The Grand Shaman approaches.... |
Grand Shaman and White Eagle circa 1991. |
The Grand Shaman loves Market Basket pizza! |
| Summary | A listing of the activities and participants involved in a typical weekly council fire. |
| The Players | A summary of the key participants and occassional special guests who run the ceremonies. |
| Feather Fire | The most sacred council fire of the year where the prestigious white and black feathers are awarded to those deserving braves. |
| Qualities | The qualities of a white and black feather winner. |
| Song | The Council Fire Song |
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The Grand Shaman approaches.... |
Grand Shaman and White Eagle circa 1991. |
The Grand Shaman loves Market Basket pizza! |
Summary: The council fire begins with White Bear calling the respective teams to enter the council fire. The teams enter in the order of how they placed from the prior year's team competition. The tribe of Paugus (i.e the Staff) are already present. White Bear explains the rules of the Council Fire, and then calls upon two Paugus members to lead in games. Following the games, additional Paugus members lead the group in song.
| White Bear | The "Master of Ceremonies" |
| White Eagle | The half-brother of White Bear. White Eagle serves as the interpreter of the Grand Shaman and travels with the Grand Shaman's entourage. |
| Grand Shaman | The Great Chieftain. The Grand Shaman speaks only through sign language that is repeated in spoken words by White Eagle. It is generally accepted that the Grand Shaman lost his voice in a hunting accident. The Grand Shaman presents the word of the week, calls upon the Great Spirit to light the council fire, observes team presentations, listens to nature reports, listens to reports on the word of the week, and presents special awards on occassion. |
| The Four Winds | The swift and howling messengers of the Grand Shaman who present the qualities of the white and black feather. At the Feather Fire ceremony, they assist with the presentation of the feathers. |
| Flaming Zephyr | An occassional guest who enters the ceremony for the sole purpose of lighting the council fire. In what is usually a spectacular moment, the Zephyr runs in carrying a torch, breathes fire, and awaits the lighting of the fire. The flaming zephyr may light the fire manually in certain situations. |
| Torch Bearer | A member of the Grand Shaman's entourage helping to light the path at night. |
| White Wolf | A one time visitor (circa 1989) who called upon the Braves of Owatonna to shape up. |
Feather Fire: The sixth council fire is when the prestigious white and black feathers are awarded. The fire includes the presence of the Four Winds. Upon the Grand Shaman's exit, no talking is allowed until the following morning.
| White Feather | 1. A white feather winner contributes effectively
to his team. He is a conscientious worker and strives to reach all
team goals.
2. A white feather winner contributes effectively to his cabin. He is unselfish and recognizes the cabin's needs before his own. 3. A white feather winner contributes effectively on trips. He accepts more than his share of responsibilities and works harmoniously with all. 4. A white feather winner effectively uses Christian Science. He is honest and consistent in his daily application. |
| Black Feather | 1. A black feather winner has outstanding
athletic ability.
2. A black feather winner is versatile. He excels in all sports. 3. A black feather winner expresses humility. He recognizes the ability of others and knows that his ability comes from God. 4. A black feather winner expresses good sportsmanship. In winning he is gracious, in losing he recognizes gain. |
| The Council Fire Song
By the blazing council fire's light, we have met
in comradeship tonight
Taps Day is Done
|