POW WOW RITUAL


Let there be silence. We stand in the presence of the One Great Spirit. (Here the Wa-ta-ho is sung) Now light we the Council Fire after the manner of the forest child. Even as Wakonda Himself does light his fire by the rubbing together of two trees in a summer wind, so comes forth the Sacred Fire from the wood of the forest.

(The fire is lit) Now know we that Waconda, the Great Spirit, has been pleased to smile upon his chilldren and will be with us in Council. It is true. Earth hears me.

The Promise of the Four Tribe Chiefs:
I promise to serve faithfully the Chippewa/ Croatan/ Tuscarora/ Shawano, seeking to lead my tribe to excel in the duties and the sports of the camping ground...yet remembering that the four tribes are joined in the PowWow and that the first service is to the PowWow. It is true. Earth hears me.


WA TA HO
  • Wa ta ho, ta ho (echo)
  • Wa ta ho, maui ta la no (echo)
  • My ya naw wee zuni tay la nee (echo)
  • Wa ta ho ta ho (echo)

  • Wa kon da thee thoo, wa ka thay na tony (echo)
  • Wa kon da thee thoo, wa ka thay na tony (echo)
  • Wa ta ho, ta ho (echo)



    • Tuscarora Tuscaroras from afar, your daughters sing your praise. With the firelight in our faces, here we sit and gaze. Though the hills be dark around us and the stars are fled, we will thank you for the memories of our forest bed. Tuscaroras from afar, your daughters sing your praise. With the firelight in our faces, here we sit and gaze.

    Chippewa Oh, Chippewas, we hold your standards high. We love to sing your praises to the sky. Your colors red and white shine all around, and when we think of you we're mighty mighty proud. Your members all will follow in a line, to do their best for such a tribe so fine. So all together we will sing aloud, sing aloud, Chippewas, Hey!

    Shawano If you're a Shawano, you must be faithful and always try to do your very best. And never let your selfish aims be the things that guide you onward through your life. Shawanos forever, faithful and true. Shawanos forever, Yonahlossee we love you!

    Croatan: Hail to all Croatans, we love you so... Always willing to fight for you, until the very end. Through the years our spirit grows, as new goals we attain. Winning or losing, our honor will always remain.

    THE LAST POW WOW

    Chief: "I know not if the voice of man can reach the Sky; I know not if the Mighty One will hear us pray; I know not if the gifts I ask will all be granted; I know not if the word of old hath been received; I know not what will come in days to be; I hope that only good will come, my tribesmen, unto you."

    She then lights the fire and when the flames come, she says:

    "Now I know that the voice of man can reach unto the heavens; Now I know that the Mighty One hath heard me when I prayed; Now I know that the word of old - we have truly heard it; Now I know that the Tirawa Atius, Heaven our Father, hearkeneth unto man's prayer; I know that good, and good alone, hath come, my tribesmen, unto you."

    The following is thanks to Merle Smith Davis, who discovered our WaTaHo song is "Zuni Sunrise" from the Navajo. She and her husband visited this Kiva in Aztec, New Mexico in 2006. The song actually appears on a CD called Natay, Navajo Singer, on track #8. Thanks, Merle, for your amazing discovery!



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