The gift of learning Crow Culture; a visit from Cala

By Caroline Burns

Music/ Library Teacher BCGS

Cala began her presentation by lighting a burning stone and smudging, or wafting, the air with cedar smoke. We then joined her in a prayer to begin. She shared this with us in the tongue of her native language, Crow. 

Cala, meaning grandma, spoke to us about the tradition of receiving eagle feathers. No person can keep an eagle feather, only Native Americans are allowed to be gifted them. Through the forestry department, a Native must apply to be granted feathers found on the land.

In the following picture you can see her personal fan, made of eagle feathers, that she uses for healing ceremonies, sweat lodge, and dance gatherings. It is fashioned at the end with a soft patterned fabric and light hide tassels.

We learned about the sweat lodge and the cleansing effect it has on the human body and spirit. Using heat and moisture in the center of the lodge area, people then sit or lay and allow themselves time for release. The importance of this ritual is to sweat out the body's impurities and spend the time in prayer. 

Men attend separately from women, unless they are husband and wife. In the winter, a switch of dried grasses is often dipped in water and patted on the body to increase circulation and bring cooling to the body and air surrounding them.

Cala mentioned she is a lead singer for healing ceremonies on her reservation. She promised to share more about this when she returns. She also plans to share some call and response chanting that brings energy to a Spring and Winter gathering called Hand Games. All clothing is handmade in preparation for these games, and is coordinated by their district. 

In the short time of her visit, we had the pleasure of seeing 14 sticks, 2 elk teeth, and 2 bone pins that are utilized in an actual game. We’ll see if we can learn it next time!