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It always amazes me how
much juggling and balancing it takes to follow through on honoring folks
for their many years of work during the pow-wow. Our meager efforts are
really nothing compared to the life time of work these recipients have
provided for their community. Nevertheless, it did take some maneuvering
to get everything in place at the right time.
First of all it was
necessary to have Mother's agreement to be involved. No problem really,
but still during the pow-wow everything is going on at once. Entertaining
guests, cooking and keeping a watchful eye on children keeps the women
busy. Mother is quick though. She knew when they drum beat finished the
"cooks" song, Alice Sheeter would be available since this is one of her
big chores. I did not and would have not known the property time to enter
the circle.
It was our wish to honor
the Braden family with a small gift because of their contributions for so
many years. This was no problem since one of their family was in the
audience.
Archie Mason, the master of
ceremonies is of the Osage tribe true to his calling is knowledgeable
about the people around him. Because of this he called attention to the
fact that Mother was the oldest lady member of the tribe, thus Mother was
honored as well. Her "Indian" wave she gave to the audience received
another round of applause as well as laughter.
Here is the poem written
for the Braden family:
Why We Honored the Braden
Name
During the yearly pow-wow
We honor a person of the locale
For their worthy, good deeds then and now,
At the sacred circle for their name there goes out a call.
Within it they step surrounded by love's wall
People can know these folk did not fall.
This year the Braden family my family honored
They deserve more than the small gift toward
This gain not enough to go forward.
The Braden family, early day pioneers,
Settled a wild land with no fears
Carried their neighbor's trials and tears.
Some of them were lawyers doing legal work.
Others took on the matters of social work.
Business for meat packing was also work.
Their family had educators stepping through that door
Ranchers heard the lonely coyotes implore
We could go on, there is more.
For our family, Braden's nursing care for our dear father,
Was a gift greater than any other
For me, my brothers, sister and mother.
So we honor that family with a small gift of merit
For Braden's and all those who see and cheer it.
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