Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

At the End of Season’s ceremony after the Faithkeepers put through the Standing Quiver Dance, the Faithkeepers released the men (hunters) to go out and collect meat for the midwinter ceremonies. The speaker had told the people that the Midwinter Ceremonies will begin five nights after the Teskoha Karahkwa (new moon).

The Midwinter Ceremonies are set to take place at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse on Saturday January 24th, 2015 but prior to this day, the Big Heads (Rotinontsistowanon) will gather before the Chiefs, Faithkeepers and Clanmothers on January 17th at 9:00 AM. The Big Heads as they are called in English will be instructed on this day to travel about the community and bring medicine into the homes. Many of you will be familiar with the Big Heads and recognize that they will sing their song into your home and tell how they have been given the duty by their leadership to take your work away from you so that you can focus your attention on the ceremonies that will happen. The Big Heads will also stir ashes inside your home that will bring a good medicine to you when the ashes settle. (When the Big Heads arrive at your home, you should give them your full attention and turn off your TV and Radio) After the speaker for the Big Heads finishes his speech, you should give them something such as washed corn, frozen strawberries or money.

January 24, 2015 (Kariwiio)

January 25, 2015 (Stirring the Ashes)

The house is split as of the first day and the Wolf & Turtle clans will use the Men’s Door while the Bear Clan will enter through the Woman’s Door.

January 26, 2015 (Medicine Songs)

January 27, 2015 (Tobacco Burning/Children’s Day)

A tobacco burning will be put through in the morning and a Feather Dance will follow this. The Faithkeepers will then make preparations to honor the children as they will look for two young children that will be able to sing the Feather Dance. When this is complete, the Faithkeepers will name the new born babies that have been born since the last Mid Winter. When this is completed, another Feather Dance will be put through.

January 28, 2015 (Feather Dance Day)

January 29, 2015 (Atonwa Men’s Chant)

(January 30, 2015 Drum Dance)

(January 31, 2014 Bowl Game)

On the day previous, all the people would have been told of what items that they are encouraged to put in the bowl game. The first item is white wampum, a turtle rattle (singing instrument), Onkwehonwe Clothing, or a lacrosse stick. (The item that you put in is supposed to be something you value highly)