-       We must prepare ourselves by cleansing or purifying our bodies and minds. Some fast for four (4) days. By not eating meat or greasy foods is a way of purifying our bodies. There are other ways of purifying our bodies. This purifying process helps us mentally, physically, and spiritually to get in tune with what is going to happen and the purpose of the traditional services. We pray to come with an open-clean mind and heart.

_        Girls and women on their monthly moon (monthly period) do not touch or hug other people, especially Elders, men, religious people, or medicine people. If you are on your monthly moon (monthly period) and are not sure who you can touch - don't touch. Girls and women on their monthly moon (monthly period) do not help with food or with serving the Elders of the men. This is a traditional way, girls and women learn to respect themselves and others by following the basic traditional ways completely. If you have any questions talk to a female elder.

_        Children must be supervised at all times. Children must be taught to be quiet, sit or stand still during traditional services, ceremonies, and dances.

-   The use of electronic recording devices, ie: cameras, camcorders, tape recorders, etc., are not permitted in the Dance Corral or Sweat lodge.

_    Dress appropriately for spiritual ceremonies, woman should wear long dresses or skirts, tops or blouses should be modest.

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Dance Corral Etiquette

 The area for dance and ceremonies is called the Dance Corral.  This area has been blessed and is considered sacred.

 -  Always Smudge before entering the Dance Corral

-  Do not walk across, instead walk around it. 

-  Children should be supervised and not be allowed to run in or around the Dance Corral.  Pets should not be taken into the dance corral.

-  Girls or woman on their monthly moon (monthly period, should not enter the Dance   Corral, go near the Sweat lodge or participate in any ceremonies or attend the Bear Dance, nor go near the Bear Dancers.  Do not touch or hug other people, especially Elders, men, or medicine people. If you are on your monthly moon (monthly period) and are not sure whoyou can touch - don't touch.  This is a traditional way, girls and women learn to respectthemselves and others by following the basic traditional ways completely. If you have any questions talk to a female elder.

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Sweat Lodge

The Sweat Lodge is a purification ceremony, it represents our mother, the earth.  The Sweat Lodge is used and respected by most of the native tribes.  It is a place to heal oneself, physically, spiritually and emotionally. It brings one close to Spirit and to feel the unity between "all of our relations".  Please be respectful when attending our ceremony for it has many spiritual and cultural representations.

When in doubt as to what to do, please ask your hosts any questions before attending the Sweat Lodge ceremony.

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