WhoMe

A veteran's group in my area recently formed a new gourd dance society.

One of the members does not think it is right because they are not from gourd dancing tribes and he believes that they do not know what they are doing. He has brought this to my attention.

Recently, I got a call from one of their leaders. I think he wants to talk about this gourd society.

If you were me, what you say to him?

__________________
"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

SuzzeQ4

just reading your post it sounds like you know the answer, but are stalling cause your torn about giving it. I'm not able to answer because I don't have teachings about gourd dancing. I have been torn between my honest opinion & hurting feelings of people I respect before though. Maybe this person is asking you more to talk about how to have such a conversation politely then about needing your opinion.
Suzze

Josiah

Some that ask
Some that dont ask
Some that dont care to ask

It comes down to this:
Do you want your Name to be associated with the formation of this group that has good intentions but after the founding members lose interest they leave and the remaining members are clueless.

LOL
Tell them to come to Carnegie Downtown Park July 4th and ask permission
Make sure they wear their Ballcaps...

__________________

Josiah

Follow up to this as I was thinking about it
Only the Headsman of the Kiowa Gourd Clan/Societies can give permission

__________________

Joe's Dad

Why did this member join this 'group' (for lack of a better word) if he feels the group doesn't know what it's doing?

And WhoMe...if the other person wants to talk to you about the protocol of Gourd Dancing...zip your lips!

I'm positive you will know the correct words to say.

__________________

WhoMe

Joe's,

This concerned person was already a member of the veteran's group/color guard. He doesn't feel that being a part of the gourd dance group is right without permission.

I am not a headsman, nor do I have the right to say yea or nay.

My concern is that I may be guilty by association if I speak to the leader.

__________________
"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

rez_hopper

Perhaps you have answered your own question.......

WhoMe

I wished it were that easy....

I am announcing a powwow this weekend and have been told there will be gourd dancing. The leader of the veteran's group is the head dancer for the powwow.

I know the conversation is upcoming and cannot be avoided.

__________________
"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

Josiah

Very Ticklish situation full of problems

How do you comply with the wishes of your Own Gourd Organization that only have given permission to one tribe...

But at the same time you are asked to be MC and by not saying anything it could be construed that you are approving what they are doing

Well when all else fails....
Let the truth set you free
They may not like it, but you know in your heart what the answer is...

__________________

WhoMe

Josi,

I often look at my father for inspiration particularly in situations such at this.

In reflecting back, there was a time when gourd dancing was introduced to the part of the country where I grew up.

I think my father could/should have said something in the way of advice or guidance. But he never did. Back then, I think that people would have listened to him.

Today some of the gourd dances where I grew up are are bigger than the ones in Oklahoma with over 100 gourd dancers. The protocol at these gourd dances are quite different from Oklahoma.

Needless to say, this is a touchy situation.

__________________
"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

Joe's Dad

So WhoMe...can u weasel your way out of saying anything by having somebody who has proper permission from a Gourd Clan/Society get up and talk?

__________________

WhoMe

There is nobody around here that can speak with authority on behalf of any of the gourd clans/societies.

I don't think I have the right to say anything.

I am not the gourd dance police.

I am not an elder.

I am not Sam I Am. I do not like green eggs and ham.

__________________
"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

tsuj510