Indian Ways

I have studied the Native American culture in general for the past 14 years with a group of girls and women called Na-Ta-Ya (nah-tah-yah). We reserched our costumes to a very exacting level, knowing why everything was the way it was on the costume and in that tribal culture. We were primarily a dance and lecture club, going to schools and preforming traditional women's dances in our communities. Since I moves away from them a few years ago, I have continued the tradition by starting my own group called Mah-Kah-Wee (ma-ka-way) which means Earth Maidens. My two young girls are a part of this, and my oldest has been to different schools with me as I lecture. I hope you enjoy the pics, poems, music and mastery of this brave and beautiful people. Pilamaya. (thank-you)

Sundancer

W.Renee'

Heartbeat,
Drumbeat,
I know no difference.
Time passes slow then quick, slow then quick like then ongoing beat of my heart.
I am ready, purified, whole.
I am a warrior. I am strong.
I will survive.
I stand tall before it's face.
I do not fear.
Sure am I in purpose, In faith, I have been called.
I will not acknowledge those gathered.
I see only the earth, the sky.
I hear the flesh tear upon my chest, smell the copper of my blood.
I feel no pain.
The wooden prongs lodging into my flinching skin is not important.
I know only the earth, the sky.
The Drums, My Heart. They increase.
I step back, pulling the leather thongs attached to the pole tight.
They pull the prongs locked deep in my chest.
The sun cascades over me in waves of heat, light, and sweat.
Dizzy am I reaching for the spirit.
I sway back and forth, dancing with the pole, locked in it's loving embrace.
How long am I suspended here?
I know not.
I am caught in the flight of the hawk, the magesty of the mountains, the splendor of the moonrise.
There is a snap.
I fall to the ground, released from my mate.
I am free.
I have touched the spirit and reached the sky.
I am a warrior. I am strong.
I have surrvived.

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