Sacred Songs of Native American Healing: Songs To Learn By

Howard Bad Hand is a Sicangu Lakota, a member of the Rosebud (S.D.) Sioux Tribe. One of the fourth generation of singers and tribal song keepers in his family, Howard began learning the sacred music of his people as a teenager. Taught and encouraged by his elder relations, Howard learned the songs and the healing rituals.

Formally educated at Lenox School in Massachusetts, followed by long stints at Dartmouth College and Harvard University, Howard has also been well educated in the history and traditions of Anglo culture. Known also by his given name, Wicapi Wankatuya (High Star) he is frequently called upon for his ability to interpret Lakota traditions to meet the challenges of contemporary times.

Widely known throughout both Native American and Anglo worlds, Howard serves today as a ceremonial leader, healer and teacher. He has taught Native American music, character development and lectured on Lakota spirituality and the Book of Change throughout the US as well as in Europe and Australia. Howard lives with his wife Terrie and family in Taos, New Mexico.

A note about the song titles:
In practice, ceremonial songs are not given titles. However, for the purpose of distinguishing the songs incorporated in the text of Native American Healing, Howard chose the most salient line of lyrics as the title of each song.Traditionally, lowampi songs are grouped in categories by the function they serve in the ceremony. On this recording, the songs the listener will experience fall in to the following 14 categories (song numbers correspond to the song numbers used in the song texts below):

Canupa Ojuyapi Olowan (Pipe Filling Song)
Canupa Opagin Olowan (Pipe-Offering Song)
Tatioye Toye Olwan (Four Directions Song)
Wakan Tanka Taolowan (Great Spirit Song)
Lel Etunwan Yo (Personal Sacred Song)
Wicakicopi Olowan (Spirit Calling Song)
Tiuma Hiyupi Olowan (Spirit Entrance Song)
Wakan Ki Wacipi Olowan (Spirit Dancing Songs
Wakan Ki Woglakapi Olowan (Spirit Talking Song)
Wakan Ki Woglakapi Olowan (Spirit Talking Song)
Wakan Woayupte Olowan (Spirit Responding Song)
Wakan Kinanpe Olowan (Spirit Departure Song)
Wakan Wicak'upi Olowan (Offering Song)
Woawanyanke Olowan (Protection Song)
Wakan Iglustanpi Olowan (Ceremony Completion Song)