Manataka
Smoke
Signal Newsletter
Volume V Issue 8 June
25, 2003
CONTENTS:
1. SUMMER GATHERING
2.
JULY CANOE FLOAT TRIP
3.
WEB SITE ADDITIONS
4.
NOTICES - 5
5.
INDIAN RECIPES
6.
SPEAK CHEROKEE?
7.
UNSUBSCRIBE
SUMMER
GATHERING AT MANATAKA!
Traditional
American Indian Religious Ceremonies
http://www.manataka.org/page151.
June 27- 29 - Fire Circle, Gulpha Gorge
Campgrounds, Hot Springs, AR
This event promises to be one you will
never forget! We are blessed to have two spiritual leaders who will bring
important messages from far off lands. The Painted Horse War Dance Society will
dance into the Fire Circle in full regalia to ancient drum beats and Jennifer
Agi-Da-Tla-Unega Attaway will bring the beautiful Butterfly dance. Many
activities are planned.
Grand Chief Woableza, a Lakota spiritual leader and member of MAIC and head of
the World Council of Spiritual Elders will preside over ceremonies.
Omeakaehekatl, a Maya high priest and Day Keeper will conduct ancient rites.
Members of the Painted Horse War Dance Society of Oklahoma will perform a dance
exhibitions. Chief Gray Wolf Henson (ret.), former chief of the United Keetoowah
Band of Cherokee Indians will lead the Fire Ceremony. Cuchi Davila, a Lakota
member of MAIC, presides over all activities in the Fire Circle along with
Hurvie Chism, a Cherokee member of MAIC, Fire Keeper.
One of the many performers at the Gathering is Jennifer Agi-Da-Tla-Unega Attaway,
of Warrior, Alabama and a member of the Eastern Cherokee Nation will perform a
Fancy Shawl exhibition dance on Saturday afternoon.
Dr. Bob McFarlin, MAIC Chairman and Dr. Bob Digadoli Tsalagi Swindell, MAIC Vice
Chairman, will make special presentations to visiting elders and honored guests.
Lee Standing Bear Moore, MAIC Secretary and storyteller will preside over new
member induction, or "Making of a Relative" ceremonies and Indian
Naming Rites.
Dr. Swindell, promises the annual event will be one to remember. "Our
members across the nation work very hard to support the preservation of
traditional American Indian customs. The Summer Gathering at Manataka is a
celebration of those values and traditions. This year's event is filled with
good, family oriented activities that promise to be colorful, fun and
educational," said Swindell.
Born in Guatemala, OmeAkaEhekatl, Erick Gonzalez, MA is a Ajq'ij - a Mayan Day
Keeper. He was initiated into Native sacred rites over a twenty three-year
period with direct participation, teachings and guidance from Native spiritual
elders from Guatemala, Mexico, Columbia, and North America. OmeAkaEhekatl is a
member and representative of various councils of indigenous elders, youth, and
spiritual guides. He works as an advocate of native sovereign rights under the
guidance and cooperation of indigenous spiritual elders and leaders.
OmeAkaEhekatl will teach about the sacred Tzolkin, the Mayan/Meso-American
calendar) and the Tzite, the Mayan Oracle or sacred bundle of the AjQ'ij. The
Maya calendar is a product of scientific observation using sacred math and
astronomy and was considered for thousands of years to be among the most
accurate calendars in world. The Tzolkin is used in Maya culture as a guide for
ceremonies, healing, divination, and harmonizing with the universe. The sacred
bundle of the Maya, the Tzite, is used as a way of consulting and communicating
with the spirit guides, divinities and the natural forces of the universe.
MAIC organizers will provide the public a rare opportunity for dialogue and
questions and answers with insightful teachers during the weekend event.
The world-renowned American Indian dance group, the Painted Horse War Dance
Society, dressed in colorful feathered regalia will dance several traditional
dances and exhibit the various styles of American Indian dance. The Painted
Horse War Dance Society is a nonprofit organization with volunteer members from
various tribes including Quapaw, Wyandotte and Cherokee. In addition to dancing
at powwows and other event across the country, owns and operates the Painted
Horse Native Museum in the Indian Territory Cultural Center near Wyandotte,
Oklahoma where elders at the center teach powwow dances, stomp dances, social
dances and traditions of the dance. During the Gathering at Manataka, members of
the Painted Horse War Dance Society the Mantaka American Indian Council will
give free dance lessons to the public.
Jennifer Agi Da Tla Unega Attaway of Warrior, Alabama, a well-known and
respected American Indian dancer, will perform an individual dance exhibition on
Saturday. Attaway, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the
Manataka American Indian Council will exhibit the Fancy Shawl Dance. This dance
style is the most modern and newest style of American Indian dances and
originated in the early 1950's among the Northern tribes along the U.S. -
Canadian border.
