They returned to us as young adults, ready to take a full and active role with and for their people. The people gathered on our Ceremonial Hill, where a beautiful altar had been established with colorful arrangements of wild flowers at each Gate. The people hung their shields on the directional posts, and a Ceremonial Fire was lit.

The Chiefs, with great dignity and in full ceremonial regalia, went forth to bring our brave young people home from their quest. The drums were beating and the people waiting were full of excitement, as they sang and chanted Come full Circle, Circle come round. As they approached, flanked by the Chieftains the people let out tremendous cheers, and whoops of encouragement and joy. A beautiful four year old girl followed by other children present, ran forward with armfuls of wild flowers, to present to them as they came towards the fire and the welcoming arms of their Elder.

Words cannot fully describe the beauty and wonder of such an initiation, all present were gifted and gave great appreciation to the Grandmothers and Grandfathers, to our Elder, to Autumn Sun and Circling Hawk. For us as adults who never experienced our rites of passage, this was a momentous occasion in time, and it was an honor and privileged to have been present.

Later at our feast and celebration, Ernie, our 90 year old Grandfather from Toronto, shared a powerful gift with us. He said to the young people, "While you were in the Rock Lodge, before you went out in your Quest, a deer came and circled the area. She came right up to the Lodge and approached me as I waited outside. It was a special moment, and I felt it was a very powerful omen for you, the young people".

Next, the Warrior Society, Chieftains and Clan Mothers vied for the young people to join them. Gifts (or bribes) were given to entice them. Our Elder came forward without a bribe and with the simple, yet powerful words, "Your Elder comes empty handed", she said stretching her hands out towards the young people, "She has need of two scouts".

After the courting of the young people was complete, they were given time to consider which seat of responsibility they would accept. At this time they were still in the decision making process.

We later feasted and a Give-away blanket was filled with gifts from the people. We drummed, sang, celebrated and went to bed knowing, that something wonderful had happened and our lives would be changed and enriched by it.

We gave great appreciation and love to all our brothers and sisters, who contributed to the gifts for the young people and the blanket for our Elder. Appreciation was also given to the many who could not come but who sent gifts that added great joy to the celebration.

To the Giver that gives all, we the people gave deep and heartfelt appreciation. Wado.

© 1996      Stik A Yi