In defense of the tribe

tribe

/trīb/

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noun

1. 1.

   a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader.

First, let me comment by saying that this would normally be written over Ontherim, but feeling that emotions may get the better of me, so wanted to put it over on the more passionate side of the brain, and let it flow.  

Second, the disclaimer that I speak for myself and no one else.  It is my opinion, and while there may be others that agree, it is mine alone.  I am part of a group, but DO NOT speak for them.

So, as a reference above, can I just point out that the term tribe is not limited to native american culture, it is a more general reference to groupings, and is a term used globally.  It has been mentioned frequently in conjunction with various nationalistic movements occurring politically.

I am a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.  As explained on the Rim, Mic-O-Say is an honor camping society in the Pony Express Council.  It does use a Native American theme to reach out to youth, to teach the principles of scouting, and does include clothing, and dances.  Titles are used to represent a leadership structure, and while senior members do counsel with youth, and share their wisdom, they do not pretend to wield such power as to curing the sick, or calling on the world beyond.  While many hold positions in their respective churches, Mic-O-Say does not have an organized central religious faith, it just expects that its individual members believe in a power greater than their own.  This, by the way is a the first tenet of the Scout Oath, a tenet that has stood any number of legal challenges.

I only mention this, as the tribe is currently under attack, as are so many institutions in this land, which, by the way, includes the parent organization of Mic-O-Say, the Boy Scouts of America, or rather Scouting BSA.  Even lil ol me with my picture wearing my roach was picked up and shared by an individual, along with some remarks.  No worries, I just changed it, but it got me thinking, hence this piece.  Why does one do that?  After all, I have attended numerous actual pow-wows, and while I knew that I was not a member of the group, I never felt excluded.  I order stuff on-line from Crazy Crow and others, none of whom seem to be so offended as to not take my money.

I can practically guarantee that no one in the tribe of Mic-O-Say has anything but the highest respect for the culture of the Native American.  All is done to honor the heritage.  To those who wish to judge me for that, I would simply ask to judge the works of the Tribe. Or rather, come and see the works.  We will be glad to show you.

What does the Tribe of Mic-O-Say do, other than dress in regalia at special Scout activities?  The list is too great to mention. Here are a few things.

The Pony Express Council has one of the highest ratios of Boy Scouts to Eagle Scouts in the country.  Why?  Mic-O-Say is a big part of it.

Mic-O-Say is a big recruiting tool for BSA, for young men, and this year, young women.

Mic-O-Say provides positive role models for youth that may not otherwise have them.

Because of Mic-O-Say, retention in Scouting is high.  This is especially important for at risk youth.  Many have passed through the program, and while a 100% success rate cannot be claimed, many youth are protected from a life of crime, and more so, stay in, giving back for the opportunity that they had been given.

What does it mean to me personally?

It was over forty years ago, but I still remember my first encounter with the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Geiger like it was last night. I had never seen a tapping, only the call out ceremony at Osceola Scout Camp.  It was nothing like the tapping.  The whole ceremony was done by the light of a massive fire, with men whose voices filled the valley.  That night and the next day I learned so many things that in retrospect, I already knew, but in the format they were taught were given new meaning.  I also learned that I was capable of doing far more than what I believed I was, simply from being driven not to fail.

This was no vision quest.  But it was an opportunity to become aware of those other than myself.  To keep promises, to make decisions based on a set of beliefs developed from a sense of duty.  Duty to God, duty to nation, duty to other people.  A responsibility to always be mindful of those younger and weaker, and to lift them up.  It is that duty that drives me today.  I retired in December of 2016 and had applied to serve on staff at Camp Geiger.  I didn't get hired that year, but was the following.  I served then and now, gladly, to try to repay a debt that can't be paid, to do my part for those that are just coming up now.  There is still a need, and I am glad to fill it.  It helped to set my religious foundation, again, not as a religion in and of itself, but by teaching me how I can live mine better.  So I try to do so.  It prepared me to commit to God.  To strive to love all, and to judge none. 

I will gladly defend my tribe.  Before you judge them, come, and see what they, what we do.  It is so much more than dressing in regalia.