I took part in a pipe ceremony earlier this week. It was being led by some Cree visitors. Even though I have been in Cree country before (Hobbema, Thunderchild, Onion Lake, Poundmaker and Duffield, I had never participated in a Cree pipe ceremony. I have participated in pipe ceremonies of other tribes. In these other tribal pipe ceremonies, only men particpated. I'm sure those who do these types of things have their own rules. Anyways, women were allowed to participate at this particular ceremony. Even though this was not how I was used to participating in this ceremony, I didn't say anything or leave.
This got me thinking....
Since I have powwowed from Alaska to Florida and many parts in between, I have seen many new ways of conducting powwows. A lot of times I said hmmm, didn't agree with what was taking place or even thought it was a bit hokey! But I never said anything to the committee or who ever was doing something I never saw before. I just figured I am a visitor and this is how they do things in their part of the country or powwow.
Do you speak up when you are not comfortable with what is taking place at a powwow where you are a visitor? Who do you tell?
This got me thinking....
Since I have powwowed from Alaska to Florida and many parts in between, I have seen many new ways of conducting powwows. A lot of times I said hmmm, didn't agree with what was taking place or even thought it was a bit hokey! But I never said anything to the committee or who ever was doing something I never saw before. I just figured I am a visitor and this is how they do things in their part of the country or powwow.
Do you speak up when you are not comfortable with what is taking place at a powwow where you are a visitor? Who do you tell?
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