Our four sessions last week with author Margaret Coel were fascinating, informative, and fun.  "Auntie Margaret," as the children now call her, has written a series of murder mysteries that take place on the Wind River Reservation, which borders Ring Lake Ranch.  Her main characters are the Jesuit priest at the Mission on the reservation and an Arapaho attorney who works tirelessly on behalf of her people.  And speaking of tireless, Margaret researches her material with exquisite care and writes with great attention to the context of her stories.  (Her first book is a work of nonfiction about Chief Left Hand, one of the great chiefs of the Arapaho.  Look for it this fall in a church library near you!) 

On Thursday, Margaret led us onto the reservation to observe the last day of preparation for the Sun Dance, the Arapaho Nation's most important yearly gathering.  Having been cleared by a security detail to ascertain that we did not carry recording devices, cameras, or sketch pads, (they are determined that their sacred rituals will not end up being cheapened, imitated, or spoofed on youtube) we were permitted to watch as the center lodgepole was brought into the Sun Dance grounds.  All traffic was stopped, everyone removed hats, and silence fell over the whole area while the center pole entered on a flatbed truck.  With the aid of a backhoe, it was unloaded next to the site of its position.  

Next, a group of warriors (that's what they called them) on horseback simulated battle at the four corners of the Sun Dance grounds.  They would skirmish for a bit, then gallop off to the next point.  Having symbolically secured the grounds, they filed by, on horseback, and slapped the centerpole four times each with their quirt, rope or reins.  Those ceremonies completed, we took our leave.  Those who had "pledged the Sun Dance" and prepared for a full year were to enter the fully constructed lodge on Friday at sunset and dance until sunset tonight (Sunday.)  The Sun Dance is an offering of thanksgiving to the Creator, as well as a prayer for sustenance and security.  The entire nation prays, feasts, and supports the dancers in any way that they can.  

Margaret also took us to the St. Stephens Mission (St. Francis, in the novels) where we saw the beautiful sanctuary, built and decorated by the Arapaho people.  We then visited the grave of Sacajawea, outside of Ft. Washakie.  I took very careful notes of the sessions on Arapaho spirituality that Margaret led--perhaps one day you would like to hear about the beliefs and rituals of this remarkable people!