Keepers of Creation Church

Regalia

Under Construction

About Regalia:  Regalia is the term used to describe the collective parts of ethnic costumes that are worn by Native People.

Much of the Regalia in use today is brightly colored and makes use of cloth, ribbon, feathers, quills, deer hooves, turtle shell, sea shells, painted and died furs, skins and beads.  Many of the objects in use today for decorating regalia were not available prior to European contact.

Some outfits are flights of fancy by the creators with little Religious or Spiritual significance.  Many outfits are strictly "Show Business".  Show Business is okay but it should be labeled and recognized as a business for tourism, movies or entertainment.

There has been a revival and an effort by some Tribes to re-discover lost traditions, songs, stories and customs.  In some cases the Elders and Chiefs along with creative members of the Tribe have invented new Ceremonies and Traditions to pass the essence of their Culture to their Children.  Their efforts are just as legitimate as Ceremonies and Traditions passed down by the Elders of past years.

Each Culture has the Right to retain or re-invent as their needs dictate for the Good of their People.

Arguments about who came up with an idea or the legitimacy of one dance or bit of Regalia over another will continue by those who fail to understand that there is no single way to dance or pray or decorate with Regalia.  Each Tribe has its own Traditions that may be old or new.

As Tribes come together, it is natural for there to be a blending of Ideas, Customs and Traditions.

Those who try to exclude others with an attitude of exclusion and self-righteous authenticity will find themselves walking alone.

It is now possible to determine who is a "Real Native" and who are adopted or created.  DNA Racial Mapping is now possible.  I challenge those who are fond of name calling against those who embrace our Native Culture to have the testing done on themselves before they accuse others of being "Wanna Be Indians".  Such name calling is divisive and hurtful.  Hatefulness and exclusion is not reflective of a "Native Heart".