The Hasinai boys and girls during the Flag Song

We would like to extend a special thanks to our head singer, Jimmy Reeder, and those who came out to help him; our co-hosts, the Comanche War Scouts, the Oklahoma Gourd Dance Club, and the Southwest Intertribal Club; and all of our head staff. Your support of our efforts is greatly appreciated.

10-12 March 2006: Caddo Conference; Nacogdoches, Texas

BINGER, OK – The Hasinai Society of the Caddo Nation is preparing for its trip to the 2006 Caddo Conference in Nacogdoches, Texas. The 2006 Caddo Conference is scheduled for 10 to 12 March 2006, and is sponsored by Stephen F. Austin University and the East Texas Archeological Society. This annual meeting features presentations by archaeologists and other researchers who specialize in Caddo archaeology, history, and culture.

The highlight of the Caddo Conference is usually a traditional Caddo dance held at the close of the meeting. During the dance, Caddo tribal members perform many of the tribe’s social dances, including the Turkey Dance, Fish Dance, Bear Dance and Duck Dance, among others. For the conference’s participants, this dance demonstrates that Caddo culture is something that is alive and well among the Caddo people.

This year, there will be several new faces around the drum at this dance. The boys of the Hasinai Society have worked very hard over the last several months, under the tutelage of Jimmy Reeder, to prepare for the Caddo Conference. They meet with Reeder every Wednesday evening to practice singing Caddo songs in preparation for this and other dances later this summer. Their work is funded in part by a grant from the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For Caddo tribal members, the Caddo Conference presents a unique opportunity, a chance to return to their traditional homeland. “We are really looking forward to singing and dancing in the land of our ancestors,” says Shirley Gouge, the Hasinai Society’s leader. While in Texas, the group also plans to visit the Caddo mounds near Nacogdoches.

Funding this trip, though, has taken a lot of hard work. Throughout the winter, the Hasinai Society held fund raisers to finance this trip (see below), as well as the summer youth camp they coordinate each June. “We’d really like to thank all of the organizations and donors who made this possible,” says Gouge. “The community here, the organizations who co-hosted our dances, and the head staff who supported us have been a huge help.” Fund raising efforts are on-going, though, and those interested in contributing should contact Gouge.

Hasinai Society visits Caddo Mounds

NACOGDOCHES, TX – The Hasinai Society of the Caddo Nation recently visited the Caddoan Mounds State Park in conjunction with the Caddo Conference held in Nacogdoches, Texas. This 93 acre state historical park, located west of Nacogdoches, is home to several Caddo mounds that date from 800 – 1300 AD. The mounds were built by the ancestors of the Caddo Nation, now located in Binger, Oklahoma.

On the afternoon of March 12^th, members of the Hasinai Society and participants in the Caddo Conference traveled to the Caddoan Mounds State Park for a traditional Caddo dance. The young men of the organization were introduced by Jimmy Reeder and then sang the Caddo prayer song to open up the festivities. They then took their seats at the drum and sang the Turkey Dance, as lead by Reeder.

Meanwhile, the young ladies of the organization performed the accompanying dance, led by Olivia Woodward, 2005-2007 Hasinai Society Princess. After a short break, the dancing resumed with the Fish Dance, Bear Dance, Stirrup Dance, and Cherokee Dance. Many conference participants joined in the dances, especially the Cherokee Dance, which is recognized by the Caddo people as a dance of friendship.

25 March 2006, 2 PM: Co-hosting for the Comanche Nation College Powwow; Walters Community Center, Walters, Oklahoma