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I am autistic so I apologise for any miscommunication as I struggle with communication.
I am Lakota Native by heart and Spirit, but unfortunately not by blood/ancestral. I am learning the language with a native Lakota elder who’s helping me become fluent. I believe in the same beliefs and live exactly how our people do with the same beliefs and practices by guidance of elders, the community and of course the creator and ancestors.
My question pertains more to dancing.
I have a native dance coach teaching me Fancy and Grass and I want to compete. It’s not the prize money I care about but the dancing for the ancestors and creator in full regalia. Supporting the ones who can not be with us here today. Supporting the MMIWG. telling stories through song and dance and so much more.The regalia I want has a lot of eagle feathers. The government has their laws on who can own them and I am unfortunately not on that list (tribal card required). Sadly, it has been broken by people who do not understand our ways and has no respect for their meaning. I do not fall under that category but I also don’t want to disrespect the ancestors, elders, and our people.
My question is:
can I compete without having a tribal card? If so, given the fact that I practise the ways of the Lakota with tribal members, the community and living on a reservation, would I still be able to include these in my regalia? If yes to the first but no to the second, how can I wear regalia without the feathers and still compete?
I am Lakota Native by heart and Spirit, but unfortunately not by blood/ancestral. I am learning the language with a native Lakota elder who’s helping me become fluent. I believe in the same beliefs and live exactly how our people do with the same beliefs and practices by guidance of elders, the community and of course the creator and ancestors.
My question pertains more to dancing.
I have a native dance coach teaching me Fancy and Grass and I want to compete. It’s not the prize money I care about but the dancing for the ancestors and creator in full regalia. Supporting the ones who can not be with us here today. Supporting the MMIWG. telling stories through song and dance and so much more.The regalia I want has a lot of eagle feathers. The government has their laws on who can own them and I am unfortunately not on that list (tribal card required). Sadly, it has been broken by people who do not understand our ways and has no respect for their meaning. I do not fall under that category but I also don’t want to disrespect the ancestors, elders, and our people.
My question is:
can I compete without having a tribal card? If so, given the fact that I practise the ways of the Lakota with tribal members, the community and living on a reservation, would I still be able to include these in my regalia? If yes to the first but no to the second, how can I wear regalia without the feathers and still compete?
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