Originally Posted by Wakalapi

Well, not after a chili lunch, for sure.

Originally Posted by Wakalapi

Though I live in Washington state, my family is from the Standing Rock rez. We're Lakotas. I was taught that no real "medicine person" would every identify themselves that way, i.e. to say "I'm a medicine man." We just know who they are. It's a community thing. Anyone who calls themselves one then becomes suspect. As in wannabe or plastic shaman. Whenever someone comes to a powwow and starts acting all ceremonial and holy it makes my skin crawl. It's like a cheesy stereotype but for real, like any of Chevy Chase's movie characters but in the real world. The best thing to do as a newb at a powwow is watch and learn. You'll pick up the lingo, the terminology. It's ok if you don't know it already, even if you're a fullblood. I have relatives who aren't into powwows and that's ok. So when they show up all dark skinned and black haired and here comes some white touristy type with the plastic smile, asking what this animal represents or why that color is worn, they're like "Who the hell knows -- who said I have to be the Customer Service Rep for the Indian race today?" and walk away. LOL

So the short and rude answer is: just sit down, shut up and watch. You'll learn what you are supposed to know, when you're supposed to know it. If you need to pry info out of everybody like you have a school report due on Monday, maybe you don't deserve to know. Patience and humility are valued very dearly in these traditions. SO maybe it's ironic that some of us go on the internet to talk about our culture. But we seldom get really serious. That's why there is always a wry sense of humor on powwow related forums. It's even a modern taboo to talk about spiritual matters here. The crowd will really come down on you if you do. And I will stand behind them. Well, not after a chili lunch, for sure.

Originally Posted by ojibwaysweetie

I agree. Non-ndn people who are married to ndns should sit back, listen and learn, not go out there full throttle ya know? It takes time to learn. Cannot learn it here on internet, and can't learn things in a week, a month, a year. Well maybe a year but by then one only learns a wee bit. Same with our jingle dress dancing.

Oh and........I'll be standing behind Wakalapi on that one too.

(except when he has that chili lunch) :p

Originally Posted by NorthofAda

Good post, by the way.

I think a recurrent them in these threads regarding white people attending powwows, dancing at powwows, putting on regalia, etc., is that of patient watching and learning. Unfortunately in mainstream society instant gratification pervades. I don't know whether that's a "white" thing or just fallout from such things as technology that allows "instant" access to information and the credit market which allows folks to buy now and pay later.

As NDN people we know what it's like to sit, watch, learn and wait for answers to be given in the right time, in the right way, by the right people. That approach is rare in the rest of society in our day and age.

If you have family that are NDN and, more importantly, knowledgeable in the powwow ways, they should be able to point you in the right direction. If you don't, you will need to spend LOTS of time watching, listening, and SLOWLY building relationships with NDN people in your area. As mentioned many, many times before "putting yourself out there" for NDN people in your area will go a long way in building relationships that lead to answers down the road. Help out the elders in your community, volunteer at the local NDN center if there is one, show that you have something to GIVE and see where that takes you.

Regardless of our individual feelings toward white folks, I don't think any our ancestors' histories remain untouched from the fallout of the white man's desire to take.

Originally Posted by musicedu77

......garb aww heck i cant spell it right*lol* but shawl fabric wheres the cheapest to get it at...we always went to joann fabrics but they've been getting up in price...im making a shawl for my youngest sister...shes going into tradish

Originally Posted by Atutuej

My Mom used to get good, gently used table clothes or curtains/drapes,at the thrift stores to use--lots of fabric for cheap AND yer recyclin ;)
Also (arrrghh can't believe I'm sayin this one lol)WalMart usually has stacks of "budget" material...inexpensive, tons of colors...good luck!(personally, I avoid wallyworld as much as possible lol)

Originally Posted by atutuej

my auntie used to tease and say "ya know, there's a reason they're called the old ways...its 'cuz you're old 'for ya know most of 'em! ;)" lol

Originally Posted by Homalosa

LOL,
That reminds me. Somebody asked me, "is it true Indians fix everything with duct tape?"
I looked at them blankly and replied in one breath,"yes it is. now move on."

Originally Posted by Atutuej

well :P lol....ok i'll fess up...i luv wallyworld...its all the ppl i can't stand bein around...lol AND i ALWAYS spend too much money there LOL
*note to self, get milk & bread...and THAT is all...noooooo walk PAST the clearance aisle...go, go GO* ;) hehe