Journal Entry #3

Photo Courtesy: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/history/images/hist_sun_dance.jpg

Select a ceremony (Ghost Dance, Sun Dance, Heyoka, etc.) discussed in 'Black Elk Speaks' and describe aspects of that particular ceremony. Be sure to include any importand details unique to that ceremony.


One important ceremony to the Native American people was the Sun Dance, which can be interpreted as meaning "Gaze at the Sun." This dance became the epitome of religious expression. The purpose of this ritual was to fulfill a vow or secure supernatural or spiritual aid for yourself or another. Also, it was used for power for oneself.
All people were involved in this dance including women, men, and children. By doing this dance, the people participating would have a spiritual connection with a greater power. The dance was done 12 days in July.
During this dance, there is a sacred pole (usually a cottonwood tree) in the middle of the dance. There was a rope attached to that pole, and in turn, the person participating would attach themselves to the rope. The participants would dance day and night and stare at the sun waiting for a vision.
Often times, the dance would include piercing in the chest, arms, or back. The piercing would be connected to the rope, which served a sign of connection to a higher power.

Journal Entry #2

Photo Courtesy: http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0803283857.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

Referring to the Wounded Knee Creek Massacre, Black Elk says that "a people's dream died there. It was a beautiful dream...for the nation's hoop is broken and scattered. There is no center any longer, and the sacred tree is dead." what do you think he means by that?

In the book, 'Black Elk Speaks,' he talks about his vision for the future. He says that this vision is beautiful, and he expresses his hope for a bountiful and wonderful future. However, it is then that the Wounded Knee Creek Massacre occurred.
With this massacre, came a destruction of the way of life for Black Elk's people. Not only were men brutally murdered, but women and children as well. With the destruction of the youth, there was no longer anyone to carry on the sacred traditions and practices of their beautiful culture.
When Black Elk speaks of the nation's hoop being shattered, he is referring to their way of life being shattered. Regarding the sacred tree, he is speaking of their nation losing the ability fo pass on their knowledge and their traditions and beliefs.
Not only were humans massacred, but also a way of life.

Journal Entry #1

Photo Courtesty: http://www.electricscotland.com/thomson/images/8.14%20Crazy%20Horse.jpg

Select a prominent Native American, either past or present, and write a short paragraph about that person.

The exact birth date or Crazy Horse is unknown, however it was somewhere in the 1840's. He died September 5, 1877 at a fairly young age. Crazy Horse is known as being a prominent war hero for the Oglala Lakota tribe who fought against the U.S. army in an attempt to preserve his people's ways. He is known for his role in the Battle of Little Bighorn.
His birth name shared a meaning of 'Among the Trees' or 'In the Wilderness' meaning that he was one with nature. It is also said that his mother's name for him was 'Curly.' Throughout his life, he had important visions of his life and of the future of his people. He participated in many battled including the Battle of Little Bighorn, in which he killed General Custer.
Crazy Horse met his end when he was killed near Ft. Robinson Nebraska when he was taking his sick wife to her parents. His legacy lives on in the lives of Native Americans today. A monument of him is currently being constructed in the Black Hills of South Dakota.