwest area and canada and still is....... __________________ "Go Make Sweat!!!" -Sonny Kennedy- 2003 don't get mad at me im just a critic Last edited by CloudN9ne; 09-27-2005 at 11:56 AM.*

09-27-2005, 03:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
CloudN9ne Lavender Hill Mobb Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Tha Rez Posts: 205	Arnie is not blackfeet he is a salish/pueblo.... i know because i come from the same place he does........i am flathead/cree/blackfeet but enrolled flathead, my dad is flathead and my mom is blackfeet/cree.............just to let you know it doesn't count....... __________________ "Go Make Sweat!!!" -Sonny Kennedy- 2003 don't get mad at me im just a critic

09-27-2005, 02:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
darkwaterlum Gettin Dat Chicken On... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: UNION CHAPEL, LUMBEE NATION Posts: 83	Thanks for the recognition Dennis, the fella that taught me is Arnie Mc Donald whom is BlackFoot, he is over in Afganistan right now, but stationed here in NC at Fort Bragg. And he was told that you must be taught by another Chicken Dancer, sort of handed down..

09-28-2005, 08:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
Emmy Flat E! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Silver Spring Posts: 3,359	On the lines of the above comments... what happens when the dance is brought to people who dont know it and ten inturn are taught by some1 who doesnt really know it? And end up teaching it wrong? or giving them the right to wear certain items, when they dont have the right to give??? __________________ Oh yeah, I used to know Quentin...He's a real...He's a real Jerky ~Flat Beat~

09-30-2005, 06:42 AM	#9 (permalink)
ndngirl_19 Powwow dancer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Indian Country Posts: 29	dance style It's intersting that you all bring this up, and good. I believe one needs to know where their dance style comes from and originated. My family use to powwow a lot in ALberta and I remember seeing this dance done by some elderly men. It was awesome because you can see their story and the prarie chicken itself. But I believe that this dance was done in different forms depending where you were at. It is found primarily in the northern western area of the US & Canada. I seen the Blackfeet (primarily) and the salish tribes do this dance. I moved to Kansas a while back and I knew Prarie Chicken was coming back in the west, but when it reached the midwest, everyone there, that was dancing it, looked and danced like a Crow dancer. LOL! I tried to asked & tell a few of the guys they were dancing it sort of wrong, but who's going to listen to a woman? But I can tell u I don't like it when a guy spins a lot. I was told by some Blackfeet/Blackfoot friends how it should be done and I relayed it to my brother-in-law and he went and asked more about it. So it was all cool. But learn and get the right/permission, instead of going out there without knowing anything..

10-04-2005, 09:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
stylin Pow Wow Visitor Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 18	Check this out!!!!!!!!! This is my thought on the topic. Some people know what they are talking about and some people just like to talk like they know. Much respect to the people that still use this dance in their cermonies and do it in the right way but for yall that take your outfits and dance at pow-wow's (FOR MONEY) then try to preach aat people about how sacred it is and cut others down for dancing chicken in the arena I think yall are full of ****!!!!!! Once money is put up for the contest I think all religious meaning is gone. If the dance was ment to be sacred it should have never been introduced into the pow-wow arena and put on display for others to follow. That is my thoughts on the topic. WHAT DO YOU THINK????????

10-06-2005, 09:22 PM	#13 (permalink)
sookout sh'nob Boogie Monster Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 543	Cree stuff.... http://www.sicc.sk.ca/saskindian/a99pow14.htm and http://www.sicc.sk.ca/saskindian/a99pow03.htm George has passed on - but that's what those old guys do . Lucky for us we still have some of his words around.

10-07-2005, 02:29 PM	#14 (permalink)
kalifaz_beech_beauty double da dazzle babie! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pacific coastline~Santa Monica Posts: 71	2 b honest me @ mah sis lauffed when we heard chicken dance 4 da first tyme but den dis guy who dances it met us @ explained 2 us what its bout n all. It's pretty koolerz!!!! __________________ dubble your pleasure~ surfs up babie~