Wolf Dance - Chief Dan George

www.firstpeople

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 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 favourite program on TV. I watched him disappear and wept in silence. All is finished!

I had a dream once of a sacred ceremony and it was told to me that it was known as the Wolf Dance. I wondered for the longest time what kind of meaning it had for me. Then one day I was searching online for some Legends and I came upon this poem that was written by Chief Dan George; He has been a person that has recurred in dreams, poems and visions throughout my life. I did get my answer and I know that I am on the right path. Our children are our future and they need a lot of guidance...Moe