35th Annual Afraid of Bear - American Horse Sun Dance

Dear Sun Dancers, Relatives, Friends and Supporters,

Here we are two months from Tree Day at the Black Hills summit and time to review tasks before us.

All was going well until we discovered weeks ago that two of our longtime supporters are unable to help our Sun Dance this year. One of our longest and strongest supporters, a charity in Scotland, has been on shutdown status and is non-operational. They had assisted us with $15,000 last year and $10,000 for each ceremony before that, starting in 1998. https://www.onaway.org/projects/sun-dance/

And another past funder from CA is unable, so far, to help us this year. This puts us at a disadvantage for upcoming tasks. Fortunately, we still have proposals under consideration and expect (hope) for positive word back on those.

Meanwhile, we must renew and invigorate efforts like last year to find support; particularly through GoFundMe, our website and individuals that, last year, contributed over $30,000.

Among so much going on in preparation for the dance, here’s what I’m asking from the dancers this year: prepare and bring 405 willow sticks and 405 red tobacco ties for the dance perimeter. These are offerings to each spirit in our world that has to do with human life. Give those a gift and they’ll give you attention. Fundamental.

Keep to ceremonies, prayer and physical exercise as often as you can. All are essential.

Our prayers and offerings accompany you. Clear to the Tree.

Tom & Loretta Cook

(With thanks to Bill Arena, our Facebook admin, for posting our updates on FB)