The Revenge of Dead Horse Canyon

"The last Massaum was over a century ago. It is the earth-giving ceremony. It must be held." Eaglefeathers got up to fetch a few more logs for the fire. Embers spit sparks, a trickle of flames greeting the additions.

Charlie was speechless as his mind spun. What was the Massaum?

"You, Littlewolf, will restore these ceremonies to their original truth," his grandfather went on as he sat back down.

Charlie smiled, remembering how his bones used to creak as an old man.

"That will unite the Cheyenne people," Eaglefeathers continued. "That alone assures our future." He paused, searching Charlie's face. "What is wrong, grandson?"

"I don't even know what that is," he admitted, feeling stupid.

"Of course we will teach you how. That is why you are here."

Intimidation washed over him at the weight it carried. He had no idea where to start. Fulfilling his destiny would take the rest of his life. No wonder Eaglefeathers attempted to train him at such a young age.

His grandfather continued, "Sweet Medicine Spirits, the maiyun, tell me the Earth Mother is impatient. She is tired of being abused and exploited by evil people. Our brothers in other tribes are being given this same message. They, too, must unite. Set aside all foolish contention."

Charlie inhaled sharply as he recognized a connection. "In two moons a Peace Gathering of Indigenous Leaders is planned on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. White Wolf is in charge," he said. "That will be part of this, yes?"

"Yes," Eaglefeathers agreed. "It will be key in uniting the tribes. After it ends in Montana, a special ceremony will be held with the same chiefs and medicine men on the sacred ground at Dead Horse Canyon. If we unite within our tribe and with our indigenous brothers, Maheo and the Earth Mother will reward us by restoring all that was promised."

Skepticism rankled his mind at something so idealistic. With all due respect to his grandfather, such unification sounded too good to be true. He knew from his upbringing there were similarities in beliefs between tribes. Similar prophesies along with much that could be considered common ground. The sweat lodge, variations of the Sun Dance, medicine wheel, as well as ceremonial fasting, sometimes referred to by other tribes as a vision quest.

Differences, however, even if minor, were what caused division. Bickering like Christian churches, which likewise strayed from their original teachings. Each tribe believed their way was right, all others wrong. Such as what he witnessed growing up between his Diné mother and Cheyenne father.

While he didn't want to be disrespectful and argue, he had serious doubts any such thing could occur.

"How can all tribes come together and agree to anything?" he asked. "Even our own medicine men and forty-four Old Man Chiefs don't always agree."

Eaglefeathers nodded. "You are correct. What all people don't realize, Littlewolf, is that Maheo does not expect all our brothers from other nations to agree with one another. Only settle divisions within their own tribe by returning to original ceremonies, then show respect and tolerance for those with different beliefs. Our actions demonstrate our beliefs, but what matters most is our intent. What is in our heart. Arguing and contention must stop."

Charlie's posture reflected his confusion. "I always wondered who was right, my mother or father. So there is not only one way to live that is correct?"

Dark eyes drilled into his own. "That is true, grandson. When Motseyoef, now known as Sweet Medicine, received instructions from Maheo how Tseteshestahese people should live, other tribes received similar directions from the person who would become their spiritual leader. Each tribe's message was slightly different, though all indigenous peoples have some practices in common. Beliefs are absorbed into each tribe's culture. Differences in interpretation are inevitable."

Fascinated by the concept, he pondered what that might entail. "First, each tribe is to return to what they were originally told?"

"Yes and no." Eaglefeathers eyes assumed a pensive look. "For most ceremonies, yes. In some cases we will share our beliefs and ceremonies that have meaning others may wish to adopt. What is most important is to peacefully agree."

Charlies mind rumbled, conflicting ideas bouncing like arrows missing their mark. "We have been greatly humbled since Vehoe stole our land," he said. "It is no wonder our traditions likewise disappeared as we struggled to survive."

Eaglefeathers nodded agreement. "That is why we will invite other tribes to participate in the Massaum and teach them the ceremony, if they desire. They may have their own version already."

Charlie blinked, again confused. "I have never heard of the Massaum. What is it?"

His grandfather's dark eyes acquired a distant look, as if looking back in time. "It is thousands of years old and, as far as I know, unique to the Cheyenne. But it should draw interest from our indigenous brothers as the earth-giving ceremony. We have had such gatherings for many years and learned from one another."

"Like pow-wows?"

"No. Pow-wows are social events. These gatherings are of a spiritual nature studying our glorious past and future destiny as a people. Not just the Cheyenne, but all tribes. In the beginning, our beliefs were more alike. Over time and with Vehoe trying to destroy us, many were lost. We will compare our beliefs with other tribes and seek common ground. Some may have remembered what others lost."

Eaglefeathers shook his head with sadness. "Everything Sweet Medicine said would happen came about. Some of it was our fault. We didn't listen. It is time to unite in peace. Only then will the Earth Mother and Maheo restore what was lost."

Charlie likewise stood when Eaglefeathers got up and rose to his full height, slightly taller than Charlie. "There is much to do and little time."