An Introduction to Native American Spiritual Practice

This talk touches on those practices that are available to you, here in south Florida. An understanding of prayer and the canunpah (cha-nuhn-pah; sacred pipe) are basic to having a full experience when participating in ceremony and we will discuss these today. There will be comment on what ceremony is, also, as many people are not clear on this. There will also be a discussion of initi, what common cultures knows as "sweat lodge." There are a number of lodges operating in south Florida and people who come in a good way are welcome to participate in this ceremony. It's good to know something about it first, though. Bring your questions and get the answers you need.

Rick McBride is mixedblood Ani'yunwi'ya (Cherokee) who has walked the Red Road ceremonially for over 35 years. He was named Cante Lute (Schan-tay Lou-tuh) by the spirits through his sundance chief, which means Red Heart. He completed his 17th sundance on the Cheyenne River Res. in South Dakota this summer and is traditionally trained and authorized to lead ceremonies, such as inipi (purification lodge), prayer with the Canunpah (Pipe), drum healing and so forth. He has been publicly teaching these ways for over 13 years now. It has taken him years of dedicated interaction with many Elders, as well as his activities as a ceremonial leader to get to this place in his life.