The Gathering of Nations to be held this weekend in Albuquerque will be a prime example of the beauty, grace and spirituality of a noble people. The ceremonies held during the powwow are profoundly spiritual. Even the dances performed by people of all ages have a strong spiritual connotation to them. There are many different interpretations for each dance. Each tribe has their own story connected with each dance that stems from the tribal and family background of spirituality, so, while they differ slightly from tribe to tribe, they are a truth to the individual, for truth exists in the mind and heart of a people.

A good friend of mine, Star Dancer, Abenaki, who loves to dance and has danced in powwows for many years, said this about her feelings when dancing:

"I remember the summer I first started dancing...it was my second season, I did and still do prefer night dancing, but always started with a traditional women's dance...I loved watching that fringe sway with their movements...so luscious and womanly; and yet so dignified and proud. I was told once that the fringe and the dress itself, as they brush against each other they send whispers up to Creator."

Watching the dancers perform is a beautiful and moving experience for the observer. Yet if one knew what was going through the minds and hearts of these dancers, the experience would be profound. When seeing the fringe on a dancer's dress, one might think it is lovely and a nice accent to the regalia. The dancer sees the fringe as a method of communicating with the Great Spirit and Nature - it "sends whispers up to the Creator".

The long fringes on the arms and waist of the man doing the Grass Dance is symbolic of the waving grasses on the prairies, which the Creator made and put there to inspire a lame youth to dance. The grass dance is often said to reflect the need for balance in life; each movement that is danced on one side must be repeated by the other side. This is supposed to be a gift from the Creator to celebrate joy. The jingles on the woman's dress are there to compliment the Jingle Dance. Each downward step is done to "make the jinglers happy" by producing a joyous sound. The regalia on a young man doing the Men's Fancy Dance contains bright colors to represent the rainbow spirits. The eagle feathers worn by dancers in the Traditional Dances are considered sacred to the Peoples. The eagle flies the highest of all birds and carries the prayers of the people up to the Creator. Eagle feathers are traditionally awarded for feats of bravery or accomplishment.

Before the dancers appear, before anything is started, there is performed with great ceremony, beauty and pride The Grand Entry. When all the people have entered in the proper procession and are in place within the circle, the prayer song and honoring song for veterans begin. One cannot but admire this breathtaking ceremony and feel the great pride and excitement of the People.

When the First Peoples emerged from the governmental control and confinement, they brought back to the world that which they have held sacred and noble for centuries. They never lost their spirit, their honor or their nobility. They retain today the traditions, beliefs and culture of their ancestors and pass it on to not only their children, but to the world, to experience and enjoy. They are a loving and giving People.

While many ceremonies and even some powwows are closed to the public and kept as private and secret ritual ceremonies, there are some traditions they gladly share so that others can learn in much the same way as they learn from other religions. The world as we know it today is in great need of what the Native American traditions have to offer. Their profound respect for all living things, their love and respect for Nature and their great respect and love for their Elders is something that all too few peoples even consider today. Their culture comes forth from the earliest spiritual life traditions of an ancient time and ancient Peoples and is very honorable.

It is way past time that we, as a nation, do all we can to uphold the First Peoples of this land - to stand not above them, but with them as one with the same goal - to protect the heritage and future of all our children.

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