Enjoy Freedom? Thank A Veteran

Left To Right:  Joni Stinson, Howard Miscee (wearing his roach*), Patrick Stinson

As America pays tribute to its Armed Services men and women, past and present, what better way to celebrate a part of the 2010 Memorial Day week-end than to attend an Omaha Warrior Society Pow Wow. Earlier in the week, we had received a phone call from our friend, Howard Miscee, Omaha, to let us know about the Warrior Society Pow Wow in Carter Lake, Iowa.


Howard is a Veteran, an Omaha Ceremonial Dancer and a member of the Omaha Warrior Society. Historically, no man was eligible to the Warrior Society who had not won, through the ceremonies of the Tent of War, the right to proclaim his warlike deeds. Modern day Warrior Society members are Veterans.

For the event yesterday, our friend, Howard, had been asked by the Warrior Society to be the Head Dancer. This is a high honor and we wanted to be be present to see Howard dance and receive gifts from his fellow warriors.

Native Americans of all tribes have valiantly performed in the military services of our country throughout history. Patrick and I were pleased to have the opportunity to share this day with a few of them and give our thanks for their personal sacrifice and valor in serving us. As we always say, “If you enjoy your freedom, thank a Veteran.

*A roach is a crest of stiff porcupine guard hairs with a deer-hair center that male dancers wear on their heads.

2009 Lincoln Indian Club Pow Wow

On July 31, August 1 & 2, 2009, Patrick and I vended at the 33rd annual Lincoln Indian Club Pow Wow in Lincoln, Nebrasa.

It was a very successful event despite the high winds on Sunday. We were forced to leave the sides of our tent down to avoid chasing our product around the arena. By so doing, we created our very own "sweat lodge".

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It was great to see old friends and make new ones. One that I was especially glad to see was a very young "old friend". Her name is Nevaeh Horse, Ponca and Lakota. She is now six years old.

Last year, her Uncle purchased one of my barrettes to add to her lime green regalia. I blogged about her in my August 8, 2008 blog. If you would like to check back, you can see photos of her there.

Nevaeh is not only a year older but has achieved the title of "Little Miss Ponca". This year it was her Father who purchased one of my items for Nevaeh's new jingle dress regalia.

A new friend is pictured here. She is Angelina Nockai. All of this wonderful beadwork on her regalia was done by Angelina herself . She is such a delightful young lady, a college student and an excellent beader. In fact, we loved her work so much that we gave Angelina two baseball caps and commissioned her to bead them for us. When she finishes them, I will post a blog about them as well.

It is always such a pleasure for me to make something that someone wants to add to their regalia! There is no greater honor for me. Here is a young lady wearing one of my feathered hair clips that her Mother purchased for this event.

As you can see, it is the children and young people who fascinate me most. They are the future of our culture. It makes me proud to see them curious about our products, building their regalia and learning to be dance proudly. Here is Patrick discussing beadwork with a young Native "Diva".

I have posted more photos of this event on my Flickr. If you care to take a peek go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstinson/sets/72157621809601647/

Our next Pow Wow is the Sac and Fox of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska. We look forward to seeing more friends at this event.