Every tribe has its great one. Those who early learn the wisdom of the tribe and with the years add to that wisdom, they become the wise ones. Also they becomes finally full of years, a time when they must expect a summons from the Great Spirit.

Our Great Prophet, Hiawatha, has heard the message brought by the Thunderbird for him.

Hiawatha comes to our Grand Council now to bid us farewell and we too say our farewell and safe journey as he faces the Weeyopeeata, the sunset wind, and begins to journey to the Great Spirit.

Enter Hiawatha

At the end of the Ranger Reports there is a pause – Hiawatha stands at the entrance

Hiawatha speaks – “Wa Kon Tanka ____________”

Chief “Klahowya Hiawatha and welcome to our council.” Hiawatha sits in his teepee – a small pitch fire is lit in front of Hiawatha by the Games Chief.

The games proceed.

At the conclusion of the Games the Chief stands and says – “Every tribe has its great ones such as Hiawatha who has come to our council tonight. Many moons have passed since Hiawatha was a young brave like many of you. Through the years he acquired much wisdom and many skills which he has passed on to us. We will always be indebted to him for his gifts to us and we shall always remember him in our stories and our songs. Now Hiawatha has heard the call of the Great Spirit who beckons him to the Happy Hunting Ground, and he has joined us for the last time so that he and we may bid farewell.”

Chief helps Hiawatha to the front of the fire. Then the three Mourners stand and move to the South side of the fire and sit.

Hiawatha “O Chief and braves I Hiawatha have heard the call ______________”

Hiawatha sings at entrance “Mourn ye not …

Mourners “Fare thee well then Hiawatha
Fare thee well
O fare the well forever
Sinks the sun
Our prophet goeth onward
Fare thee well
May stars shine on thy journey
O Hiawatha
Through shadows everlasting.”

Hiawatha – back 100 yards from the entrance sings. “Mourn ye not …”

Mourners “Fare thee well …”

Pause

Chief steps forward – “Are there any among you who would like to volunteer to take the tests required in order to earn a place on the Grand Council to take the place of the Great Hiawatha?”

First Mourner “O Chief (e.g.) I, Jamie of the Silver Snails wish to take the tests to replace the Great Hiawatha.”

Second Mourner “O Chief, I Mike of the Small Ones accept the challenge.”

Third Mourner “O Chief, I Kevin of the Far Wandering Ones wish to try to earn a place on the Grand Council.”

Chief – Go then, and take your fire making equipment – your bow and arrows and go to the high places.

There you shall need a lonely vigil staying by your fire day and night awaiting the message from Wakonda carried to you by the Thunderbird.

And if the sounds of the animals such as the wolves or bears, or the sounds of the thunder in the skies should make your blood cold remember our tribal player and call to the Great Spirit for courage and strength.

Now leave and when you have heard the message or seen the Vision Splendid return to us and we shall know that you have been chosen to take Hiawatha’s place on our Grand Council.

Our Prophet has left.

Is there any Chief among you who thinks he can become wise enough to take his place on our Grand Council?

Stand then and hear the instructions for the testing.

Take your weapons, and your fire-making instruments and go to the high places.

There keep a vigil after the manner of our tribe and wait for the Great Spirit to instruct you in the ways of a wise one.

And when your spirit is troubled or the dangers of the night bring fear to your hearts, raise your voice in prayer to the Great Spirit.

Go now and listen for the messages carried by the Thunderbird, Messenger of the Great Spirit.