paleant

It is often forgotten those of the past, who began what is enjoyed in the future. Chief John Snow Sr. , was a key person in the revival of bringing the Native Culture back to the Indian People. He began one of the first big PowWows on the Canadian PowWow Trail long ago in Morley, Alberta and it was the Nakoda PowWow - which he took very much pride in bringing to the forefront of the PowWow Trail, and in bringing back the culture to His People. Such pleasure he had in seeing the people dance, and the singing and drumming.

This last labor day weekend there was a powwow, and also a few weeks ago, I drove past the powwow in Kamloops, one of his favorite powwows to go to with his family. So as the drummers drummed, and the singers sang, and the dancers, kept the rythm of the beat with their feet, it reminded me of a story often told to me by Chief John Snow Sr.

John would speak of a young boy called Carlos who lived in the United States, Arizona, I believe, and he would talk about Carlos with the greatest of humor and most wonderful esteem. Carlos was a great powwow dancer, and greater than most dancers, as Carlos was deaf. Carlos, would win many a powwow dance, and he loved to dance. His parents, grandparents were very very proud of Carlos. John was very proud of Carlos, and very proud, that Carlos tho deaf could connect with mother nature through the beat of the drum; that resonated through his body.

Carlos, you gave to Chief John Snow with your proud parents a picture of you. John had given me this picture many years ago, when he would write about you, and talk about you, and we would discuss the marvel at how you would and could connect with Mother Earth. If Carlos, you perchance read this post, and would like your picture back, which I was given for safe keeping; then please feel free to contact me via this post. If you are out there, and if you remember the picture describe it; and I will pay to have it sent to you. It was a gift to John, and will be gifted back to you; as he would want your children to see you as a young child, with your regalia, and your proud proud smile.

As such is the story of Carlos, the deaf Dancer, and Chief John Snow would tell me about all of the time. For a leader, and a man of his stature; Carlos, you should know you impacted this man's life as an adult, and that he spoke of you in the highest of words. You are an accomplishment beyond.

Now the name of the pow wow in Morley, probably is changed; but it does not matter. The Arena, which was built by Chief Snow under his leadership, and the grounds that it stand on, will always be the Goodstoney Rodeo Center, and regardless of how many times a name will be changed, it will always be the Nakoda PowWow; and when the Grand Entry starts, Walking Seal will be there in spirit always.

Remembered and Celebrated....

PaleAnt Medicine Woman