I first want to clarify a few things to make sure there are no
misunderstandings present. Pow-wows and sundances are two totally different
events. Pow-wows can be thought of as cultural gatherings where dancers
and friends come together to compete and socialize. Pow-wows are fun and loud
with many arts & crafts and food booths. It is a time to share jokes and
laughter with old friends. A sundance, on the other hand, is very different.
There are no booths, fancy costumes or competition at sundances. Voices are
kept low and laughter is forgotten. A sundance is not a socialization event,
it is a sacred ceremony that is very special. Dancers come together in
humility to pray on the behalf of all people for a four day period. They
endure great physical sacrifices during this time as they expose themselves to
the elements while going without food and water for this time expanse.
Spectators at a sundance should pray for the dancers that they might have
the strength to fulfill their vows to Grandfather. Do not travel to and watch
a sundance if you have bad feelings towards any group of people. By this I am
saying if you hold a grudge in your heart towards people of any nationality,
skin color, or cultural affiliation (i.e. policeman, homosexuals, Libertarians)
you should not attend a sundance. Do not attend and taint the prayers and good
intentions of those who are sincerely watching and dancing if you still harbor
prejudices of any kind within yourself. The sundance is very strong medicine
that is very sacred and powerful and one should acknowledge that accordingly.
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Keith Idso