Image: Monsheeda (Dust Maker) and his wife, Mehunga (Standing Buffalo), both Ponca Tribe in wedding photo, 1900, Wikimedia Commons
You are all invited to celebrate our Wedding War Dance! This is a small glimpse of the events leading up to Orlando and Billie Jean’s journey to get the Wedding War Dance.
I was born in 1971. My English name is Orlando, and I come from the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, “UMOnHON”, which means “against the current.” So, I’ve been dancing with power throughout my life. When I was five years old, I started dancing as a fancy dancer, and I had a great teacher who helped me make my own regalia. As I grew up, I took up karate for a couple of years, then moved on to boxing at the age of 10, continuing for 17 years.
After high school graduation, I moved to Elko, NV, where I had an older brother, and started my own boxing team. It was during this time that I also began dancing in the traditional style in the powwow circle. As I got older, I learned more about crafting regalia for myself. Now, equipped with these skills, I help others and even teach regalia-making classes. Additionally, I am proficient in beadwork, although I am still learning how to make porcupine head roaches.
I reside in Madison, WI, where I met my beautiful lady 10 years ago. Our story began when she wanted to buy some earrings I had made, and we started talking as a seller to a buyer at a powwow arena. Over time, we connected on Facebook and eventually began dating, despite being in different locations — she was in Madison, Wisconsin, and I was in Macy, Nebraska. Despite the distance, we realized we had much in common and officially became a couple.
As we attended various powwows together, we grew closer, and she eventually asked me to move to Wisconsin with her. I agreed, and to make some extra cash, I did beadwork and participated in arts and crafts fairs. I participated in one fair, paying $75 per booth, and the proceeds went toward organizing a Christmas party for the community. My involvement was recognized, and the tribe donated $1,000to the event. I even played the role of NDN Santa.
As time passed, I asked Billie Jean Howard to marry me, and on our wedding day, we faced a somber moment when we learned that the judge’s sister had passed away. Despite this, the judge officiated our wedding, and we expressed our condolences and gratitude. We had planned a wedding war dance afterward, but tribal customs dictated that all celebrations halt in times of mourning, so we postponed it.
Eventually, the time came for our wedding anniversary war dance, but COVID-19 restrictions delayed our plans. However, we remained determined, and through fundraising efforts like the Native American Craft Fair, we set a date for our dance on July 24th, coinciding with Billie’s birthday. She has brought immense joy and positivity into my life, and I am grateful for her and our wonderful friends who support us. We will finally have the honor to celebrate our love and heritage. Welcome us and share our wedding War Dance this July 24, 2024.
