"He was a tall young man who rode on a horse and hunted buffalo from it. He fought hard and fought often. Summers were hot and winters were cold. He later became the Kiowa war leader, Satanta. His relatives knew him as Settainte, or translated: White Bear. Back then, the whole world revolved around him and his people.

The age he lived in was unique. Also tedious and doleful. Other Indian leaders of the era watched their ways of life dissipate like a fine mist as settlers poured onto lands given to them by treaty. For his valor, Settainte is still one of the Kiowas' most honored leaders. And like all visionary leaders of a people, there remains a time set aside to honor and venerate his exploits.

The Kiowas plan all year for it. Like other tribes, when the rest of the nation is set ablaze with red, white and blue, they are sponsoring their biggest gala of the year. Here, it is the July Fourth dance in Carnegie, OK. They will literally recount the war victories of the past. They'll give away far into the night. The little ones will Rabbit Dance at daybreak and the campers' rations will flow.

That is not to imply that no other July Fourth celebrations are in OKs Indian Country. I find this whole phenomenon remarkable. The independence day of the conquering nation has been remade into the biggest Indian dances of the year. The Quapaws in Miami, OK will host their version and the Cheyenne & Arapaho observance in Concho, OK is a don't-miss event.

But on those days in Carnegie (July 2-4), the heat is relentless and nightfall is as welcome as money. The focus is tribe, gourd dancing and tradition. No wonder. Settainte's descendants live through-out Southwest Oklahoma. His influence on the Southern Plains tribe is tangible. They all remember him as if he were the old widower uncle that still lives out on the family allotment."

Get the Story:
S.E. Ruckman: Kiowas celebrate Settainte during Independence Day Dance (The Native American Times 6/30)