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The American Indian show began with the same incredible energy as the previous shows. The excitement included loud music, t-shirt launching, words from Lodge Chiefs from across the country, the "LottOA" drawing for front row seats, and the drawing for the elusive four cushy seats in the "Skybox". |
This pre-show activity was followed by the "Day in Review" video which captured highlights of the day at NOAC.
The ceremonial portion of the show was next, with a video reenactment of the original Ordeal ceremony, showing the tests used at that time for Ordeal candidates. The reenactment was a solemn reminder of the early days of our Order, and the origin of our cherished traditions. Following the ceremonial portion, actors portrayed the Legend from the current Ordeal ceremony.
| The crowd then grew silent while the American flag was presented in a procession of dancers in full American Indian regalia. The flag stood still on the stage amid the color and excitement of the dancing . The entire crowd saluted the flag and admired the beauty of our symbol of freedom encircled by joyous dancers. |
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The centerpiece of the evening then began. The stage was flooded with the best Old Style dancers in the nation. Old Style, as the name implies, has deep roots dating back to the earliest known Native American tribes. The warriors and hunters would return to the village and dance out the stories of their voyage. Next up was Traditional Dancing, which was developed during the reservation era of American Indians, as they wished to preserve their traditions from their homelands. |
| Contemporary Straight Dancers then performed. This style originated from the traditional war dances of the Omaha and Southern Plains Tribes. The Grass Dance, designed to dance down the grass in new camps, was up next. Following the Grass Dance, the relatively new Fancy Dance category performed. After the individual dancers, several Group Dances took place. |
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One of the most important parts of the show came when Dr. Goodman's choice of Indian Lore for the Order of the Arrow was explained. During this segment, an empty podium bearing the 1963 NOAC logo stood spotlighted on the stage as Dr. Goodman's speech from that conference was played over the speakers.
Following the custom of many powwows, a Blanket Dance was held to support a special cause, the Maury Clancy Campership Fund.
| The four Region Chiefs then took the stage to speak about the 2003 national programs of emphasis: the OA Wilderness Voyage, OA Trail Crew, the new Philbreak program, and a special Indian Seminar Event. The Indian Seminar will be held next summer. |
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The seminar will run from August 2nd to 7th, 2003 at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the ceremonies of our order, as well as the dances, songs, and culture of the American Indians.
The show concluded with a patriotic video showing hundreds of years of American triumphs. From victorious athletes, to outstanding political leaders to great war heroes, the video showed inspirational moments that made us proud.
As the Arrowmen departed the arena, they left with a renewed sense of the role of American Indian culture in the Order of the Arrow, and a sense of pride and joy in the accomplishments of the Americans that had gone before them.
Revised 7/29/02.