The Jingle Dress Tradition

This program was created by TPT with the MLBO Historic Preservation Office to introduce the story of the Jingle Dress, and its musical and dance traditions, to all Minnesotans. Dancers, drummers, singers and dressmakers from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe worked with elder Larry “Amik” Smallwood and the producer, Rick Anderson, to capture the spirit, meaning, significance and history of the Jingle Dress Dance.

[@JAM661]

Most of these events are open to the public and they encourage others who are not Native Americans to come, so they can share their culture. They usually have a few rules however and are mostly about respect and that they will inform you as you come in. For example, the dresses and outfits they wear is not a costume ( costume are for plays and make believe) but instead called regalia. You never walk across the prayer cycle ( even with no dancers) because they have a tradition to clear the prayer circle from bad spirits before the ceremony. So you alway walk around the circle. Also if you have a issue with standing for the flag then do not do it for respect of country, but for those Veterans who even treated so horribly by our country still stepped up to serve. Do it for them. Also, you need to be respectful because the event is not about you. You are a guest and it is a privilege to be there as these people share there culture and amazing beliefs. Finally never touch someone outfit unless you ask for permission and do not be upset if they happen to say no. If you want to know more on how the dress is made let them showing instead of grabbing the jingles. Of course that should be common sense.

[@delraemcdonald8952]

Wow the first few seconds in I am in tears, happy tears! I danced as a little girl to a jr now I am coming back to dance jingle as an adult. I remembered the feeling while dancing and I want to feel that again. I knew after getting clean and sober this is what I want to do. Thank you for sharing the teaching♡ I will carry them on

[@anniebell6846]

Delrae its magical how uplifting this dance is especially now.

[@krisendicott2306]

Absolutely beautiful dance I can't get enough of these wonderful people ❤️ and their culture big love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@altheriarabb6413]

By everything within me, Thank you. 💜

[@Star_Starbee]

I remember watching this as a little girl. I wish I was more in touch with Native American culture

[@altchang]

Such an in-depth and informative documentary that shows diversity within a tradition

[@saveyagregory25]

I love learning about different cultures. I wish I knew my ancestors cultures but sadly I do not.

[@bigauntieenergy]

Wow hearing the language is so beautiful and powerful

[@ama3182]

Sometimes you may be the one starting a new tradition for your new tribe that has yet to be born into this world. Always follow your instincts and signs that guide you close to home. Remember to listen to all your senses and they shall guide you. It all comes from the heart.

[@takonismom601]

So much gratitude for sharing Mille Lacs stories. Chi Miigwech

[@officiallykayanna]

At 18:40 Not Pops telling the girls no twerking in the jingle dresses!!!!! LMAOOOOOOOOO

[@JonHeckendorf]

Thank you, so very much, for sharing some of your history, culture, and Jingle Dress and Jingle Dance explanations. Thank you, too, for never forgetting your culture and traditions. They are our souls. We are empty when we have no culture and traditions to live by and to pass on. Family of every kind by blood, by culture, by friendship is everything that is important for the short time we have together. Be happy, stay happy and stay healthy. Thank you, again, for sharing.

[@Blys6]

Beautiful I so grateful to get the meaning of jingle dresses. Thank you 🙏🏾

[@SpeaksYourNames]

Wow I actually went to a Pow Wow in Whitefish Bay years back. I had no idea of the importance it played in the history of Jingle Dress dancing. I've been to a few Pow Wows in Manitoba but nothing compared to the scenic beauty of Whitefish Bay. Would love to go back there.

[@JustMe-mh2pn]

Breathtaking! Thankful that this culture has been passed down and is carried on in such a traditional way. I personally love the older style. Just admire the grace and movement without a lot of glitz and glamour. Just pure fascination

[@brendaleekelly169]

I love this video and tell the legend of the jingle dress on my tours.

