Different Drums

 Since so much of our time in the Rosebud community during our annual visits is taken up with construction work for Habitat (and rightly so since that's why we're there!) I had failed to get a good sense of how actively involved tribal members are in traditional cultural events and activities. (Maybe a word more accurate than 'good' would be 'balanced').

However, this weekend afforded the opportunity to see another side of tribal life - and to say it was encouraging would be an understatement. There was a vibrancy and joy expressed symbolically inside the dance circle that hopefully reflects a growing measure of pride and strength in their own community.

When male and female dancers, of all ages, are in the circle at the same time during the Grand Entry, the women and children dance in the center, with the men along the outer rim, re-enacting the tradition of the men safeguarding their families by being the first line of protection against a hostile world. This symbolic action, if viewed enough times, can hopefully stir different thoughts, choices and behaviors for some of the young people in the community who are making some very destructive decisions.

One of the most moving sights of the Wacipi for me was seeing a father carrying his newborn infant in the ceremonial circle, wrapped in the cloth of a beautiful beaded backboard; proudly introducing the next generation to the traditional ways of their people. The beat of the drums no doubt resonating with the beat of her own heart.

This weekend, there were many signs and reasons to hope that a core of the Lakota Nation is alive and well; even while being grounded enough to know the magnitude of the many challenges they continue to face.

It feels important to all of us involved with ministry to this place and people that they not face those obstacles alone.