Today marked the final day of Fishing Week. We began with the closing ritual known as the Thanking of the Waters, a heartfelt tribute to the rivers and lakes that nourish our community. Afterwards Bubba delivered what would surely have been a moving closing speech, although much of it was lost to the lively chatter and small talk from the Xoco.
Continuing the festivities, we hosted our traditional Fishing Week Race, which this year featured barrels instead of canoes. The competition was fierce but friendly. Goo’s impressive skills earned her 1st place, while Micke took a close 2nd, and Helen secured a respectable 3rd place. Thank you for all that came and particiapted in Fishing Week
Today was the blessing of Mila, Mina’s daughter in which Kart took the place of spiritfather for Mila.
Many brothers, sisters and friends of the tribe came to withness and help celebrate and after the blessing, the tribe witch, Belleniko, treated everyone to relaxing blindfolded goat water dance..
Today was the blessing for Jonas and Eastonia’s Baby, Kai at the Tapirapé tribe.
Bubba blesses the child
Bubba Oh: “Natives! Welcome!”
Bubba Oh: “Today we are gathered to honor our river mother Mama Cocha and the blessings she brings us!”
Bubba Oh: looks around
Bubba Oh: “The Amazon river is a mighty river!”
Bubba Oh: “But is is made of many smalle rivers!”
Bubba Oh: “So it is with us natives – we are Juritos, Xocos and Tapirapé – each a small tribe, that makes up the mighty Amazon Native!”
Bubba Oh: By the grace of our river mother Mama Cocha – who is here amongs us!” points to the statue
Bubba Oh: “Two rivers have joined into one today!”
Bubba Oh: Squints at his paper “Eastonia of the Xocos”… Looks up “And my tribal brother Jonas have joined their rivers”
ɛąʂɬơŋıą clears throat.. “no, Jurito” smiles
Bubba Oh: “Mama Cocha has smiles upon them and given them a child!”
Whispering Wind shkaes head… of the jurito not xocos, Bubba*tss tss
ɛąʂɬơŋıą giggles
Silvia: chuckles and eyes Bubba… no worries grandpa..it is teh age that finally catches you
Bubba Oh: *coughs* “Eastonia og the Juritos!!”
Jonas Daviau rolls his eyes biting his lips to avoid to laugh
Whispering Wind: try keep a serious face with immense effort
Bubba Oh: Continues with out a hitch “We shall bless this child today and welcome him into our tribes!”
Bubba Oh: “From many tribes one!”
Bubba Oh: walks to the child and places his hand upon it forehead
Bubba Oh: “As an Elder of the Tapirapé I bless you child in the name of Mama Cocha! And by the power for my tribal brothers and sisters! Welcome to our tribes!”
Bubba Oh: “May you be a strong hunter, a fervent gatherer and a fisherman in the rivers of Mama Cocha!”
Today was the initiation ceremony for our newest Elder, Kwanita.
Kwanita answering the Shamans questions.
It was a great ceremony, and while some missed Bubba’s holding one of his great speeches others though that the speech elder Catten made was equally good!
