1. 2 years ago 

   The Wolf Ceremony

   
   

   I wanted to give something of my past to my grandson.  So I took him into the woods, to a quiet spot.  Seated at my feet he listened as I told him of the powers that were given to each creature.  He moved not a muscle as I explained how the woods had always provided us with food, homes, comfort, and religion. He was awed when I related to him how the wolf became our guardian, and when I told him that I would sing the sacred wolf song over him, he was overjoyed.

   In my song, I appealed to the wolf to come and preside over us while I would perform the wolf ceremony so that the bondage between my grandson and the wolf would be lifelong.

   I sang.
   In my voice was the hope that clings to every heartbeat.

   I sang.
   In my words were the powers I inherited from my forefathers.

   I sang.
   In my cupped hands lay a spruce seed— the link to creation.

   I sang.
   In my eyes sparkled love.

   I sang.
   And the song floated on the sun’s rays from tree to tree.

   When I had ended, it was if the whole world listened with us to hear the wolf’s reply. We waited a long time but none came.

   Again I sang, humbly but as invitingly as I could, until my throat ached and my voice gave out.  All of a sudden I realized why no wolves had heard my sacred song.  There were none left!  My heart filled with tears.  I could no longer give my grandson faith in the past, our past.

   At last I could whisper to him: ” It is finished!”

   “Can I go home now?” He asked, checking his watch to see if he would still be in time to catch his favorite program on TV.

   I watched him disappear and wept in silence.   All is finished!

   Chief Dan George

   Born - July 24, 1899

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