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| The Grand Entry |
The rain soaked ground was covered with hay that quickly
became muddy itself. But nothing dampened the spirits determined to continue on
with a powwow that some thought wouldn’t happen. Despite the stunning loss of
the white buffalo calf, Lightning Medicine Cloud, and the overcast threatening
skies, the dances went on. And on.
We arrived at Arby Little Soldier’s ranch about 4:30, and
caught a courtesy hayride to the front gate. After eating a complimentary
buffalo BBQ plate and shopping the vendors, we settled in for hours of powwow
dancing.
There’s not so much competition dancing at this powwow as
there are honor dances, and intertribal dancing. We were treated to watching
the “two step,” among others.
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| My mom, Lynda Kay, with Arby Little Soldier |
As the skies cleared and the sun went down, all were invited
to come into the arena and dance a special Mother’s Day dance with or in honor
of their mother. Arby’s own mother, at 94, stood with her children and
grandchildren for the duration of the song.
I nudged my mama to her feet, and we stood in front of our
chairs, held hands, and moved to the beat of the big drum.
Near the end, they once again invited everyone into the
arena for the final fundraising dance for the college scholarship fund.
For the first time at a powwow, my mama and I moved into the
arena, tossed our bills on the blanket and joined the crowd moving in beat with
the big drum.
Now, I’m what I call rhythmically
challenge. I tried watching others to make sure I was in beat. I tried
listening to the beat, but was still a half one behind. Finally, I just felt
the beat. My body fell into automatic rhythm, my heartbeat matching the
heartbeat of the big drum.
It only lasted a few moments before I was distracted once
again with what was going on around me. But that time of being in rhythm, being
in harmony for an instant with the spirits of so many, was a God thing.
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| Sarah Elisabeth & Lynda Kay |
In spite of the dropping temperatures and rising mud, my
first outdoor powwow experience will live in my memory as a favorite.
~Sarah Elisabeth
