We welcome you to the opportunity to participate and pray in the traditional ways of the Lakota people.  The "Inipi" ceremony is a very sacred ceremony and we ask that you observe some basic etiquette when participating.  The Inipi is the way we pray to Grandfather.  The lodge represents Mother Earth and when we crawl out at the end of the ceremony it is like a rebirth.  We leave all our problems in there with the Grandfather Stone

No women should come to the lodge when they are on their "Sacred Monthly Time".  That is a ceremony in itself and according to the elders we cannot be in two ceremonies at the same time.

If you have not attended a traditional Lakota lodge please be open to learn and ask questions.  Do not assume you know.  We want to always be respectful.

• When women come to the lodge they should not wear slacks or jeans.  They should come in a skirt or dress that is at least below the knees.  When in the lodge women should wear a dress or skirt and shirt that covers some of the arm and is long.  Bring different clothes to wear in the lodge than the ones you arrive in.  No sleeveless, tank tops or bathing suits.  We must respect ourselves.  Bring a towel in the lodge.  Wear no makeup or metal jewelry of any kind.
• In the lodge, men wear swim trunks or shorts with no metal on them.
• When you arrive, be sure to shake hands with the people and introduce yourself.  
• Be aware that there will be many sacred items sitting on the alter in front of the lodge.
• Do not throw anything in the sacred fire.  It is not a bonfire.
• Bring tobacco to put on the alter before you go into the lodge.
• Women usually go into the lodge first.  Be sure to listen to the one pouring the lodge for any special instructions. 
• The firemen will smudge you with sacred sage or cedar
• First the medicine man will load his "Channunpa" (sacred pipe) with tobacco while a song is sung.. 
• Allow the Lakota women and elder women to go in first unless you have been instructed otherwise.
• Turn in a clockwise circle at the door, then crawl in and say "Mitakuye Oyasin" or "All my relations" as you enter the opening.  We crawl in to humble ourselves and then remind ourselves that we are all related. 
• Crawl in a clockwise manner sitting next to the person ahead of you.  Be silent.  When the first seven stones come in there should be no talking.  We must pray to the directions at that time.
• Sometimes there are separate men's and women's lodges.  
• After the 7 stones come in the men will begin coming in. 
• When all the stones are in the ceremony begins.  
• The door will open and close 4 times.
• Sacred songs will be sung when the door is closed.  
• Pray when the door is closed while looking at the Grandfather Stone People.  
• Do not attempt to leave the lodge while the door is closed.
• Do not pull up the sides while the door is closed.
• Do not pull up the sides unless the one pouring the water gives you permission.
• It is good to drink plenty of water the day of a lodge (especially in Colorado where the elevation is high and it is very dry.)
• Be sure not to over eat before a lodge.  You may become nauseous.
• Be sure to ask questions if you are not sure what to do. 
• After the 4th round (door) we will go out and get dry clothes on and come back and form a circle and smoke the "Channunpa" and eat the spirit food.