Other activities during the weekend event include an Indian-style potluck picnic
starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, sponsored by the MAIC Women's Council. A series
of mini-seminars will be presented in the amphitheater starting at 4:30 p.m. on
Saturday. Seminar subjects include Indian herbal medicine, history, Indian
customs, and crafting. The MAIC Education committee will sponsor children's
stories and games at various locations in the campgrounds. Two large and
colorful teepees will be set up for the public to learn more about Indian
culture. A favorite activity is the trade blanket spread out for participants to
show various Indian hand-made crafts.
On Friday evening, June 27, at 6:00 p.m., the MAIC Women's Council will sponsor
a mini-potluck picnic for members and early arrivals. At 7:30 p.m.,
storytelling, singing and drumming will begin around the campfire. At 9 p.m.,
Saturday guests and elders will ascend the Manataka (Hot Springs) Mountain to
participate in ancient prayer ceremonies, storytelling and singing. Manataka
Elders will conduct Sunrise prayer services on Sunday, June 29.
Admission to all weekend events is free. Alcohol, other drugs or weapons are not
permitted. Security and parking assistance will be present. All guests must
register to enter.
CAMPING:
Gulpha
Gorge has only 65 spaces on a first come first serve basis at $10 per night.
Hot
Springs KOA - 501-624-5912
J
& J RV Park - 501-321-9852
Cloud
Nine RV Park - 501-262-1996
Hot
Springs RV Park - 501-623-5559
Bartee
Meadow RV Park - 501-262-9100
Lake
Catherine State Park - 501-844-4176
For
more information contact MAIC, P.O. Box 476, Hot Springs, AR 71902-0476,
501-627-0555, manataka@myexcel.com
http://www.manataka.org
MAIC
is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), cultural and educational organization.
SUMMER
SOLSTICE RECAP
Nearly forty MAIC members, ranging in ages from 11 to 74, fasted
and participated in all night ceremonies on the sacred Manataka on Saturday,
June 21. Two beautiful sisters drove from Houston, Texas to be with us. Everyone
enjoyed the singing, drumming, storytelling and prayer ceremonies - and, no one
was lost on the mountain. Participants are grateful to members of the Women's
Council who served breakfast for participants in Gulpha Gorge on Sunday. Plans
are underway to conduct Winter Solstice ceremonies on Manataka in December. Sign
up now.
CANOE
FLOAT TRIP - Saturday,
July 26, 2003
Members
and guests are invited to take a two-day float trip down the beautiful Caddo
River!
The
waters of the Caddo offer excellent cold water fishing and swimming. During the
float trip we will do some rock hounding, hike along breathtaking trails, picnic
and campout on sandbars. We will also visit the ancient village of Tanico, home
of the Tula tribe who once won a battle against Hernando DeSoto and the
Conquistadors in Caddo Gap near the thermal springs. This is a time to bring
your camera!
The
float trip is excellent for both expert and novice canoers. Come and spend a
leisurely two days with the elders and members of Manataka.
Cost:
$35.00 per canoe
first day, $20 second day. The cost includes: One canoe, 2 life jackets
and paddles per canoe, and shuttle service back to your car. Extra paddles and
life jackets cost extra. Recommended: If you plan to take the two-day float,
that no more than three (3) people to a canoe to leave room for gear and supply.
Do
and Don'ts:
Do
not bring any type of glass to the river.
Do
bring floatable huggies for aluminum beverages.
Do
not bring fishing gear unless you have a license.
Do
pack lightly as possible. Remember bug repellant.
Do
pack plastic sealable bags for storage.
Do
not bring alcohol or other drugs.
If
you do plan to float - Sign-up now! CANOE FLOAT TRIP
No
deposit is required.
You
will be given time and place to rendezvous.
Arrangements
can be made for those who wish to float only on Saturday.
WEB
PAGE ADDITIONS:
Take a look at some of the new areas created during the past month:
Book Reviews - American Indian Books
History, Philosophy, Religion, etc.
When you make a purchase, MAIC earns a commission
Cookin' With Three Sisters -
Traditional corn, squash, beans, fish, wild rice, syrup recipes. (large pages)
http://www.manataka.org/page175.html
Ethnobotony of the Menomini Indians
Huge
Section on Plant Medicine and Menomini Culture
http://www.manataka.org/page71.html
Ethnobotony
of the Potawatomie Indians
130
Printed Pages of Plant Medicine and Culture!
http://www.manataka.org/page96.html
Manataka
Code of Conduct, Creed and Oath
Information every member should learn.
http://www.manataka.org/page182.html
Native Games -
Games for children and adults (big area)
http://www.manataka.org/page103.html
Teepees - Construction, Painting, Erecting and more
All you need to know. Designs, Pictures, See the World's Largest Teepee
http://www.manataka.org/page186.html
Teepees, Etc. - Purchase a teepee and accessories
When you buy
a Teepee, MAIC makes a commission!
http://www.manataka.org/page39.html
And that ain't all!
