I’ve said on more than one occasion that pipes and titles are becoming something of a prop to be employed in our communities, I believe in large part AIM is responsible for this- something they’ve employed in an attempt to create a facade of personal and organizational legitimacy.
Who can forget their theatrics with pipes in courtrooms-“their” assorted sun dances and pay to pray ceremonies?
Headdresses are increasingly finding their way into the wardrobe department as well.
I can only assume they are something of a public expectation, and among those who routinely wear them there are a predictable number aware of that.
The headdress was meant to depict an honor bestowed that represented deeds of valor, notable accomplishments, an acknowledgement by peers indicative of the honor and respect shown for them-the number of feathers indicated the number of deeds. And obviously the more there were the greater the stature.
I think the general public would do well to lower their expectations of us.
On the surface that may sound like an odd thing to say but I mean it in the context of props and what are becoming costumes.
Clothes as they say don’t make the man, we shouldn’t be expected or encouraged to look as though we are answering a casting call for yet another Hollywood western.
Not everyone is a chief or medicine person, not everyone wearing a bonnet deserves to-and for sure there is no self proclaimed chief of chiefs.
Selling everything germane to the nations, like language, traditions, and ceremonies, isn’t a qualification that merits a title or a headdress. It doesn’t make anyone a warrior, chief, or medicine person.
Murdering, raping, pimping , and pillaging your own people doesn’t either.
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