The elders have come to share the Cheyenne prayer of peace with
the people of the Little Bighorn. As
they sit down and prepare the pipe, a light mist starts to fall on the
ridge. Leather ties sealing the bag
become slick with raindrops; it takes a long time to open the bag and retrieve
the ceremonial pipe. The bowl must be
filled with the special tobacco, blended by hand then soaked in a broth to
stave off the dry throat that comes with too many ceremonies.
Each sacred leader has his own
pipe and his own bag. The leader of this
group has made one with sky blue beads and the Marine Corps emblem. It reflects his heritage as a Cheyenne and a
warrior – serving two nations, and one.
Softly they chant the prayer and speak the words to the heavens – this ceremony
started by Austin Two Moons. It continues
with this 4th generation of prayer warriors.
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