SuzzeQ4

So Agreeing With You!!

badmaninc

I think the problem is too many people try to show others who aren't ndn about some of our way of life. These people really like what is shown to them and they adopt the ways. Problem is they don't see all of the other stuff that is instrinsic to being ndn. People only want to see the positive things like sweats, beading, powwowing. They don't look at the things like our high suicide rates, infant mortality rate, living way below the poverty line and other things that aren't great. Many of our people sometimes sell off our culture and beliefs to try and raise their standard of living. Are we to condemn them because they want to change their childrens' life. I think we need to examine why people demonstrate, share our culture with non-ndns. Is it to help these people live better more enriching lives or is there some more insidious purpose. I believe we need to be true to ourselves. If you want to share then share; me I was taught to pass on our teachings to family members. If others want to do something different then that is their decision.

NorthofAda

Very well said!

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fastnfancy

I happen to know the guy the original poster is talking about he is going to be head dancer at Seneca Powwow. This is an western shawnee powwow held during the second week of sept. I've known this guy for around three years he is married to an cherokee and arapaho from salina oklahoma. His wife dresses him up in an outfit and makes him dance. he is neither adopted into the western shawnee nor any other tribe. in fact he is a drug dealer. I met this joke through a friend of his wife at cherokee Holidays in oklahoma. Maybe he is supplying drugs to someone on the powwow commitee. but this is for real. I advise all indian people to avoid this powwow. this is a slap in the face to all ndns. hundreds of years of oppression by the white man, with thousands of our fore fathers murdered. No white man shall ever lead this fancy dancer in this powwow or any other. thats my opinion.

grassdancesogood

Wow fastnfancy your alittle harsh on seneca powwow head man dancer I've attended this powwow for years and I believe the tribe is eastern shawnee, but none the less in regards to the head man, I too know the guy and he is indeed a white guy is trying to hard to be NDN. I've known him for years and i'm pretty sure you may be mistaken about him being a drug dealer. But indeed he is a non NDN who claims to be (wannabe). He always wears a scarf over his head, right? that for me was a dead give a way. It turns out he is covering up a balding head. I think he claims some indian man adopted him but he can't present any evidence to support his claim. I don't think he is bribing the committee with drugs. have your seen the committee? they all look like whites. Anyways you are right on about a slap in the face to all indian people and This year I too will boycott the Powwow.
I'm with you bro.

SheTurtle

Both my parents were half-breeds, and I have four brothers and two sisters. A couple of us look very Indian. A couple of us look very white. The rest of us look vaguely Indian, Mediterranean, or Hispanic to others. Looks can be deceiving.

On this subject, however, the person selected for head man or lady dancer should be someone who is a good representative of their Indian community, who knows the dances and protocols, and adheres to tradition. They should be respectful, tolerant, patient, and discreet, i.e., not shooting off at the mouth at other dancers or spectators. Above all, the head man or lady dancer should conduct themselves with dignity.

'Nuff said.