What is American Indian Affairs (AIA)?
AIA is a program within the Order of the Arrow where we honor the Native American cultures. Order of the Arrow traditions began at Treasure Island Scout Camp in Delaware near the Lenape Tribe. All Lodge youth and adult members have the opportunity to participate in the following American Indian Affairs. AIA is a fun way to serve the Lodge while upholding the traditions of the Order of the Arrow. There are three areas of AIA: Ceremonies, Dancing, and Singing. All three areas also need support staff or Witschindin (Helper).
Ceremonies
The purpose of ceremonies is to provide an unforgettable experience for candidates. No matter the membership level, every Arrowman was once an Ordeal candidate, and it is likely the Arrowman remembers one of their ceremonies well. Ceremonies are part of the induction process into the Order of the Arrow that explains the Ordeal and values of the Order of the Arrow. There are 4 ceremonialist roles in each ceremony team: Allowat Sakima, Meteu, Kitchkinet, and Nutiket. Teams can be created within your chapter or a combination of people from different chapters for a Lodge wide team. Our foundational principles are brought to life for each Arrowman through stories told to him as he participates in ceremonies and as he gains greater knowledge about our order.
Contact Information:
2021 Chairman: Brandon Wallner
2021 Advisor: Dawn Leone
Email: ceremony@lodge104.net
Dance
Dancing consists of the different Native American pow wow dance styles for both men and women. Dancers learn about the dance styles, how to make dance clothing, crafts, and dance etiquette at pow wows, and of course how to dance. The lodge has many loaner sets of dance clothing prepared and ready for those interested in learning to dance. There are dance competitions for each individual style of dance and team dances at Lodge 104 Pow Wow, SR 7B Conclave, and National Order of the Arrow Conference.
Contact Information:
2021 Chairman: Bert Rudolph
2021 Dance Adviser: Donna Dragon
Email: dance@lodge104.net
Singing/Drumming
These brothers are the ones that produce the music for our celebration. Lodge 104 Drum Team is Southern style drum and that sings the songs from the Southern Plains nations. If you can keep a beat and have a voice, then join the drum.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DRUM TEAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Contact Information:
2021 Chairman: Alex Lambert
2021 Adviser: Bill Morris
Email: singing@lodge104.net
WITSCHINDIN (HELPER)
These are the brothers who help with many different tasks to make ceremonies, singing and dancing possible. One task is building the fires and setting up the ring so that the ceremonies may take place. Brothers may also serve as torch bearer during ceremonies. Others may set up sound systems and equipment. For the truly crafty person, individuals may also construct items or regalia to be used by the Lodge Ceremony Team, Dance Team, or Drum Team.
Contact Information:
2021 AIA Chairman: Hunter Jones
2021 AIA Advisor: Lucas Neas
Email: aia@lodge104.net
Important Dates:
(Click Event Name to view information)
Gentgeen: August 20 – 21, 2021
Section SR-7B AIA Seminar: (Dates to be announced, February 2022)
Carolina Indian Seminar: (Dates to be announced, January 2022)
NOAC: July 25-30, 2022