Native American Culture

American Indians: The Native Way of Life Before our nation became known as America, an indigenous group of people were centered here. These people can be classified as either Native Americans or American Indians. Some of them are Christians while they mix their traditional beliefs into Christianity. ""Earth-divers"" would usually take place in the form of an animal who dives into a water covered planet and comes up through the soil to make life happen. Today, Native Americans reside in sovereign nations where they can conduct their traditional way of life. These individuals belong to various tribes and bands. For instance, Native Americans who reside in the Eastern Woodland regions belong to

At a Powwow, you would get a seat around the sacred 4-sided circle. You would often come across vendors who would attempt to sell religious products, flutes, etc. The head singer conducts the dance (sets the pace of the song). The dancers try to listen for the lead, 2nd lead, 2nd chores, and honor beats. Honor beats serve as a remembrance of Native American ancestors. Evidently, Powwows' are for socialization, however, alcohol and drugs are prohibited at these traditional gatherings. Dancers practice traditional style and fancy style dances before the actual performance. One of the purposes for traditional dancing is to increase self-esteem. It is a way to "give" and "share" with others. Powwows kick off with the grand Entry, perhaps a prayer. Flags are brought out during the Grand Entry. The concept of a "giveaway" in American Indian Powwow context refers to the idea of sometimes dancing for others rather than ourselves. Their costumes are classified as regalia. The Master of ceremonies (MC) is in charge of keeping the performers as well as the occurring updated on what is occurring. Contests containing many cool prizes are also part of this event. In fact, most Powwows are considered sacred so that a person can't take videos or pictures. If you want to ask a question during the event, you are suppose to provide a patch of tobacco to the person you are asking. Also, most

However, the Church's songs are distinguished from typical Navajo music. I think it's cool that these songs are actually prayers. Native American Church hymns can relate to Christian hymnody (Titon). The Church holds meeting on large Plains Indian Tepees (Titon). Church leaders go to places where their services are called for. The Church usually uses water drums. Fires are made by Cedar Chiefs for spiritual purposes. The Cedar Chief also brings peyote (cactus). When a person consumes peyote, they tend to obtain a "happy" sense of well-being and experience hallucinogens. Peyote is consumed as a sacrament because the religion sees Father Peyote as a deity (Titon). A crescent is placed west of the sacred fire and the peyote cactus is placed at the center of the crescent during the Peyote ceremony (Titon). The Peyote ceremony is considered to be a "Spiritualized spiritual Journey" and held all night. Also, the Church is respectful and open to other