My main concerns are the stories I hear from observers/supporters about inappropriate language, protocols & contact between male & female dancers. I've heard tales of hula danci g women, Heyokas every year that dress as women. To my knowledge of Sundance, as both supporter and dancer my whole life, a heyoka only appears every other year & never dressed as a woman. They represent the Wakinyan or thunder beings. The traditional Sundance was taught to my family by the late Grandfather Fools Crow. Who stayed with my grandparents while teaching us his way. So, I feel that I have a fair grasp of the requirements for a proper ceremony. Great harm can come to people if the leaders aren't properly trained. How would a coastal native become an intercessor for a ceremony that doesn't belong to the coastal peoples? He may be native, but is he legit as a medicine person or Sundance intercessor? Who trained him? Why are non-natives allowed to dance & possess eagle parts? Something doesn't add up.
