As the season began to change from summer to fall, Chief Strong Eagle pondered how he might honor those who followed the Aims, and thus promote lasting peace among the tribes. Since the time for the Cornfest was approaching, Chief Strong Eagle decided that this would also be a good time honor those who lived according to the The Aims.
One evening, the great Chief gathered the Elders of the Kiowa tribe around a great fire to tell them of his plan. "Elders of The Mighty Kiowa" Chief Strong Eagle said, "the air is cooler, and the leaves are changing color - the time of the Cornfest is near! Soon, we will journey to meet the other tribes, and together in friendship, give thanks to The Great Spirit for the bounty of the land. Since we gather with the other tribes in friendship and peace, it is only fitting that we take time at this special occasion to honor those who live according to The Aims. For many moons, I have shared the circle around our fire with those from other tribes who have come to learn The Aims.
From this Cornfest forward, each year we will gather around our fire to honor those who have learned the aims. Just as the fire is at the center of our circle, so too are The Aims at the center of how we live with our families, friends, and the land. And, just as the circle around our fire continues without end, so too does the truth of The Aims continue without end."
A few weeks later, the time of the Cornfest had arrived. Chief Strong Eagle and The Mighty Kiowa journeyed to the site of the Cornfest. Once there, Chief Strong Eagle told the other Chiefs who had gathered for the Cornfest of his intent to honor those from all tribes who lived by the Aims. On the evening of the great Cornfest bonfire, Chief Strong Eagle stood on a large boulder to address all of the people. "The Mighty Kiowa are honored to join with the many tribes gathered here in giving thanks to The Great Spirit for the bounty of the land. Many of you have come to our circle to learn our ways, and have been told of The Aims, handed down through many generations of The Mighty Kiowa. The path of life is wide and uncertain, but the path of The Aims is straight and narrow, and leads to peace and harmony with family, friends, and the land. So then, let anyone who would follow the path of The Aims be tested! Those who complete the test will have a place in the Chief's Circle of Honor. Let it be known to all tribes, that those who sit in the Chief's Circle of Honor are good, and can be trusted to seek only the best for their people!"
With that, Chief Strong Eagle took 7 of his young chiefs, each with a burning torch in hand, set out to the bonfire. Every 100 paces, he instructed one of the chiefs to remain at the spot, and moved onto the next until he had reached the site of the bonfire alone. As the people began to make their way to the bonfire, they were stopped by each chief, and were told they must recite an Aim in order to pass to the next chief. Those who successfully completed The Aims Walk were allowed to sit with Chief Strong Eagle in a special place at the bonfire. Again, Chief Strong Eagle stood and addressed the tribes. "From this day forward, let this place at the Cornfest bonfire be known as the Chief's Circle of Honor. Those who are in this circle are to be honored and respected, for they have shown their commitment to their people by completing The Aims Walk. On each of these people, I have painted my sign on their face to honor them on this occasion."
Young Kiowa Warriors! Just as Chief Strong Eagle honored those knew The Aims many moons ago, so too will I Chief Bald Eagle, honor those in our tribe who can successfully recite all seven of The Aims. Prepare for the Cornfest and The Aims walk Kiowa Warriors! If you are successful, you will receive the sign of Chief Bald Eagle painted on your face, and a great reward!
No comments:
Post a Comment