The Four Winds Ceremony had been an Indian ceremony used by the Otena Lodge to open their campfire since it became a lodge in 1945.  This ceremony was first used at Camp Ellis in 1922, and had changed very little since that time.  We reprint it here in its original form.

Welcome, unto the ways of council. Tonight, will be of the old ways.  As in the dim ages, as in the ancient days, when brave bands of warriors swooped into battle to count coup and to see glory, when the buffalo swarmed the plains as far as the eyes could see, when the waters were as pure as the tears of the Great Spirit.

As the sun transverses its fiery arc across the sky, the shadows of the trees move clockwise.  So shall you move when you are in the council ring.

If you are pleased with a warriors dance, you will not clap for clapping is the way of the white man.  Instead, you will respond with the word "HOW."

Silence must be maintained at all times except when having answer to the phrase "HIYEENKAOONEEASNAY" you will reply "NOONWAY."

Remember, the council ring is as sacred to the Indian as the church is to the white man.  Respect it as such.

NACHINNAYET OKANDA TEHA

MY friends, lend ear, take heed, for the ways of council have descended upon us.  And as our forefathers have done many moons before us we shall open council by asking for the blessings of the sky, the earth, and the four winds.

OKANDA, the Great Spirit, maker of all things.  Bring your wisdom and strength upon  us tonight, thus that we may hold this council in peace.  HIYEENKAOONEEASNAY

WEEYAHEENYAPAPYTA, Spirit of the sun come up, the great forests and the waters without end.  You from beyond the first light of day, be with us tonight thus that we may hold this council in peace. HIYEENKAOONEEASNAY

WUSIOTA, Spirit of the White Death, the snowshoe rabbit, and the great white bear.  Be with us tonight Wusiota, but come thou not with your chilling winds upon us. Thus that we may hold this council in peace. HIYEENKAOONEEASNAY

OKAGA, Spirit of the burning sands, the giant cactus, and the spiked fangs of the snake.  Be with us tonight Okaga but come though not with your withering winds upon us. Thus that we may hold this council in peace.  HIYEENKAOONEEASNAY

The fire of cheerfulness shall now burn brightly upon the sacred alter of Brotherhood for the circle of the Four Winds in now complete.  It has no beginning and it has no end.  We are now at the center of the universe joined by the flow of life.  Therefore, let us begin the ways of the Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, Witahumui.  HIYEENKAOONEEASNAY