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For many years I looked for a way to help a Native American. I was able to find a group that sponsored Native American Elders. I sponsored a full blooded Native American Indian Elder from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Pine Ridge is one of the poorest reservations in America. I soon found that much of what I was to send went to the organization so just started helping her personally. I have NEVER given so little that has meant SO MUCH. Over the past few years my Unci (Grandmother in Lakota) has passed on lots of Native stories and wisdom. My Miss Daisy was giving an exceptionally rare gift. ( Perhaps not a rare gift for a person- but for a dog it certainly is) Unci has made her a Fancy Dance Shawl. She also made a small blanket and a pillow case. This shawl was made as if it were for a child. Fringe, beads and little safty pin and all. Unci, as most full blood Elders, love the animals but the animals are not kept as house pets.
"Fancy Dance Shawl for Pow Pows
The ladies wear their shawls over their shoulders, and dance by jumping and spinning with the music. Though the fancy shawl invloves more motion and agility than other styles of dance, the grace of the woman is always expressed. As the name of the dance-style would imply, particular emphasis is paid to the shawls, with elaborate designs, appliqué, ribbon work, and painting. Long fringe hangs from the edges of the shawl, and flies round the dancer as she moves to the music." from CrazyCrow.com
4-14-09 Lower Alabama