Smoke Signal - November 1997 On the 18th night of the Fallen Leaf Moon month the many tribes of the Mighty Big Forest Nation gathered to initiate new members to the tribe and make sure they were ready for the challenging year ahead. The night started with 220 braves, princesses and guides assembling quietly in a great circle to have their ceremonial orch lit by our Medicine Man - Brave Wolf. The strong and proud nation then marched quietly to the campfire where Chief Soaring Eagle welcomed them into the nation with a ceremony of promises and sacrifices between Braves and their children. Wotonga, the mighty spirit of fire visited us dramatically with the able help of our Assistant Chief - Watch Bear. The nation then took off to meet create Teepees for review by the High Council of the Nation. Many Braves, Princesses and guides labored under the fall night sky to build, decorate and prepare talks about their Teepees. The Great Miami Tribe of Princesses pleased the Chief and were judged the most creative with the Mighty Apache and Cherokee getting honorable mention. The Mighty Nezperce tribe of guides were judged to have the best Native American Theme with a Neo Classic Native American design. The Sioux Tribe received honorable mention. War games commenced afterwards and many plastic sacks full of air were broken, hit and kicked. We also tested for surefootedness with a difficult race holding a plastic chicken hatching device with a smooth polished eating device. Then while many bathed themselves in a warm and noisy lake, others tested their throwing and hitting ability with spheres of soft rubber filled with air. Nightfall came shortly afterwards with some magic spirits filling the walls with music, light and sound. As the spirits of the walls left an new louder and more disturbing noise tarted, that of many Braves labored breathing of sleep. Our nation was awakened by the sounds of trumpets singing through the halls led by a Brave from the Sioux tribe (LouD). As we collected our belongings, the High Council once again addressed the sleepy, and sore nation with many awards of feathers and bear claws. The Mighty Chief Soaring Eagle requests these feathers to be proudly displayed at the next Nation event. The Big Forest Nation ended the Camp-in with food, drink and a magical brown liquid that awoke many Braves from their slumber. Watch for the next Nation event, Bowling in November, and remember, it is the responsibility of the Braves to make tribe meetings a learning and fun experience.