Check out some of the new stories, legends and features!
NOTICE
1:
The Women's Council Meeting
Saturday, July 5, 2003 11:00 a.m.
Gulpha Gorge Fire Circle
Women's
Council Annual Elections:
Nominations
are now open for three positions: Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
Members may submit their own name for nomination. Send your nominations to: Women's
Council Elections
According
to MAIC bylaws, the 2-year position of Women's Council Chairperson is appointed
by the Elder Council and confirmed by the Women's Council. Sharon Kamama Baugh's
term ends in 2004 unless reappointed and confirmed. Other committee chairperson
positions will be appointed: Communications Chairperson, Events Chairperson, and
Projects Chairperson.
A
date for formal elections has not been set, however, it is anticipated elections
will be held in August. For members of the Women's Council who cannot attend the
regular meetings, you may send nominations and cast your votes by email. For
more information contact: MAIC Women's Council
Everyone is Welcome! Bring your favorite dish or snack! Much to talk about....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE 2:
UPCOMING GATHERING NOTES
If you plan to speak with one of the honored guests during the gathering, it is
customary to bring a gift to leave on the blanket. Your gift may be a small
handcraft, tobacco, cash or anything you choose. Please honor them with your
respect.
NOTICE
3:
GATHERING TRAVEL
A female member in Georgia desires a traveling companion to share expenses
for the Gathering. Contact: Manataka
A male priest in Colorado seek a ride (owns no car) to the Gathering. Will share
expenses. Contact: ncordova@catholicexchange.com
Two ladies in New York looking for some one to share a ride and expenses. Will
camp out along the route. Contact: Manataka
A
disabled man in Texarkana seeks a ride.
NOTICE
4:
Traditional
Dance Group and Singers Needed October 1
An
event of hundreds of naturalist youth organization members will converge near
Hot Springs, Arkansas the first week end of October. The organization will pay
well! The price can be negotiated and depends on the number of dancers and
singers and distance traveled. Contact: Lee Standing
Bear Moore
INDIAN RECIPES
TONSHLA BONA
(CHOCTAW)
shared by
Momfeather
Make a stew of
fresh pork bones or fresh spare ribs or chicken. Cook hominy grits or prepared
tanfula until tender. Add no lye or soda. When the meat and tanfula are both
done, combine and cook until the meat has seasoned the tanfula. It is said that
the Choctaw used no salt, but you may season to taste.
PIG'S FEET AND HOMINY (OK CHOCTAW)
shared by
Momfeather
Cook 12 fresh pigs' feet until meat falls off the bone. When half
cooked, add 1 gallon of hominy and 1 red pepper. Cook down until it thickens.
Salt and pepper to taste.
CHOCTAW
PERSIMMON CAKE
shared by
Dancing Eyes
1/2 C. sugar 1 C.
flour
1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. soda
1 C. persimmon pulp 1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoon butter or margarine, softened
Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix
well then pour into a well-greased and floured pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven
for about 40 minutes. This is good served with a whipped topping
Cheyenne
Jerky Soup and Dumplings
Ingredients:
Handful of Venison Jerky
Handful of Parched Corn
Wild Greens
Water
Salt
Coarse Ground Black Pepper
Flour
Oats (optional)
Preparation:
Harvest
any/all edible greens from the days trail. (dandelion, wild onion, etc.)
Break apart a large handful of venison jerky into your pot.
Add a handful of parched corn.
Add the wild greens you harvested.
Add twice as much water as is needed to cover the ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer 1/2 hour.
Mix handful of flour, pinch of salt and enough water to make a dough. (I like to
add a small handful of oats to the flour.)
"Float" spoonfuls of dough in soup, continue simmer until dumplings
are done.
Cheyenne
Batter Bread
shared by Dancing Eyes
1 qt Sweet milk
1 tb Melted butter
1 pt White cornmeal
1/2 ts Salt
3 Eggs, separated
Bring
milk to a full boil; stir in cornmeal slowly. Cool. Add well-beaten egg yolks,
melted butter and salt. Add stiffly beaten egg whites. Bake in moderate oven -
375 until done.
First Nations Recipes
http://www.melborponsti.com/index.htm
CAN
YOU SPEAK CHEROKEE?
If you would like to learn the easy way... The See, Say, Write method works!
Cassette tape and book
Reserve your set of Chief Jim Gray Wolf Henson’s Cherokee language tapes and
book today! Send $40. Check/money order to MAIC, PO Box 476, Hot Springs, AR
71902-0476