The Lakota Sundance Ceremony is a very sacred ceremony that requires quiet attention and prayerful respect in your participation, and we ask that you observe some basic etiquette when participating.  You never know what to expect at Sundance, and nothing but the experience gives you this knowledge.  Should you decide to attend, please read this information even if you have attended a traditional Native American ceremony in the past.  Be open to learn and observe, do not assume you know.  We want to always be respectful.

Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself in advance, so that your energy at Sundance may be directed toward the purpose of Sundance.

What is a Lakota Sundance?

The Sundance is one of the Seven Sacred Ceremonies given to the Lakota people. Sundance is a ceremony that represents life and rebirth. Sundance is a New Year ceremony celebrated in the summer, usually on a full moon. It is a very powerful and sacred ceremony that has withstood severe oppression many times since it was given to the People. It was once exclusively Lakota, but has become a ceremony employed by many other American Indian tribes. Each tribe has its own variation of Sundance.  

The focus of this Ceremony is one prayer: healing for the Mother Earth. We are praying for all humanity. We are giving thanks for all the good things that the Creator has given to us.  

The Lakota Wimmin’s Sundance lasts 8 days. The first four days are spent in purification, ridding oneself of physical and emotional wastes, and preparing for the Creator’s help and blessing. The last four days are the ones in which the dancing and most of the Ceremony take place.  

What is an "Inipi"?

The Inipi, or Sweat Lodge, is the way we pray to the Creator. The Sweat Lodge is the purification process, which begins and ends all Lakota Ceremonies. The lodge represents the womb of our Mother Earth, and when we crawl out at the end of the Inipi Ceremony, it is like a rebirth.  

About Beverly Little Thunder

The birth mother of the Wimmin’s Sundance is Beverly Little Thunder. Beverly began dancing 35 years ago. Until 1987, Beverly was a Lakota Sundance leader and recognized as a respected female in the traditional Sundance community. When Beverly came out as a "two-spirit" womon, she was asked to leave her traditional Sundance family. Seeking guidance, Beverly approached a female elder. The elder’s wisdom led Beverly to envision a variation of the traditional Lakota Sundance: a ceremony of strength and empowerment generated by women.

The Wimmin’s Sundance is a vision, rooted within traditional Lakota culture; however, Beverly’s vision imagined change in some traditional protocol. In traditional Lakota ceremonies, women are inferior to men. In addition, only participants able to prove their Native American heritage are allowed privileges such as facilitating Inipi Ceremonies, beating the Sacred Drum, entering the Arbor, and becoming a Sundancer.

The vision gifted to Beverly portrayed women, Native American and from other descents, fulfilling the roles of Sundance in a careful and nurturing way.  

Presently, Beverly is living on 101 acres of land in Vermont where the ceremony will be held. Beverly’s vision is to build a community for women of Native descent to have space to honor the ceremonies of their ancestors. The land will be held in trust for future generations to care for, and continue the Wimmin’s Sundance Ceremony.  

What is the difference between a "Sundancer" and a "Supporter"?

At this time, Sundancers are women of native descent who dedicate their year to prayer and preparation to dance for the People and for Mother Earth, and have attended Sundance Ceremony for at least four years. During Sundance, dancers have two roles. During purification, a Sundancer’s role is to work alongside the supporters: preparing the Arbor, Sweat Lodges, assembling the tipi and kitchen area. During the Ceremony, Sundancers become selfless beings. They pray for everyone on the Earth, except themselves.  

During purification, Sundancers are preparing to enter the world of the spirits. During this time, Sundancers are expected to enter the Sweat Lodge each morning and evening. Sundancers may choose to limit their conversation, in preparation for the Ceremony.  

The Sundancer’s role is to sacrifice their needs for the good of the People. During the Ceremony, Sundancers are isolated from the community of supporters, fast from food and water, and speak only to the Creator, through prayer.  

Supporters are community members who provide the structure and logistics for the Ceremony. There is much physical work involved in the Ceremony, as well as in the healing and prayer of the Ceremony. This includes, but is not limited to: drumming, fire keeping, preparing meals, woodcutting, preparing the arbor, singing and prayerful observation of the Ceremony.

Supporters are expected to enter the Sweat Lodge at least once a day. Supporters are the vitality of the ceremony. Each supporter will be expected to participate in all aspects of the Ceremony; to the extent she is able.  

Supporters will refrain from all mind-altering substances including marijuana, peyote and alcohol for four days prior to arriving on Sundance Land. Supporters must remain drug and alcohol free until after your final departure. Drug or alcohol use of any kind is prohibited while attending Sundance.

What support will I receive as a supporter?

All women who are attending for the first time will be assigned a mentor upon your arrival at Sundance.  The mentor will provide support by answering questions that arise and introducing you to the Sundance Supporters Council.

The Supporters Council is a small group of women who have attended the Wimmin’s Sundance for many years, and have made the Ceremony a part of their lives. The wimmin who sit on this Council have extensive knowledge about Wimmin’s Sundance protocol. These wimmin will be a resource for you and/or your mentor. Most importantly, the Supporters Council’s primary goal is to maintain peace in the energy that surrounds Sundance.  

Getting There

The nearest major town is Burlington, VT. There are several options regarding transportation: Burlington International Airport, Greyhound Bus Station, or personal vehicles. Arrangements can be made to transport wimmin to and from Burlington, VT. Arrangements must be made at least two weeks prior to your arrival. When making your arrangements, please have your arrival and departure time, flight/bus number and any connecting flight information that is available. Please be prepared to compensate the organizers for gas money.  

Arriving On the Land

Wimmin are welcome and needed to come early and stay after the Ceremony to assist with set-up and clean up. We especially need women to stay Monday and Tuesday for clean up after ceremony; this will help both the Ceremony and your transitional time. Please let us know in advance the dates you will be able to attend this will allow us to plan meals.

There is never a charge for ceremony. Your contribution of $20 - $35 per day of attendance, sent in with your registration, pays for 3 meals per day and snacks, propane, wood, paper products, wood chips and many other camp supplies and services. If you are unable to meet the suggested minimum contribution, please contact us prior to the registration deadline. There are limited funds available to assist with travel expenses for Native Wimmin wishing to attend for the first time. Please write for more information.  

Once onsite, be prepared to camp out. There is a 20X40 bunk tent for those women who do not have their own tent; but a bedroll is a must. There is water available for bathing, and there are outhouses. Solar showers will be available, we ask you to bring a solar shower if possible. There will be drinking water available, but if possible, bring some drinking water for yourself.  

Registration

Registration forms are available online.  When mailing your registration, and contribution, please include a self addressed stamped envelope. More detailed information such as directions and a recommended list of supplies will be sent to wimmin who register. Your registration must be received no later than June 25th.  

Please send all registrations with contributions to:

Wimmin’s Sundance 2009
P.O Box 55
Huntington, VT. 05462
802.434.5359