A Haudenosaunee "Thanksgiving" Prayer

A Native American Pow Wow Gathering of Ladies was held Nov. 21 at the home of Danny and Pam Koch of Eunice.
The Pow Wow Gathering purpose was to share knowledge of various tribes, through ancestry, music, verse, legends, serving of natural foods, and the love of Native American jewelry and dress.
An opening ceremony was a Thanksgiving Prayer, and Thanksgiving Greeting to the Natural World, showing respect and thanking the Creator for a magnificient world, that is filled with wonderful nature.
A group prayer by Pam Koch was recited followed by a Native American Blessing Song titled, “Hepa, Hepa, Nay, Nay.”
A reception area was filled with a forest of nature depicting items from the past. Hides, shields, ornamental animal skulls and an array of Indian symbols were displayed.
A Native American flute echoed in the background and was played by Pam Koch, accompanied by Cecile Duplechain and Izetta Darbonne, brought an authenicity to special prayers and poems.
Chris Duplechain and Elaine Moosa shared Indian poems and verses while Tressie Chamberlain and Martha Guempel told of their rich Native American ancestral heritage.
Izetta Darbonne and Janice Stout shared their legends handed down from generation to generation.
Wyonna Young, Barbara Workman, and