Introduction

Before you read this it helps to have some explanation about who wrote it, what it covers and how it differs from previous Sun Dance books. You also deserve to know why I have been reluctant to write about this subject, despite its great value and obvious merit.  

Let me say up front that I have come to these ways as an outsider. I was not born on a reserve (aka reservation) and do not carry a status card from any band. Although this may disqualify me in the eyes of some, I believe it has given me a broader perspective from which to appreciate the larger meanings of these ceremonial ways. Whether insider or outsider, all can benefit from seeing the Sun Dance in its widest possible context, and this book explores the global wisdom inherent in this ceremony, and those who celebrate it. During these divisive, politically polarizing days, we need unifying, universal practices more than ever. The facts unite us. We share the same Sun. Beneath its eye we are all One People, on one Earth.

I have never pretended to be Indian or Native American, although some people have assumed I was, because of my devotion to protecting these ways. Born in North America to parents of German, French, English and Scotch Irish heritage, my cultural background was white, Anglo Saxon Protestant. Economic necessity took my family to Saudi Arabia, in 1962, when I was eight years old, and since then I have lived and worked in many other countries. Having long considered myself an expatriate, I became accustomed to being treated as a minority, and my outsider status does not trouble me as much as it might if this was my first experience with another culture. My interest in global possibilities and the transcendence of ethnicity, labels, racism and religious intolerance is what drew me towards the Sun Dance in the first place.     

Some may accuse me of exploitation, or worse, for writing this book. I realize I risk being ostracized by the very people who have been kind enough to accept me, and my participation, in their spiritual practices. I hope they can see into my heart, and know that my intentions are only to honor them and these ways. I know we cannot forget the sordid history that continues to threaten our cross-cultural friendships, but there is much we can do, on a one-to-one basis. The political pendulum will go on swinging; between times when the other groups we belong to will be more open and accepting, and other times, when some specific issue(s) will cause anger and defensiveness again. But nothing will take away the good days we have shared.

I have no control over the future or politics, but it is within my power to share my personal story of learning and acceptance. Since becoming involved with the Sun Dance in 2001, I have kept copious notes in my journals, always hoping to write about the ceremonies, but my hesitance to go public has grown in proportion with what I have learned. Besides the difficulty associated with doing justice to a subject as sacred as the Sun Dance, we dancers are given explicit instructions about not bragging or showing off. This is wisdom I cherish, and hesitate to contravene in any way.

I am also the first female to write about what has traditionally been a men’s ceremony for centuries. I do not wish to make it harder for the women (and men) who come after me. Some tribes continue to exclude women dancers, and the last thing I want is make it any more difficult, for Sun Dancers of any gender. So, why do I persist in writing this book? Because for all these challenges, the ones we faced to become Sun Dancers in the first place were even greater, and they prepared me for this task. After so many years of ceremonies, prayers and deeply appreciated guidance, I understand it is my job to simply tell my own story, to the best of my ability.  

The backgrounds of my potential readers varies considerably, and meeting the needs of such a diverse audience will be almost impossible. Those who are new to these ways will require more background information than this modest memoir, culled from a decade of journal entries, can provide. A Recommended Reading List has been included for those who wish to learn more. At the other end of the reader spectrum are my fellow Sun Dancers, who know more than I do. Hopefully, they will write their own books. As we do in the fourth round of every Sun Dance sweat lodge, I ask for Forgiveness, for any mistakes or misinterpretations I have made.

Since this ceremony is never to be photographed or videotaped, less than one tenth of one percent of the worlds’ population, has ever heard of it. Books and word of mouth are how this wisdom spreads. Few will have the privilege to attend a genuine Sun Dance. Of those, how many will feel called, to become a supporter, or a Sun Dancer themselves? The numbers are small but they inspire me to pen these pages.

I owe so much to the Sun Dance. It saved my life. It cured my despair and restored my joy. Having witnessed how much healing this ceremony has also brought to others, I feel obligated, in a good way, to leave this offering of a written account, in return for all that has been received during a decade of dancing. It would be wrong to hoard this ‘medicine’ when so many people are suffering. As our MicMac elders say, Omset Nogama, meaning We Are All Related. The Sun Dance is a beautiful example of what can happen when that wisdom is taken to heart, and put it into action, on a daily basis.

All my experiences with this ceremony are confined to one place; Elsipogtog, the Big Cove Mi’kmaq reserve in New Brunswick, Canada. My leaders and teachers are White Eagle Sun Dance Chief William J. Nevin and his wife Connie Francis Nevin and our Women’s Leader Evangeline Francis. The Blackfoot Sun Dance Chief, Keith Chief Moon and his Blackfoot wife Karen Russell transferred this ceremony to William and Evangeline, in the right way. Each has decades of experience dancing with other tribes. 

Finally, let me add that without the encouragement of William Nevin, and his wife Connie, I never would have dared to write this book. William has assured me, ‘The spirits sent you here for this purpose.’  May all who read these words feel blessed by our Creator, and the sacrifices of the Sun Dancers, who have vowed to have no enemies. 

The profits from the sale of this book will be used to pay annual Sun Dance expenses. 

Those interested in dancing, supporting or donating will be put in contact with our Sun Dance Chiefs. 

Write to C. Davidson, P.O. Box 73, Prudence Island, R.I. 02872 USA 

Email wisdomwheelwoman@gmail.com

( A word on terminology. For decades I used the term Native American in describing members of North American tribes. I did not know any better. Books I collected were filed under that category, as this one will probably be too, although the term Native American is as controversial and undesirable as the older word Indian has become. Christopher Columbus called the people he met Indians, because he was looking for India, and this misnomer has persisted for centuries despite how incorrect it is. Some indigenous people continue to refer to themselves as Indians, out of long habit, but unless you are one of them, it is best to call each tribe by name, and spell it correctly. That is why you will see Mi’qmak and Migmaw, rather than the more common MicMac term, in these pages. My friends refer to themselves as First Nations people or aboriginal people and I encourage others to do the same.)