Ampa'o'win, Day Break Star Woman,(Deloria Many Grey Horses) with her Auntie's Deloria Bighorn and Faith Spotted Eagle at the conclusion of the Four Day Isnati Awicadowanpi (Coming of Age Ceremony) and initiation into the Cante Ohitka Okodakiciye ( Brave Heart Society ).
In days gone by the Brave Hearts would accompany the Ihanktowan Warriors into battle to carry the dead and wounded off the battlefield. They continue to be committed to the death to stand up for, protect and serve the People.
Young women and their beloved supporters from different Indigenous Tribes and Nations participate in this Sacred Ceremony and Society each summer on the Yankton Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. They are, also, committed to sharing this Ceremony and Society with other Indigenous Tribes and Nations.
My great thanksgiving and utmost love and respect are given to my younger sister Faith Spotted Eagle and those devoted relatives who have supported her over the years, and the Brave Hearts for all their dedicated work and service over the past 16 years since this Sacred Society and Coming of Age Ceremony was patiently revived after 100 years of pausing!
