Tribe Observation Report

Upon my observation of the tribe, I discovered that they have a very unique way of communicating over long distances in a short amount of time. Members of the tribe use something called Smoke Signals in order to accomplish this task. First, a small fire is created with materials that would give off dark smoke. Then a wet blanket would be held over the fire to safely capture the smoke and then removed in order to produce puffs of smoke. This activity is done in a large open area where the signals can be easily seen. This activity is done whenever a message is needed to be sent, such as sickness, the approach of an enemy, request help or give out general news. This is the quickest way to send urgent messages over distances which would take a long time if the message was sent on the ground by a runner. Special tribal gatherings and ceremonies performed called Pow Wows are done in times of great celebration. Practically everyone in the tribe, including possible guests, would be able to participate. The head organizer would be chosen from one of the elders and he would be called the “Whip Man”. During this activity, a Medicine Lodge would be built by creating two large teepees and connecting them with a roofless hall. Here is where guests and

When I questioned about them, I was told they were dream catchers. Mothers and grandmothers would make them for the children of the tribe and they would do exactly as their name implied: catch dreams. But not all dreams would be captured; only the nightmares to help put the children’s’ minds at ease. Made of willow hoops and sinew, the women would make a sort of web which was then placed over the beds of the children to trap the bad dreams. Once a child is born into the tribe, a dream catcher is made. The purpose is so that the children feel more safe and secure when they sleep at