The Web Site for the
Study of Native American Pow-Wow Ettiquette and Tradition |
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The Occoneechee Gentgeen Society was formed in the early 1990's to honor the members of Order of the Arrow Occoneechee Lodge 104 who had excelled in Native American Dance and Lore. Indian Affairs Chairperson Ben Turner and advisor Renny Craimer form the Gentgeen Society in 1995. The Order of the Arrow is a "Society of Honored Campers" that is contained within the Boy Scouts of America. The Order of the Arrow (OA for short) is primarily a service organization that extends the values and goals of scouting and promotes camping. The OA also has an expressed interest in preserving the culture of the Native American. Out of the spirit, the Occoneechee Gentgeen was formed. At the birth of the Gentgeen Society, there were eight qualifying candidates. These eight candidates were presented with a special chenille patch. Their were only sixteen chenille patches made. Advisors to the OA were given the opportunity to buy two patches prior to the patches manufacture. One of the patches was presented to the dancer and the advisor kept one for personal use or display. They were also presented with a embroidered patch. Qualifying candidates in the following years were only presented with the embroidered patches. These were paid for with similar means as the chenille patches. |
The following are the qualifications to obtain entrance into the Gentgeen Society. 1. The dancer must be a youth member of Occoneechee Lodge 104. 2. The dancer must have chosen a style of Native American Dance, and be well versed in its history and lore. 3. The dancer must complete a suitable set of dance regalia for his chosen style of dance. He must be able to demonstrate knowledge about and discuss his outfit. 4. The dancer must either
5. The dancer must participate in at least two (2) additional dances within Occoneechee Lodge. The can be OA functions or regular BSA events. They can be at either the council/lodge level or his district/chapter level. |
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The Gentgeen Society is meant to be a guide for standards for Occoneechee dancers. As long as the standards for the Gentgeen Society are held true, Occoneechee Lodge will do its part to preserve the traditions of the Native American by presenting well-dressed, well-educated dancers. Lodge
104 Web Site The
National Order of the Arrow Web Site |
