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Feature Article
Within a short drive are tribal homelands where centuries-old traditions survive. Article and photos by Eric Lindberg Living in Colorado, we find occasional reminders of our country's first inhabitants. Their tribal names label streets and places. Native words such as canoe, moose, pecan and toboggan sprinkle our language. Ruins of the Anasazi civilization cling to remote canyon walls in the state's southwest corner. Yet few of us remember more than a handful of facts about Native Americans. Here in the West, we live within easy driving distance of tribal homelands where centuries-old traditions blend with contemporary ways. Numerous Native American cultural events and marketplaces can be experienced in every season. And evocative archaeological sites and museums speak volumes to those who seek insight into a fascinating culture that has survived in this region for centuries. Want to experience a "foreign" land? One is closer than you may think. American Indian or Native American? A good place to begin is with terminology. Which terms are "correct" or "proper"? Columbus started the debate when he landed in the Caribbean. Believing he was in the West Indies, he labeled the locals "Indians." When the land was later christened America, the people were commonly called "American Indians." In the 1970s "Native American" emerged as the politically correct term, even though the argument could be made that anyone born in this country could be considered a Native American. Many U.S. government agencies, such as the Census Bureau, still use the term American Indians. As we all know, though, American Indians are not from India, and they certainly were here for centuries before the land was called America. So the debate continues — even among Native Americans. Ask the question on a reservation and chances are you will receive more than one answer. In general, though, the terms Indian, Native American and American Indian are still in use — lending implied acceptance to all. Perhaps more important, is a person's tribal affiliation. With unique language, beliefs and culture, each tribe has a distinct identity. Just as a European is first an Italian, a Swede or a Scot, an American Indian is first a Cheyenne, a Ute or a Navajo. Even so, there are common elements among the disparate tribes, and a good starting point to learn more about the culture is the powwow. Powwows — where traditions are passed on Drumbeats roll like thunder, signaling the start of the evening dance. Dozens of dancers clad in buckskin, beads and eagle feathers stream across the arena, swaying to ancient rhythms and hypnotic chants. Families watch from the sidelines, ready for a night of dance and drumming competition. This is powwow. Throughout the year, Native Americans assemble at hundreds of these multi-tribal gatherings, held on reservations, in large cities and small towns. While powwows are social events, they are also where tribal ties and spirituality are strengthened and traditions passed on. Family and friends form the heart of any powwow. While the format can vary, most gatherings include drumming, singing, dancing, arts and crafts and food. Many also feature a rodeo, athletic competitions and parades. Traditionally, a powwow usually begins with the Grand Entry. Everyone stands as the color guard of Native American War Veterans enters, carrying U.S., military, tribal, and POW flags. In Grand Entry, elders are usually first (men, then women), followed by men and women. Last to enter the arena are the "tiny tots," or the youngest of children. Clad in ornate headdresses, beaded vests, and handmade moccasins, they proceed in slow cadence to the rhythmic drums. Once all participants have entered the arena's circle, a respected elder gives an invocation and welcome. The next few hours belong to the dancers, who are driven by powerful drumming and singing. Fancy Shawl Dancers in beaded moccasins accentuate their intricate footwork with colorful shawls that seem in constant motion. Jingle Dancers, each wearing hundreds of tiny metal cones or "jingles" (made from the lids of chewing tobacco cans) create their own music as they move. Fancy Dancers, adorned with brilliant feathers, ripple across the grass. Some move with quiet grace. Others leap and gyrate, surrendering to spirit. Competitions are divided by style, gender and age, with honor, recognition and cash prizes going to the final winners. If what you see and hear is confusing, simply ask. Most Native Americans will be happy to answer questions from those who are sincerely interested in learning. Visitors are always welcome at powwows, although you should be aware of a few points of etiquette. Listen to the Master of Ceremonies, who will explain general protocol and events during the dancing. Always ask permission to take photos or videos of individual dancers. Stand (with men removing their hats) during special honoring songs as announced, and remember that alcohol and drugs are not allowed at powwows. After experiencing a powwow, you'll come to realize that underlying the pageantry and spectacle is a deep and abiding spirituality. Spirituality is based on a deep reverence for nature Spirit guides. Vision quests. Sweat lodges. During the last 30 years, Native American spirituality has become a popular source of inspiration among non-natives. The resulting blend of beliefs, rituals and symbolism from different Indian religions would probably leave the Ancient Ones scratching their heads in bewilderment. Although Western cultures rely on the written word for wisdom and knowledge to be passed from one generation to another, native cultures have always relied upon oral tradition — even if not respected by Western cultures to this day — and take great pride in the integrity of knowledge and wisdom that have passed from generation to generation for millennia. No one native religion is common to the more than 550 tribes that are federally recognized (there are more tribes if you count state — recognized and tribes without governmental recognition). While each group has unique beliefs and ceremonies, certain themes and values are shared by many of them. Their spirituality is centered on a deep reverence for nature. Most Indians believe they are part of the land. They see animals, plants, sun and rain as sacred gifts to learn from and live with, rather than forces to tame. Many rituals involve thanksgiving for these gifts, through ceremony, dance and singing. Along with this is a belief in benevolent spirits residing in nature, animals, plants, and land formations. These unseen beings watch over people and help them along their path. In some tribes, the concept of "totem animals" reveals a more individualized connection between humans and other creatures. Traditionally, a particular type of animal "chooses" a person through dreams, visions or encounters in the natural world. Once a person understands which animal has chosen them, he or she can look at its behavior for spiritual lessons and guidance in life. When it comes to animal symbolism, different tribes have unique interpretations. For example, according to some tribes, Raven is the wise trickster, while for others, Coyote plays that role. Art evokes the spirit of ancient cultures Today, Native American art, such as weaving, pottery, sculpture, jewelry and beadwork, is highly prized by collectors. Its simple elegance and bold geometry is pleasing to the modern eye. Yet these tribal forms and patterns, inspired by nature, dreams, religion and ancestral motifs, go beyond "art" as they evoke the spirit of ancient cultures. Prior to first contact, the tribal art was part of everyday life, as many people created beautiful objects for social, ceremonial and functional uses. Designs were often symbolic expressions of sacred beliefs. But they could also be merely decorative, influenced by geography, flora and fauna. The mesas and cliffs of the Southwest, the vast forests and rivers of the Northeast, and the coastal mountains and animals of the Northwest each inspired dramatically different art. Unfortunately, by the end of the 19th century, what remained of once-rich cultures were merely tattered remnants, devastated by disease, the U.S.-Indian wars and federal government efforts to suppress tradition and religion. Art remained a part of tribal life, but many forms were neglected and not passed on to younger generations. With the advent of the railroad in the late 1800s, however, displaced and dispossessed Native Americans began producing their functional and ceremonial items as art for train passengers. The resulting cottage industry caught the eye of serious art collectors. During the last 40 years, Indian art has surged in popularity. Contemporary Native American artists keep tribal beliefs alive, while bringing much-needed revenue into their communities. Excellent work is found at Native American markets, trading posts, powwows, reservations and on the Internet. If one believes the essence of a culture can be better understood by observing how its beliefs are expressed through art, ritual and celebration, then Native American culture here in the West offers a great learning opportunity. Eric Lindberg is a Lakewood-based travel writer/photographer with a passion for canyons and mesas of the Southwest. His website is www.ericlindberg.com.
Facts about American Indians
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