I was at a Tipi meeting at Redwind (San Luis Obispo, California) when I heard for the second time that year about the all White-man Sundance in Ashland Oregon, and that Wallace Black Elk was the intercessor. In the meeting this white guy had given a woman some cedar from where he said he had just gotten through dancing. I cornered him in the morning and asked about the dance. He thought that maybe he was in trouble with this Indian person (me). I told him that I wanted to know how to get there so I could support the dance. It was Wallace’s vision to eventually have all four races in the arbor so that all in this world would be better.
The next year Ernie Rainbow (Apache) from Mt. Hood, and I were the oldest dancers, and the only Indians at the Sundance besides Wallace. Ernie and I shared that vision with Wallace. Unfortunately Ernie passed on (at 57 years) and was unable to finally see the four races dance together in that arbor. My good friend Brave Buffalo, who came along later to support, was also unable to see all four races dance together. We were all the same age, but I was blessed to live and see the four races dance together – just as Wallace had envisioned it.
Later, I sat with Martin High Bear (as my Elder) watching this powerful prayer. There is for me many hard and good memories of the Pilot Rock Sundance It has been worth all of the effort. So many Brothers and Sisters that have danced, helped and supported, carried water and chopped wood.
Aho, Fred Wahpepah