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Videos of the Week

Shoshone-Bannock History in Idaho
PART I OF II: 2008's historic Idaho Democratic Convention, held in Boise, ID, June 12-14, invited Idaho Native American Tribal members from the Shoshone-Bannock/Fort Hall, Shoshone-Paiute/Duck Valley, Nez Perce, and Coeur D'Alene tribal communities to take an active part in the convention activities. On June 12th, the Idaho AFL-CIO hosted a Democratic picnic for convention goers. Mr. Ted Howard, Cultural Resource Director, Duck Valley, spoke to picnic participants about the Shoshone-Paiute-Bannock history in the Boise Valley area. 9:49 minutes.

Part II-Grand Entry, Flag Ceremony and Recessional
All convention tribal members participated in the grand entry at the beginning of the June 13th Idaho Democratic Convention gathering followed by a flag ceremony and presentation by Mr. Lee Juan Tyler, Council Member, Shoshone-Bannock/Fort Hall community. Fort Hall and Duck Valley singers and drummers played songs for the grand entry, flag ceremony and recessional.
9:59 minutes

Native American Prophecy
Narrated by the late Floyd RedCrow Westerman 6:36 minutes

7 Generations
Elder Orin Lyons talks about preparing for the next 7 generations. 8:43 minutes

Culture-> Indian Symbols: Fetishes and their character meanings

Posted on Tuesday, May 31 @ 11:22:29 PDT

Prized for their "down to earth" beauty and spiritual renewal, fetishes have long been an important part of Native American culture.

Stumble It!

When a fetish maker prays over his created work, a mystical power is believed to be released which can assist him in finding a solution to his present problems.

All Southwestern tribes make and use fetishes. However, the Zuni people have developed a reputation for being skillful carvers.

Fetishes offer good luck, protection and hunting guidance from the inner spirit of each carved animal.

It is essential that the owner of any given fetish care for his carving. It should be given proper administration and regular feeding. Fetishes are believed to feed on cornmeal. The better the fetish is treated, the better it's overall performance.

There are six cardinal guardian fetishes which are symbolic of the six directions. The first is a mountain lion, which represents the North. The South belongs to the badger, the West to the bear, while the East goes to the wolf. Additionally, the mole guards the inner earch, while the eagle protects the heavenly regions.

Fetishes and their Characteristics

Armadillo	slow, sure animal. no hurry - gets things right. keeper of the home.
Badger	the ability to reach a desired goal
Bear	strength, inner power to perceive ones present circumstances
Beaver	progressive builder, one who promotes family unity
Buffalo	steadfast endurance to rise above one's weakness
Coyote	the ability to laugh at oneself, humor
Eagle	a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems, a connection to the Divine
Fox	camouflage, protection
Frog	for centuries able to petition the spririts to bring forth abundant rain
Horned Toad	self-reliance, longevity in life. conservation of native bounty.
Horse	one of only two fetishes that have innate healing powers
Mole	keeper of the underground. amplifies connections with the earth.
Mountain Lion	leadership, resourcefulness
Owl	keeper of the night. controls the dark side of nature. wise, smart, patient and endurance of mind.
Ram	used to procure an increase of herds
Raven	this bird's beak is scratched across an afflicted person's skull releasing it's healing powers
Snake	a powerful fetish symbolizing life, death and rebirth
Turtle	a symbol of long, meaningful life
Wolf	teacher, path finder on the never ending journey for survival