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Introduction
Introduction
Disclaimer: The Sun Dance, though a shared dance in many of the Great Plains tribes, varied traditions and methods between communities. This lesson may make generalizations for the sake of condensation.
The Sun Dance is a powerful and sacred ritual practiced by many Great Plains tribes, such as the Cheyenne, Ponca, Crow, and Kiowa (to name a few). It is a time of renewal, community, and spiritual connection to the natural world. The Sun Dance is typically performed during the summer solstice, or prior to a major hunt/battle. The dance involves elements of self-sacrifice, whether through the form of embedded hooks in one’s skin, fasting, or simply nonstop dancing for days on end, for the improvement of both oneself and the community.
Historical Context
Historical Context
The Sun Dance has a rich and complex history, dating back centuries. It is believed to have originated as a way to honor the sun and ensure a bountiful harvest. However, the exact origins of the dance are unclear. In an account from Robert H. Lowie, a Southern Ute shaman credits the Kiowa nation for the origins of the Sun Dance ceremony, but others credit the Mandan and Hidatsa Okipa ceremony for the roots of the dance (Lowie 393-410). As a spiritual movement, it quickly gained traction during the 18th century, during a period where colonial forces rapidly encroached on many Great Plains tribes and their land.
As a result of this colonial encroachment, the government relocated many Great Plains tribes onto reservations. There, they imposed a series of codes to limit religious freedom. The Religious Crimes Code was a series of laws enacted by the U.S. government in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that aimed to suppress Indigenous religious practices. These laws, which were often enforced through violence and intimidation, made it difficult or impossible for many Indigenous communities to practice the Sun Dance and other traditional ceremonies. The Religious Crimes Code was a deliberate attempt to eradicate Indigenous cultures and assimilate Native Americans into mainstream American society.
Despite the challenges posed by the Religious Crimes Code, the Sun Dance did not die out completely. Indigenous communities continued to practice the ceremony in secret, often facing great risks and persecution. Eventually, as awareness of the injustices perpetrated against Indigenous peoples grew, efforts were made to challenge the Religious Crimes Code and protect the right of Indigenous communities to practice their traditions. In the late 20th century, the Religious Crimes Code was largely repealed, and Indigenous peoples began to reclaim their cultural heritage and revive the Sun Dance and other traditional ceremonies.
The most important symbol of the dance is the center pole of the ritual space. While other symbols vary between tribes, such as the Kiowa utilizing the Taimei at the center of their dances, or the Crow utilizing many medicine bundles, the center pole remains a constant between all communities. The pole not only holds marks where the Sun Dance takes place, but also represents The Creator. As a result, dancing around the pole represents getting closer to the Creator, and ascending spiritually.
A drawing depiction of the Shoshone Sun Dance by Kiowa artist Silver Horn
Sun Dance Setup
Sun Dance Setup
The setup for the Sun Dance is typically a circular area, often marked by sticks or stones. At the center of this circle is a large cottonwood tree, known as the central pole, which represents the universe or the Creator. This pole is adorned with feathers, beads, and other symbolic objects, and it serves as a focal point for the ceremony.
The practice of the Sun Dance involves a series of rituals and activities. Participants often fast for several days leading up to the ceremony, offering their bodies as sacrifices to the Creator. The dance itself is a continuous activity, with participants moving in a circular pattern around the central pole. The dance is accompanied by drumming and singing, creating a powerful and transformative atmosphere.
The Sun Dance is rich in symbolism. The central pole, as mentioned earlier, represents the universe or the Creator. The circular dance area symbolizes the cycle of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The feathers, beads, and other decorations on the pole represent the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
The Sun Dance is a sacred and deeply meaningful ceremony for many Indigenous peoples. It is a time for prayer, thanksgiving, and community bonding, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and honoring the Creator.
More historic photos from Sun Dance Ceremonies can be found at: https://calgaryguardian.com/historic-photos-sun-dance-ceremonies/
The Sun Dance Video and Discussions
The Sun Dance Video and Discussions
Key Points:
The Sundance:
A five-day prayer ceremony for healing others.
One of the most important ceremonies in Lakota culture.
Involves a sacred tree connecting humanity to the past and the heavens.
Historical Suppression:
Banned by the US government as part of cultural assimilation policies.
Native American children were sent to boarding schools and forbidden to practice their religion.
Revival:
The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 made it legal to practice traditional Lakota religion again.
People have been learning more about their cultural heritage, including the Sundance.
Lakota Beliefs:
The Sundance is a way to offer something strong to Wakantanka, the Lakota Great Spirit.
Belief in the continued existence of spirits after death.
The Sundance connects the living with the spirits.
This summary, organized with key points, highlights the core aspects of the video transcript regarding the Sundance ceremony and its significance in Lakota culture and history
Video Description:
The Nikan Awasisak Agency, in collaboration with the Cross Lake community, hosted their annual Sundance ceremony for 2023. This significant event drew hundreds of community members, including community leaders, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers, who actively participated in the ceremony. Notably, 16 Dancers, half of whom were women, danced and Prayed for four consecutive days and nights within the specially constructed Sundance lodge located near the Cross Lake community.
The Sundance holds immense cultural and spiritual importance within First Nations communities. This sacred ceremony varies across different Indigenous cultures, yet consistently signifies a deeply meaningful tradition. A hallmark of the Sundance ceremony is its blend of physical and spiritual challenges, encompassing fasting, intricate dances, and enduring personal sacrifices, all undertaken as acts of profound devotion. It is crucial to recognize that these ceremonies are imbued with profound cultural and religious significance.
Key Points:
The Sun Dance: A traditional ceremony involving fasting, dancing, and prayer for personal and community healing. Participants dance for four years, abstaining from food and water during the ceremony.
Revival: The ceremony was banned for 100 years but was revived in Cross Lake to reconnect people with their culture and spirituality.
Purpose: The Sundance is seen as a way to heal individuals and the community, fostering strength, confidence, and connection to the Earth.
Personal Experiences: Several individuals share their reasons for participating in the Sundance, including personal healing, having children, and supporting their community.
Community Impact: The Sundance is viewed as a way to bring the community together, promote cultural understanding, and pass on traditional knowledge to younger generations.
Land-Based Counseling: The ceremony is supported by a family enhancement program that aims to connect people with their culture through land-based activities.
Youth Involvement: Efforts are being made to involve youth in the Sundance and other cultural activities to teach them valuable life skills and instill pride in their heritage.
Looking Forward: There is a desire to further develop cultural programs and implement them in schools to ensure the continuation of traditions and community healing.
Group Discussions:
What is the Sundance ceremony and what is its significance for the Indigenous community?
What is the role of elders and community leaders in passing on cultural knowledge?
How does the Sundance promote healing and empowerment for individuals and communities?
What are the implications of historical trauma on Indigenous cultural practices?
What can be learned from Indigenous knowledge and traditions in addressing contemporary issues?
End of unit exercises
End of unit exercises
Short Answers
Choose ONE of the following questions and write a short answer for each with a paragraph or two:
Describe the impact of the Religious Crimes Code on the practice of the Sun Dance.
Briefly discuss the symbolism associated with the circular dance area and the decorations on the central pole.
Essay
Choose ONE of the following questions and write a well-developed essay response:
Analyze the role of the Sun Dance in fostering resilience and cultural preservation among Great Plains tribes in the face of colonization and forced assimilation.
Discuss the significance of the Sun Dance as a means of spiritual connection and community bonding within Indigenous communities.
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