Yustaga Native American Weekend
The Spanish Trail Boy Scout Reservation invited me a while back, to their annual campout event. I was to bring the ingredients to teach braintan buckskin in a rough display at the event. As always, I was glad to take the opportunity to share this skill with others.
Friday, I left early so that we would have time to take a short hike and tour of the area. That was a lot of fun pointing out resources and explaining how we could use them to make life easier. That night we made friction fire and taught the importance of Firetending. I was rather longwinded, as usual, and very in depth, giving history lessons all the way. Of course, since my period of study is paleo, all the good ol' boys were ecstatic and very attentive. We cooked a bit of deer meat that I brought as a gift to the camp (my way of breaking bread). Two of the Scouts took to us and barely left our side all weekend, except to attend their own duties.
Saturday was a busy day, and I helped many young people try scraping their first hide. One little girl in particular was saying "EWWW" the whole time she scraped, BUT SHE DID SCRAPE! [Come on, guys... a little girl can do it!!] The morning was filled with repeating the first half of the process and explaining what was happening to many different groups as they passed through, and helping the young ones to get up-close and hands-on. I was taken aback by how quickly some of them volunteered and their enthusiasm.
After lunch, we had a hide ready to smoke, while another was being softened. I started a fire with only two sticks and my hands for the smudge pot in front of a very large group of people who were waiting for us to return from lunch. There was a roar of applause as the flames leapt from my hands. I got chills. It was like I just made a winning touchdown.
One young scout volunteered to be our Firetender. We had talked the night before about how important that job was and he was eager to assume that role of responsibility. I explained the parameters of this fire and he understood and performed well!
Meanwhile, I worked a hide down into the brain solution and let anyone willing touch parts that were brained, and parts that weren't. If you haven't ever felt that magic "change" then you are missing out. One young man volunteered to do the wringing after I showed once. I broke the hide back open over my staker and explained the wet-to-dry process. Scouts crowded me to get their hands on it, so I let them make a circle and do it in a group.
In all the commotion and questions, and low humidity, the hide got a little stiff, so we rebrained it and worked it some more. One young man came back at the end and all-but finished softening the hide after his duties were done. Opening the smoked skin brought Oohs, and aahs from the crowd and it passed around. The majority seemed to like the sweet cigar-like smell. Most of the scouts said it made them think of campfire.
There was so much activity, I'm still not sure I absorbed it all, and I'm sure I left out a lot. Saturday was wonderful, perfect weather with a super receptive crowd and lots of participation by the Scouts AND the crowd. I cannot thank those who attended enough for making the day so special.
That night, there was a traditional trade blanket. No money allowed. The first rule: Nothing on the table is for sale, or purchase. We opened with the traditional piece of iron and somehow I got elected to go first! I traded some of the crappiest hides I had for some very nice items. I really think the traders wanted me to have the experience, and were basically gifting the items to me. I don't want to dwell on "stuff" but pictures will be posted later. I would like to mention, though, Mr. Whitefox traded a very special spirit flute, Mr. Jensen some remarkable pottery, and Mr. Stonebear a new hat and necklace. Although they are mere material possessions, the experience and memories attached are very special to me. I shall do my best to earn feathers for them.
The next morning, The young man brought me the almost finished, immaculately soft hide to take home to smoke. He was obligated to lead the breaking of camp, so I will make sure he receives that hide.I will be smoking it today.
After breakfast, the Sunday morning service, lead by Mr. Whitefox, was a very spiritually moving event. As he played a song on his spirit flute, an osprey flew from a tree and began circling the lake and singing along. I got chills. Thank you, Creator! As we walked back to camp, Mr. Whitefox helped me to learn and pronounce a few ancient Creek words. A precious gift.
We said our goodbyes and I offered parting gifts from Nature, "honey", to all those I could catch before leaving. Mr. Talbot, upon our parting handshake, told me the date of the sweat lodge. It's an opportunity I will not miss. Mr. Whitefox gifted me back with a strong hug and the words "We are brothers in heart". Powerful words that will always move me.
Words cannot describe the feeling I have today. This is now going to be an annual event for me. I would like to see each and every one of these people again. This weekend was special. I am thankful.
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