I've been looking at various posts from other bloggers where they have a giveaway to celebrate different achievements: number of followers, a new book, etc. I've been thinking about when I could have my own giveaway and what it should celebrate. These thoughts have been percolating through my "little bird brain" and I've been setting different achievements of my own with which to celebrate to decide which was best.
Then, just a few short minutes ago, inspiration struck. My tribe has giveaways all the time. I've talked about pow-wows, different aspects of cultural life, describing a little of what goes on and maybe even the whys, wherefores and whatnots. The main ones are the seasonal ceremonies-Spring, summer, fall and winter. Why the very next celebration is the Mii-gwetch Manoomin happening this very weekend. [Miigwetch Manoomin=Thanks for the Wild Rice]
I am Anishinabeikwe [Chippewa woman], a jingle dress dancer, a newly arrived Elder [though I still feel like a kid], a student of the old ways, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt. I have learned how to do our traditional artwork, crafts and can do work good enough to sell for whatever I want. I have learned how to cook many traditional dishes using traditional foods. I have done my share of passing on the old ways to the next generation.
The inspiration which struck me on the head is: my own giveaway to celebrate Fall. I will giveaway four items to give thanks for the fall harvest and the knowledge I have learned from others who are passing on their knowledge. I will be gathering these items as I travel about. When I return I will post what the prizes will be and how to go about doing the giveaway. It won't give people much time since I expect to giveaway these items on 31 October 2011 about 4:30 p.m CST. Stay tuned for further details.