We arrive on the Friday 23rd, set up our tents and connect around our first meal together. Building the camp is our first main focus over the first day, and we will also have some time with the Sundance Chiefs, opening up aspects of our understanding of Sundance.
Between Saturday and Wednesday, we will have several opportunities to continue deepening this understanding and to prepare our inner prayers, practice drumming, signing and dancing.
The first dance of the Sundance begins at sunset on the Wednesday evening. This is a community round – everyone is encouraged to participate. After this one dance, everyone gently goes to their dreams.
On Thursday we begin at sunrise: We dance, drum, sing and meditate for 45 minutes of each hour, until sunset, with 15 minutes rest between rounds.
Friday is another full day of give-away from sunrise to sunset.
On Saturday, we begin at sunrise and the final dance ends at noon, followed by a feast in the evening.
The Ceremonial completion takes place on Sunday mid-afternoon.
All participants may dance as many rounds as they choose. Everyone is encouraged to dance, drum, sing and support the dancers with their prayers in the Sundance Lodge or in some other way that sustains the community (if you wish to drum/sing or dance many rounds, please refer to the ‘Role descriptions’ and ‘How to prepare’ in ‘Practicalities’).