Attending Sun Dances maintains cultural connection

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This week as I prepared myself for the Sun Dance, I had mixed emotions about going. On one hand, I was so excited - as I usually am - to participate, to join with the Elders and other dancers to celebrate, honor, and pay respect to the Creator, Mother Earth, and all our relations.

On the other hand, I was saddened because I know there are many less fortunate individuals who have never participated or who have never attended one.

The Sun Dance is a sacred vision-seeking ceremony practiced by members of many Plains Indian nations. To induce pain in order to obtain a vision, participants often pierce their chests with bone thongs tied to a sacred stick and stand by the sacred center pole for several days and nights.

In 1895, the Sun Dance (or thirst dance, as they were once called,) was in effect prohibited because of the banning of the ceremonial endurance features authorities did not consider acceptable. These were essential elements of the rituals, and the effort of the banning was to drive the dances underground, which insured their survival.

I understand that many individuals just like myself were taught to give up our so-called old "pagan" ways. But when I was a child, federal policies of assimilation dictated that we were to become Christians. Unfortunately, many of our people bought into Christianity and therefore abandoned wonderful ceremonies like the Sun Dance.

As a child, I was introduced to the Sun Dance very early by my Mooshum. He took great pride in maintaining a cultural connection through the Sun Dance, even at the risk of alienating some of his own family who embraced Christianity.

As an adult, I began attending Sun Dances about seven years ago. That first ceremony I attended with both my children in tow. I remember standing at the door of the lodge watching my two boys proudly smoking the pipe, dancing, and praying with the Elders and the other participants. Tears came to my eyes as I rejoiced with them. With an enormous lump in my throat and overwhelming happiness, I thought to myself, 'Janice, you've finally come home.' Immediately, I felt re-rooted to the Earth and my history. I felt so strong, so empowered, and I wanted desperately for others to feel that same empowerment.

Each year since then, I've noticed that more and more people are coming out to the Sun Dances. It's wonderfully to witness our people reclaiming that ceremony, celebrating our traditions, and living our cultures.