International Sundance
”The essence of this International Sundance was granted by the Great Spirit thousands of generations
ago to our sacred and holy ancestors. It has been enhanced by the guidance and direction of
the Great Spirit through many humbling ceremonies to this time and day.”
- Frank Settee, Cree/Ojibwe/Lakota Elder
Ceremonial Elder & Grandfather of the International Sundance
The Sixth Annual International Sundance - August 21-25, 2012
Vision: The International Sundance is the manifestation of a vision carried for many, many generations by a highly-respected traditional Lakota family. It is an extraordinary gathering of family from the four directions in sacred ceremony to honor the Great Spirit, our Mother Earth, and all life. It is a powerful time of prayer for personal and community healing, peace, guidance, and to restore balance between female and male energies. This annual gathering is so unique because Elders from indigenous cultures around the globe come together to add their traditional ceremonies and teachings to the time-honored wisdom and practices of the traditional Sundance of the first peoples of North America.
Since its inception in 2007, the International Sundance has been held on sacred ground in Montana, Hawai’i and in South Australia. International Sundance ceremonies will take place in Montana from 2012-2014. Then in coming years, International Sundance will travel to different locations including Asia, Central America, Africa & Europe. Each one-of-a-kind gathering will honor the traditions, ceremonies and wisdom of the host cultures as well as those of the traditional Sundance and other international participants.
Traditional Sundance: The Sundance is a very sacred ceremony, and central to the culture of the first peoples of the Northern Plains. It has been conducted every summer for thousands of years to honor the Great Spirit and to pray for the well-being and protection of the people.
The ceremonies take place outdoors on sacred land. A circular Arbor is constructed around a central Sundance Tree. Rounds of dancing and prayer, accompanied by traditional drumming and singing, continue for four days inside the Arbor around the sacred Tree. Sundancers fast from food and water for four days while they dance and pray. Supporters and helpers do not fast; however, they fully participate in the ceremony through prayer and service to the community. As one experiences the spirit of the Sundance, a feeling of cleansing & rebirth often occurs as a result of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges inherent in the Sundance ceremony. Everyone has the opportunity to take the life-changing teachings and unique experiences gained with them to practice and share with others in their lives.
Prior Sundances: During the first five International Sundances held 2007-2011, several hundred participants, including dozens of indigenous Elders, gathered from places as diverse as Australia, India, Japan, Siberia, Guatemala, Sweden, Hawaii, Canada and the U.S. to share teachings, sacred ceremonies and to pray together for understanding and peace among all peoples. All who took part in the first two International Sundances were profoundly moved by the shared feeling of community and unity of purpose co-created during these sacred events. The vast majority of participants stated afterwards that their experiences and personal healing gained at the International Sundances changed them forever, and that they are committed to participating again in future years.
Sundance Participants
Elders & Honored Guests from indigenous cultures across the Americas, Australia, Hawaii, Asia, and other areas share traditional ceremonies, teachings and healing prayers.
Sundancers commit to four days of dancing and prayer without food or water. Their sacrifices are made as an offering to Great Spirit along with their prayers for healing for the people and the Earth.
Supporters & Helpers are essential participants in Sundance. It is a time to be of service, and to practice what we wish to create in the world including honor and respect for the land, ourselves and each other.
International Sundance 2012
The Sixth Annual International Sundance will be held August 21-25, 2012 in Montana on beautiful, pristine land that is home to abundant wildlife including a growing herd of native buffalo and Mustang Paint horses. We’re expecting approximately 200-300 participants, including several indigenous Elders from Guatemala, Australia, Hawaii, Canada, U.S.A., and possibly Africa, Asia and South America, at this year’s International Sundance in Montana.
On-site Preparation Dates:
August 6 – 17, 2012: Prepare the grounds and Arbor; construct Inipi (sweat lodge); set-up tipis, camp, kitchen and other facilities.
August 18-20, 2012: Elders, Leaders, Sundancers & Supporters arrive (if not earlier), attend orientation & participate in cleansing Inipi ceremonies. Participants must be at the Sundance grounds with camp set-up by sunset on Monday, August 20, 2012.
Ceremony Dates: Tuesday, August 21 – Saturday, August 25, 2012
August 21, 2012: Tree Day – all participants help with final preparations, and help transport and put-up sacred Sundance Tree.
August 22 – 25, 2012: Four days of Sundancing, ceremonies conclude with a community feast on Saturday afternoon, August 25th.
August 26-27, 2012: Clean-up and depart the Sundance grounds.
Please note: In honor of this sacred place, every effort will be made to minimize the human impact on the land including limiting the number of attendees. For example, we will pack in and pack out again all supplies and facilities required to conduct the ceremonies and to accommodate and feed the participants. Also, we use biodegradable and ecologically responsible materials wherever possible while on site. Not only will participants experience the rare and seldom-shared traditional wisdom teachings provided, but they also will have the opportunity to learn, first-hand, skills necessary for living sustainably and in harmony with the natural environment.
Participation in International Sundance ceremonies is by invitation only. If you would like to participate in the ceremonies as a Sundancer or Supporter, or have questions about International Sundance and how you can help, please Contact Us. We look forward to hearing from you!
For more specific information…
Sundancers: please click here Sundancers Preparations
Supporters: please click here _____ add link…
What’s Needed
International Sundance is a community ceremony. We receive no government funding to cover the costs associated with conducting the ceremonies, and rely on the financial support of the Sundance participants and greater community to provide:
* Travel costs, food & housing for our Elders, Leaders & Drum Group.
* Ceremonial supplies and housing for our Sundancers.
* Tools, building supplies and equipment to prepare the Sundance grounds, maintain the Sundance Arbor, build an Inipi (sweat lodge), provide kitchen & washing facilities, and portable restrooms for 200-300 people.
How You Can Help
1. Please make a tax-deductible donation to help cover the costs of conducting the ceremonies by choosing one of the following options:
Option A. to make a one-time donation via PayPal, credit card or e-check, please click on the Donate button below:
Option B. to make monthly donations via PayPal, credit card or e-check, please select one of the following Subscribe options:
The $50.00 subscription lasts for 5 months. After 5 months you will not be charged again. Your total donation will be $250.00 USD.
The $75.00 subscription lasts for 4 months. After 4 months you will not be charged again. Your total donation will be $300.00 USD.
The $100.00 subscription lasts for 3 months. After 3 months you will not be charged again. Your total donation will be $300.00 USD.
2. Volunteer
We need volunteers to help:
* construct facilities, and gather and transport supplies BEFORE the Sundance.
* with fundraising and gathering necessary supplies needed to conduct the ceremonies.
* DURING the Sundance by assisting Elders, preparing food, supporting the Sundancers, etc.
If you would like to volunteer your skills, supplies, equipment and your time to help out, please Contact Us.
3. In-kind Items Needed
Thank you for your support for International Sundance 2012!
