The SunDance is one of the most powerful of the Lakota Sacred Rituals. The Hochoka Healing Center supports its being performed in the true traditional way. This requires a very strict adherence to traditional guidelines and extreme commitment by the Dancers.
On the surface, it might look like the SunDance is limited each year to the eight day interval of purification sweats and dancing in the Sun. But, in actuality, once the SunDance is put into motion, it is activated for the entire period of the four year commitment.
There are outward signs of this. For instance, the SunDance Tree stands strong throughout the year holding the prayers of all the Dancers. And, the Dancers, themselves “walk in a Sacred and prayerful manner” throughout each year, keeping themselves strong through prayer and exercise.
Last August (2008) marked the end of the four year SunDance that the Hochoka Healing Center sponsored in Vermont. There was a huge give-away at the end to mark everyone’s joy and gratitude at its successful completion.
Because several dancers needed to dance additional years to complete their pledges, the Hochoka Healing Center is currently supporting the Bear Stops Family SunDance in Red Scaffold, SD. During the New Moon in June, Dancers will be dancing there for the welfare of their families and communities. Anyone wishing to help support this magnificent ceremony or wanting more information should email Paula Rooks, President of the Hochoka Healing Center at paula.rooks@yahoo.com.