The History and Culture of the Spirit Lake Dakota
Introduction of new dance called “Penny Dance” on the Sioux reservation, was regarded as objectionable.
The Honorable, The Secretary of the Interior.
Sir:
I have the honor to enclose herewith a communication dated March 10, last, from John Strait, an Indian of the Devils Lake reservation, North Dakota, with reference to a new dance introduced on that reservation by certain Indians which is known as the penny dance, or ticketless dance, the later meaning those to whom free rations had been discontinued. I also enclose a communication dated March 22, last, from Miss M.C. Collins, missionary of the Congregational church on the Standing Rock reservation with reference to the same dance which she, Miss Collins, states has been introduced on the Sioux reservations and which is very detrimental to the Indians, and in her opinion should be prohibited. Miss Collins also states that Rev. Mr. Delorio, [sic] who is the Protestant Episcopal missionary on the Standing Rock reservation, together with Wakutamani and Weasel Bear, who are very progressive Indians, have requested her to report this fact to the proper authorities.
In this connection I desire to submit that, while recognizing at the same time, as their friend, feel everything tending to retard their progress should be discouraged and even prohibited…….
With kind regards, I am
Yours very sincerely
James McLaughlin (McLaughlin Papers 28: 508-509).
Return letter to Mary Collins:
Miss M. C. Collins June 8, 1908
Little Eagle, SD
Dear Miss Collins:
“…………As to the penny or No Ticket dance recently introduced on the Sioux reservation, I know the evil that might result from such among a people in the transition stage of the Sioux, and while regarding the Lakotas as a very superior tribe, at the same time know them to be very excitable and easily carried away and enthused by any new fad, no matter how absurd, so long as it approximates pleasures they enjoyed unrestrained in their old freedom.
I have stated my views regarding this new dance very clearly in my endorsement’s and, while believing that the Indians should be allowed to amuse themselves in a reasonable manner, I at the same time, as their friend, feel that everything standing to retard their progress should be discouraged and even prohibited…..”(James McLaughlin Papers 28: 513-514).
Ticketless
Teton Sioux Music
“The three following songs are known at Standing Rock as songs of the Ticketless Society. The term “society” is here a misnomer, being applied by the Sioux to those who were first dropped from a list of those receiving rations and accordingly had no “ration tickets”. Such Indians were supposed to be able to provide for themselves, and for that reason were expected to show unlimited generosity toward their friends. This designation was used only four or five years and was in the nature of a jest, but many songs of the Ticketless Society are still remembered by the Sioux” (Densmore 1918:512 – 513).
“The first of these songs was undoubtedly sung as a praise song in honor of Little Helper, who was expected to be inspired to still greater generosity by its words” (Densmore 1918: 513).
Song # 235, Catalog 645 [10,577B broken cylinder]
“You Have Relied Upon Me”
Sung by Holy Faced Bear – Mato Ite Wakan.
Recorded at Sisseton, SD
Ośkate canna In dances and feasts
Waciŋmayeyapi You relied upon me
Keyapi You have said
Bdiheiciya waon So I have taken fresh courage
Wowacinyena Little Helper
Heya said
Canna and
Tanyan All is well.
Song # 236, Catalog 644 [missing cylinder]
“I Have Been Helping”
Sung by Holy Faced Bear
Recorded at Sisseton, SD
Ate Father
Heyaya has advised me
Iwahomaya by words
Eca so
Ohonkeśni the weak ones
Wawokiya waon I have been helping.
[Father is referring to the Indian Agent, just as the Grandfather is the President of the United States.]
Song # 237, Catalog 678 [10,581B]
‘Song of the Ticketless Society”
Sung by Twin (Cekpa)
Recorded at Sisseton, SD
NO WORDS
Only vocables.
Conclusion, Part III will appear in the Feb. 13 Devils Lake Journal.
