I went to UWL's powwow this weekend and I witnessed something that I hadn't seen before. A group of men from the Bear Clan protected the grounds of the powwow prior to the start of the festivities. It was a very old tradition dating back beyond GOM's time. The men sang, carried tobacco and blessed the grounds of the powwow. They covered the interior of the field house and also went outside of the field house to protect the grounds as well. The MC explained the tradition before and after they completed their task, unique to the Bear Clan. It seems that the Bear Clan is responsible for the protection of the tribe. I am not sure how men and women's role differ on this point, but it will certainly be a point of inquiry.
Nevertheless, it was reassuring to me to see men, 8 of them caring enough to protect the area where members of the tribes, other tribes and non-natives alike would be gathering. It was a beautiful tradition to behold.
Another point of interest for me is this, the tribal historian said that once GOM married Decaris, her clan and status changed such that the Bear Clan was now a part of her lineage and/or possibly left her posterity clanless. To this I say: good. Change, character, diversity and opposition are all good. They provide opportunities for further development and strengthening of an individual or family or in this case a nation.
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