Grey Eyes by Franks Busch

Author:Franks Busch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fernwood
Published: 2014-09-04T04:00:00+00:00

32

nistomitanaw nīsosāp

Summer. It was a special time for the people of Nisichawayasihk, as it was their turn to host the sacred sundance ceremony. There was much work to be done as pilgrims from the surrounding villages would be coming to participate. The people of Nisichawayasihk would feed them and care for them for seven days. Little Grey Bear Boy had twice the responsibility of any boy his age. Not only did he have to make his own preparations for the sundance ceremony under the guidance of Many Fish, but he also had to assist Painted Turtle Man prepare the medicines. The old man would serve as the host sundance chief, though he would be assisted by sundance chiefs from other villages.

White Willow Woman was accorded the honour of choosing the centre pole for the sundance. The pole, also known as the Tree of Life, would serve as the focal point of the ceremonies and all prayers and intentions would be made to the tree. She paid no heed to the rumour that she had only been chosen for the honour because of her Grey-Eyed son, a rumour perpetuated, she had no doubt, by the meddling Eagle twins. Whatever the reason she was selected, she was honoured, and set about selecting a white poplar tree in a manner befitting a mother of the Nehiyawak.

She walked the forest for four days, one day in each of the four cardinal directions. On the fifth day, she made a selection after careful thought, prayer, and consideration. The warriors set about the task of relocating the great white poplar to the sundance grounds. Every effort was made to save the tree from too much damage, but they had to cut many roots.

“I hope you picked the right tree,” said Singing Doe to her sister when the work was done. “We don’t need to give the Eagle twins any reason to find fault with us right now.”

“It is Kitchi Manitou who selects the tree,” said Painted Turtle Man. “Long before any of us were born. White Willow Woman’s job was only to determine which tree Creator intended for us to use.”

“Tapwe, Uncle,” said Brown Shield Man. “Besides, the Eagle twins have never needed a reason to find fault with someone.”

Singing Doe and White Willow Woman laughed, but Painted Turtle Man cleared his throat and continued with his work.

“I don’t like the idea of people from other villages finding out about our son,” said Blue Elk Man. “Too much attention will be brought on him. We already know the danger this might pose.”

“I never thought of that,” said White Willow Woman. “Perhaps we should wait until next year.”

“That is, of course, up to you,” said Painted Turtle Man. “Though he would then be the oldest boy in the village to not have sundanced. He is after all, twelve summers.”

“He is a good boy,” said Singing Doe. “He will understand.”

“And what will we do when it is time for him to earn a name?” asked Painted Turtle Man.

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