Some hearsay acknowledges that Native Americans and Canadians have modernized the music. Amongst them, the Cherokee Jimi Hendrix deserved the blues music “ancestor”; Elvis Presley, another Cherokee, according to such reports, has king-sized himself through different kinds of music, but the deep reference to the roots, remained. April 18th, I had an appointment with Dr Zhang Shali who, welcoming me in her office, told me just a bit about the 12 Native American flags just up behind her main seat.
From these supposals, that people is represented in some institutions. Have you heard concepts such as “Affirmative action?” What about Charles Curtis who was the 31st Vice President of the United States? (See Museum of Kiganda ) And, remembered about this "The Last Resort "
That may still look strange, and here is why, from Africa, I suggested an understanding of some Native Americans’ culture perceptus. They call it “Powwow” and let me share some comparative aspects from my Burundi , Heart of Africa
April 19th they mustered at the University of Montana as they had powwow. How should people confer american culture assumption and unification?
Around seven P.M, the main play-hall of the university was cheering with different colors. Aligning for tickets, joyousness spread, mixed with excitement and impatience. That special event “helps Native Americans to gather, and celebrate heritage”, said Phillip Paul Egying, a tribal elder; but it was more than a legacy performance. It was a competition too.
Vigorously, the master of ceremonies called bystanders to stand up “in the honor of God and ancestors”, he exhorted.
“Do you know the saying, if you know your history, then you should know where you are coming from?” asked Phillip P. Egying. I answered that I have heard that. “We are pure Americans due to our ancestors who shed their blood here to give us identity and dignity. So we owe them respect.”
Culturally dressed, a man blessed the process, and “The Grand Entry” began. That special convoy leading the long, liturgical and bounce dance is measured by special songs. “In our culture, the Eagle is a sacred bird. That song and dance is out of the image of an eagle’s screech and its wings’ battle. And those elegant persons holding flags make a special team that we call ‘the eagle staff’”, explained Phillip. Plus, “the first song you heard at the beginning is the flag song and note that it is a high honor to be in that leading team,” Phillip, a sociologist, continued. ( See the King's dancors or Intore )
And this feminine image in the powwow brings to the circle dance and to the place of a woman in that culture. The Egying talking about the universe, believes that, “the moon is the wife of the sun”, saying “Look at those accessories on men’s head in the form of sun.
The tribes gathered at the University of Montana on Friday coming from Native American reservations, specifically rich in natural resources: Flathead -not far from Missoula-, rich in clean water; Blackfeet –in the extreme north- rich in oil; Rocky boy’s-rich in clean water-; Fort peck rich in oil and gas, and from Crow Nation-rich in oil, water and fishing. Although these reservations are in Montana States, there were also representatives from Navajo Nation in New Mexico and other States.
“Do you know the saying, if you know your history, then you should know where you are coming from?” asked Phillip P. Egying. I answered that I have heard that. “We are pure Americans due to our ancestors who shed their blood here to give us identity and dignity. So we owe them respect.”
Culturally dressed, a man blessed the process, and “The Grand Entry” began. That special convoy leading the long, liturgical and bounce dance is measured by special songs. “In our culture, the Eagle is a sacred bird. That song and dance is out of the image of an eagle’s screech and its wings’ battle. And those elegant persons holding flags make a special team that we call ‘the eagle staff’”, explained Phillip. Plus, “the first song you heard at the beginning is the flag song and note that it is a high honor to be in that leading team,” Phillip, a sociologist, continued. ( See the King's dancors or Intore )
One of the universal discussion is about the symbol of drum, either power or it’s association with plenty. According to the elder Phillip P.Egying “we almost don’t beat the drums, as hurting them symbolizes hurting, abusing, punching or torturing a woman. So, we can just say that we play the drums, and that happened as a dedication to a fight’s victory.” ( See umurisho
And this feminine image in the powwow brings to the circle dance and to the place of a woman in that culture. The Egying talking about the universe, believes that, “the moon is the wife of the sun”, saying “Look at those accessories on men’s head in the form of sun.
(See Zimanumuntu , Umutsibo or Umuyebe )
And, people dance rolling while evolving in a circle movement, and the feather is the main clothes’ beautification to witness our link to nature.” (see agasimbo) The tribes gathered at the University of Montana on Friday coming from Native American reservations, specifically rich in natural resources: Flathead -not far from Missoula-, rich in clean water; Blackfeet –in the extreme north- rich in oil; Rocky boy’s-rich in clean water-; Fort peck rich in oil and gas, and from Crow Nation-rich in oil, water and fishing. Although these reservations are in Montana States, there were also representatives from Navajo Nation in New Mexico and other States.
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