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Traditions
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Understanding Native American Traditions Interview by Debby Bullock and Julie Steele Native American traditions and spirituality, for many of us, are undiscovered treasures from which we can learn greatly. Having a conversation with a Native American Elder is an interesting and enlightening experience. It causes one to really stop for a moment and truly listen. The following are excerpts from conversations with Robertjohn Knapp, a Seneca Elder, Ohlone Spiritual Leader, Sun Dancer, Pipe Holder and Lodge Keeper; and Gary Fourstar, an Assiniboine and Ohlone Elder, Sun Dancer, Spiritual Leader, Pipe Holder and Lodge Keeper. Both sit on the Council of the Traditional Elders and Youth of North America. DB: Gary, what is a Pipe Holder? Gary: A Pipe Holder in the Native American way can mean many different things depending on your nation and locality. The pipe is sacred to Native Americans and respected by all Native people for it is the messenger or instrument used for the transport of prayer. Because one picks up a pipe, it does not make that person a Pipe Holder, at least not in a traditional way. Nor does it make the one who does hold a pipe a holy person. My people are Plains people, and the pipe was given to us from the White Buffalo Calf Woman. This is a story in itself, and talks about the Red Stone used in the pipe. Also we have the Black Stone pipe, and the story that goes with that is about Eagle Child. Regardless of what people, the pipe represents the great powers of first grandmother and first grandfather, and the balance of male and female. The bowl is about the sacredness of the woman's womb and of woman, the giver of life, and our Mother Earth, from which all life comes. The tobacco used within the pipe’s bowl (kinnicknick) represents all of our Mother's children. A Pipe Holder holds those prayers in the tobacco and sends those prayers for the people. A Pipe Holder must be generous in spirit, a giver of life, dedicated to the people, the earth and all living things; and have the courage to live his life in as good a way as possible. Traditions Article continued next page, click here! |
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