Origins and Rites of Passage

Faith Spotted Eagle

Learn ABOUT
(deep listening, information)

  1. What is the Wind Cave origin story?
  2. Who are the pte oyate and how did the people of the Oceti Sakowin descend from them?
  3. What are the “further links” that time the people to the blood of the Buffalo?
  4. What other ways did your grandfather or your elders teach you? Was it always by observing something in nature?
  5. What is “star knowledge”?
  6. Who are the “star people”?
  7. What further connections between people and stars out in the “universe” do you expect to become clear with time?
  8. What are the rites of passage that are a part of the Oceti Sakowin? How are they connected with the outdoors?
  9. How do the people of the Oceti Sakowin see the summer solstice as a beginning? How is it seen as an end by the people of the “Western Cup”?

Learn ABOUT
(deep listening, transformation)

  1. What stories of origin impact my life?
  2. Do I feel kinship with others from whom I have descended? Who are they? How does this kinship impact my life now?
  3. Are their lessons I have learning fro observing nature?
  4. Do I have some sort of elder or teacher or “grandfather” or “grandmother” who helps me to learn?
  5. Are there “rites of passage” that I have experienced or expect to experience? How do they change those who go through them?
  6. Do i see life milestones primarily as endings or as beginnings? What difference does it make?