[@Deer_Woman]

i used to dance when i was very young but i was always getting sick as a child getting pneumonia put a great toll on my dancing. i was born with a lung disease called bronchiectasis. when i was around 7 an Ojibwa elder told my mom that she invited me to do jingle because it would heal me. im 26 years old now and i want to dance in jingle still.. but it seems like my age and my disease is starting to catch up to me faster than i thought... im very sad that i cannot dance as long as i want anymore but i still try my hardest to. @mille lacs band of ojibwe

[@susannew.-g.4230]

Your wonderful tradition of the jingle dress dancing was new to me. It touched my soul. Incredible powerful experience, even through watching this film, I could not imagine, how poweful this might be for you. Greetings from Germany, Susanne

[@averagesavage8367]

Howah they had eyebrow pencil back in 1900. 🤣😭 Seriously tho, this made me cry when the little girl began dancing at the ceremony. Tears of joy and realizing how beautiful and divine this dance and dress is! Nazhikewiigaabo nindigoo, Gaakaabiikong indoojibaa, Ogaakaaning indaa, Migizi nindoodem ❤🤍🤎💕💚💙💛💜💓💖💗

[@okaminess]

😂😂😂😂

[@Dabi_simp998]

They move so gracefully and beautifully ❤ i love there regailia

[@stephness8553]

Wado radiant dancers! May the traditions, songs and dances live through future generations🙏🏽

[@5pocketsful]

So nice to hear your language! Thank you for the story of the jingle dress, and the dancers!

[@sheilag.834]

Nice! Thanks for this. Some of us had our culture stolen from us & haven't gotten it back yet. Nice to see you still have yours. Peace! God bless!

[@frankherzer2227]

Greetings from Germany.I love my Native American people 🙏💖

[@lonestar1637]

I enjoyed this.

[@allencraig02]

So beautiful and sweet.

[@moveandstretch9982]

Beautiful! Live long the jingle!

[@IrishAnnie]

This explains so much to me. Thank you for posting this.

[@kevindevine6780]

This is definitely something else,totally fascinating

[@adriancozad8308]

Beautiful (Healing)..in the 50's at the age of 3, in that period of time kid's across the country were getting sick and passing away..I to became very sick my grandparents didn't want me to stay in the hospital,said people were passing away in them. so they took me home,my grandma was kneeing on my left doctoring me while I was laying down..while my other grandparents sat all around me all night singing & praying .. about 7:am I heard bird's chirping and kid's laughing and playing outside,suddenly I sat up,my grandmother gently layed me back down,while my other grandparents around me ..what seemed like congratulating each other,my grandmother was rubbing something on my chest then put a t.shirt on me gave me something to drink and let me go play outside,I was healed overnight ...I to would hear them singing!

[@johnpaulgarcia6906]

Now more than ever we need to pray. All the people of the earth.

[@maniyan_wanagi]

Many thanks to the participants and to the people of Minnesota for funding this video!

[@Pavlovska]

This is so beautiful! I would love to dance with a jingle dress.

[@YourDadVR]

It sounds amazing. I’ve never heard or seen anything like this in my life. I wish I was a Native American, cause I wanna make a bad ass warrior suit.

[@zeropointconsciousness]

Thankyou for being the Good Medicine Blessings our Earth Mother needs and for dancing for those amongst us who cannot...prayers rising eternally Mitakuye Oyasin.

[@stewartsmith9660]

Much love, respect and honour from Bonnie Scotland 💙❤️✊✨🙏

[@danmccarthy2754]

I saw a FB post, a woman, seeking fresh trout. Being a fisherman, I answered. She asked " how much do you charge for the fish ?" My reply. Share with me the story of the Jingle dress. She brought me to tears as I listened to her story. che megwech

[@Ruthie888]

That's so beautiful.

[@alanabraham1054]

I want to learn the Jingle Dance. I am an Indian from India subcontinent in Asia not a native American. Long live this Indian tradition

[@lalah.k.808]

Ohhh where have you been all my life?!?!

