WhoMe

I just got a heads up that Thuke Koomsa was giving an interview about the gourd dance. This is the header on Native America Calling:


Monday, April 21, 2008 – Gourd Dancing Across Indian Country:

The gourd dance has become very popular and its reach has extended beyond the powwow trail. But what are its origins, where did it start, and why? The Kiowas began the gourd dance in the 1940’s, and it stemmed from their traditional Sun Dance ceremony. It has become something of a social dance these days and is now widely viewed as a dance to honor war veterans. But has the gourd dance strayed from its original meaning? Guests include Bill Koomsa, Jr., (Kiowa) a descendant of Kiowa Gourd Dance Chief Sitting Bear.

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I listened in. Mr. Koomsa gave some very good information concerning gourd dance origin and history.

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"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

TacO5000

what no link who? is it on the net I'd like to hear the interview...

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Dayum I make some keen DrumSticks!!!!!!

Red_Stone92

Finally somebody knowledgeable! Bill Koomsa Sr (Thukes father) was a significant figure in reviving the gourd dance.

Zotigh

http://www.nativeamericacalling.com/...apr/042108.m3u

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Scott Zotigh
Kiowa Black Leggings
Kiowa Gourd Clan
Kiowa Tiah Piah
Kiowa Marine Veterans
American Indian Veterans

Zotigh

Aside... that sounds like your dad singing in the intro and breaks... is it?

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Scott Zotigh
Kiowa Black Leggings
Kiowa Gourd Clan
Kiowa Tiah Piah
Kiowa Marine Veterans
American Indian Veterans

Zotigh

Note:

My cousin calls in during the show to ask a question of our sehgee, Bill Koomsa, and he calls him 'dad' and our sehgee calls him in return, 'son'. That is appropriate Kiowa protocol for family relationships. Likewise, later on Bill's cousin from the much honoured Lone Wolf family calls in and calls him 'brother' and he calls her 'sister'. Because cousins in our tribe are brothers or sisters.

Bill Koomsa is our 'uncle'. But, in Kiowa relations there is no such designation. Our aunts and uncles are our fathers and mothers. Our cousins are our brothers and sisters.

Made me proud to hear them so seamlessly interact as we do in keeping with our custom.

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Scott Zotigh
Kiowa Black Leggings
Kiowa Gourd Clan
Kiowa Tiah Piah
Kiowa Marine Veterans
American Indian Veterans