Journey into the realm of the wolf on this unique journey into the physical and spiritual significance of the wolf to the Plains Indians. The wolf appears in sacred narratives of ceremony and origin; he is celebrated in song, and has taught and inspired hunters and warriors. Through traditional stories and explanations, and by actually entering the wolf’s domain, we learn of the power and gifts he brings to the people, and reflect upon his prominence in art and symbolism.
Arrive Billings, Montana and shuttle to hotel ready to meet the group in the morning for the start of your journey.
We experience one of the most sacred sites in the world, the Medicine Wheel atop Medicine Mountain in the Bighorns, and discuss the Massaum Ceremony, “the medicine dance of the ancients,” a beautiful and integral part of traditional Cheyenne culture in which the wolf, and the “Wolf’s Lodge,” is essential to creation, to life, and renewal in the spiritual and physical.
The wolf taught many to hunt, and would call others to share his bounty, and we learn of that tradition – of the wolf as a teacher, and how the wolf is revered in Cheyenne and other Plains cultures, to the extent that the scouts of the people – those who guide, who bring warnings and messages – are referred to as “wolves.” Within Cheyenne culture, the Bowstrings Military Society members have an ancient connection to the wolf, and we learn why the Bowstrings are called “Wolf Soldiers,” and the leader of the society the “Wolf Chief.”
Inspired by the communicative pattern of Rock Art, artists will join us at the camp for a workshop where you can create your own piece of art in a traditional way.
The spectacular Bighorn Canyon is an important cultural site for the Crow and Cheyenne, as well as a breathtaking natural wonder. Wild mustangs range in the Pryor Mountains that shadow the canyon, the descendants of Crow and Cheyenne ponies from the old days. We go in search of these mustangs, survivors from the Horse Nation’s proudest days.
At the world’s premiere museum of The West, the Buffalo Bill Historical Society, we spend time in the Plains Indian gallery to associate the spiritual with the physical exhibits of the Old Ones. The Crow and their cousins the Hidatsa gave Yellowstone its name, and on the trail of the wolf we learn that Yellowstone is Indian Country as we explore the region’s Native history. In Yellowstone, we go into the heart of wolf country as we seek the wolf, and listen for the wolf to call in the dawn. We learn of the ways of the wolf, both spiritually and scientifically.
“The Crow country is a good country. The Great Spirit has put it exactly in the right place; everything good is to be found there,” said the Crow chief Arapooish, and on this journey you will discover what he meant as you experience Crow Fair, Tipi Capital of the World, where thousands of tipis line the Little Bighorn River for arguably the most exhilarating powwow on the Plains.
What began as an invitation from the Crows to the Northern Cheyenne to foster better relations, continues to this day as a wonderful celebration of Native culture and pride, wrapped in a cascade of colors from traditional dress, song and dance. At Crow Fair you will see and hear the wolfs' presence in the sacred circle of the dance.
On Spirit of the Wolf your accommodation will ostensibly be in tipis in a traditional camp environment, with programs around the fire after dark, interspersed with those held during the day. With the moon will come the song of the coyote, and on occasion the song of the wolf. An authentic experience not to be missed.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
We don't charge people single supplements, and although we don't ask people to share hotel rooms, inevitably you may share tipis with other (suitable) tour members. We are happy to provide add-on experiences for tour members, and will make the US$ cost revisions for you. Please discuss possibilities and pricing with Sarah.
Also see tour packages in:
USA
Wyoming
Montana
Native Americans
Cultural Journey
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