[@denisemarle4141]

Very interesting and beautiful, all I knew was what the jingles were made from...thank you! 🦘

[@robertcavalluzzi8112]

Im from mount Vernon new York im white i have a pacemaker it keep my heart beat normal pow wow dancing help my heat better i love the jingle colorful dresses and there beautiful colorful moccasins keep up the fath n have a good time your kind and respectful take care your friend Robert have a good day God bless all of you (ha goo nee ) means good bye in Navajo language 😀

[@chrishampton9148]

Beautiful

[@AmigoKandu]

Very nice documentary, from the source of the Jingle Dress. Nice production values and the storyline laced with speakers was great! Amazing the relaxed confidence of letting the camera crew into your lives for this film. I'm not Native, but I filmed powwows for 10 years. I never forced my way in, people got to know me over time, and a lot of good things happened. So, I heard many powwow emcees talk about Jingle Dress, publicly, and I was given some knowledge from certain persons in conversation. It used to be a society dance. I've heard old stories of veteran dancers telling unknown females to get out of the dance circle because they were never "brought-in" by a veteran dancer. The "Giveaway tradition" when a new dancer is introduced to the entire powwow was always something awesome to stand & watch. Years later, I see those dancers and I greet them "I remember when they danced you in". For the non-powwow persons, this is just one example of many things that happen during the weekend powwow gathering. It is "Indian time, for Indian People" but they leave an opening for the public to see that they are Still Here. Attend the public powwows, and follow protocols as a visitor. Watch the dancers, and feel the drum and the singers. Respect. Thank you to everbody working on this film, and those appearing in it.

[@keithdixon2054]

Awesome The Native Healing jingle Dress... i fill better allready

[@carlbrentschildt6274]

you said your name is Thunder Bird, I respet you. I have a huge connection with you my sister. Blessings to you !!!!

[@vickilavoie7626]

Wonderful educational so appreciate this. Thankyou.

[@alikot8054]

I was told that the cones where initially shells. Then shells were prohibited and that’s when the tabaco cans started being used. Maybe it’s a southwest tradition?

[@laurenanitakline5758]

there are many different stories about the jingle dress but in the end they all tie together

[@SKC193]

I heard that too. Also that the dress must have 365 jingles.

[@alanabraham1054]

Sorry, long live this precious and special Native American tradition.

[@lp02lp]

Bellissime e dignitose le native americane.

[@brittmusgrave6129]

i can understand a bit is this saulteaux ?

[@adriancozad8308]

Interesting,as a child of 3 (1950's) ,I was sick..there was a virus going around taking lives..my grandparents didn't want me to go to the white man's hospital because, people were dying there...so they took me home and doctored me ...7 to 7am...then, I heard Children laughing and playing,birds were singing...I too opened my eyes and sat up ..I to was healed overnight...by their healing methods.(Indigenous plants)

[@fifi67]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dejarbarr9967]

my bestfriend arianna sam is in this she is 10 now that little girl who was sick

[@Ed_Man_Fam]

Maggie White White Fish Bay Ontario Canada

[@createa.googleaccount713]

🌹❤🌹🧡🌹💛🌹💚🌹💙🌹💜🌹

[@franklinarchambault-ik5xg]

One has to hope the whiteman never runs out of chew

[@seeshimizu2549]

noise drives away evil spirts ? jingle dance rules

[@kingtut8381]

CHI-MEG-WETCH

[@zincman1995]

Very impressive. Just wondering, are pow wows closed events where only native Indians come or can anybody show up? Not popular being white boy these days, if ever.

[@RockinHoney]

You can go to most. Just be respectful.

[@zincman1995]

@@RockinHoney Absolutely, thanks; God bless

[@krystingrant6292]

Anyone can come just be respectful

[@denisemitchell8477]

O si y o.. hello Cherokee Wado ....thank you Cherokee

[@peigirl23]

This is so beautiful to learn about. As I learn more about my Potawatomi lineage, I seek to understand more of the traditions and good medicine. Someone mentioned shoes, and I wondered if there were certain shoes you should not dance in?

[@brittanimoore4531]

I am from the Passamaquoddy Tribe. Ever since I was a little girl, I've always wanted to have a jingle dress and be a jingle dancer.💞💞💞

[@Setsunako6587]

There's a Young Aunty on KZbin with a whole channel for you 😍!! It's called How to Powwow Dance, she posted a link that got me here 👍🏾💕

[@tinadaugherty9073]

Thank you for showing America and the rest of the world. May the spirits always continue to be a blessing & a healing to you. ❤

[@kellyross4122]

The Thunderbird dream story was good to hear from the Ojibwe girl.She speaks eloquently, and says it in a manner with her sisters appropriately.

[@jean6061]

Lovely tradition - and to think it is fairly new! It must've taken a long time to roll the lids of all those tobacco tins to form tubes for each dress! Truly a labor of love!

[@joannamarciniak8436]

Thak you for this very interesting and nice video.. I love Native North American music, dance, culture, people. God bless everyone Indian. Best regards and blessings from Poland 🇵🇱👍😊

[@barbarasmith5714]

You lady’s are amazing,keep up your dancing you give me cold chills and bring tears, your are a proud and beautiful people with an amazing culture ,keep up the great work of sharing, the world is watching ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kimberlychurchill233]

Forward never look back

[@kimberlychurchill233]

Except for the lessons learned take only that...what did you learn? Love one another See the beauty feel the love...Love is not lust.

[@cathymorrison4953]

MIIGWECH FOR Sharing your Teachings 🧡🇨🇦

[@RBarber128]

I had the same dream 3 times.. In everyone of the dreams im being offered a blue jingle dress.. In my dream my grandma, who passed told me in Anishinaabe to wear this, it's time to heal yourself and your people! And it's a beautiful blue jingle dress! So I have no idea how to make it! If someone could or would help me id really appreciate it!!

[@TonyTGenia]

Ask a elder with tobacco to make a dress , it take one year .

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

Such a powerful story...beautiful

[@Setsunako6587]

For anyone Indigenous who wants to learn or brush up on some moves, there's a Young Aunty on KZbin with a whole channel for you 😍!! It's called How to Powwow Dance, she posted a link that got me here 👍🏾💕

[@robertcavalluzzi8112]

To me i think a pow wow dance is a dance of jingle a prey for rain for health history and preying for your ansectors of beatuiful colorful dresses and there beautiful colorful moccasins of different tribes take care( hagoonee) good bye in Navajo language may god bless all of you your friend Robert 😀

[@anudassaranma7379]

Good

[@strouty]

I'm Indonesian, Scottish and live in the Netherlands. I wish I could dance like you, with you. Be part of your connection.

[@zeropointconsciousness]

We are part of the connection if we wish to be in heart and mind Great Spirit and Earth Mother can read us...our energy and our vibration.

[@LeileeBaker805]

Wonderful tradition ❤

[@angelvaldez8048]

You can only dance if you're an enrolled tribal member, which means someone like me even though I identify myself as American Indian/Native American (Ute, Pueblo, Cahuilla) I can't dance. Even though I grew up going to powwows and watching ladies jingle and fancy shawl, I could never learn or enter the competition because my tribe doesn't do competitive dancing...really harsh on my heart and inspiration. If only there was a radical change in tribal enrollment, and laws...people like me who love Native people who I identify with wouldn't have to suffer discrimination and hate.

[@jerrywilson1723]

It is because you are a queen in this world 🌎 😍 have a very blessed year 💖 🙏 ✨️ ❤️ 💕 💛 💖 ✨️✨️✨️✨️💛💛💛💛😍👍

[@n8tivegaminggal432]

Hah “ no booty dancing” cause he knows how us aunties are 😂 aaayyeee 😂

[@janetayala2872]

Beautiful!!!

[@Zylophila]

Beautiful!!!!!!

[@rettapine9500]

So beautiful an Awesome. dresses. A Navajo

[@kamauwikeepa7308]

Thank you for sharing your historical stories with the world. It is true we often give wrong descriptions and convey wrong and misleading opinions. These stories must be kept and passed on, generation to generation our living connection to the past. We to have what we call tikanga, protocol when gathering in large groups where there are different roles for both gender, something drastically changing in these times, influenced from outside of our culture. Our regalia as you rightly say, were actually practical and were every day ware. To understand one's protocol we look to the past. Everything has a beginning, we call whakapapa, genealogy the core of our traditions. Adhere and hold on to your traditions protect your whakapapa. Nga reira te nei te mihi kia kotou, noho ora mai. Greetings from New Zealand.

[@APACHE888able]

Ahe’e..Very much appreciated indeed..Dear Sisters.. Walk and Dancing in Beauty…

[@adriancozad8308]

Otoe/Kiowa: Bear clan

[@ababagada5148]

Eyesus Bete Segeba

[@ababagada5148]

Eyesus Bate Sigeba

[@Carina902]

😀👍👍👍👍💕💕💕👍👍👍