Northwood’s Profiles

Many readers are familiar with northern Minnesota with its unique wilderness setting, spectacular lakes, people of independent spirit and vibrant Native American culture—many readers are not. The Northwood’s Profiles page of the website has been designed to highlight examples of northern Minnesota and some of its aspects that influenced In the Absence of Honor. While the novel was not based on any of these examples, I thought you might find the profiles interesting. They will be rotated periodically.

Male traditional dancers with
eagle feather bustles

Men, women, and children danced together, keeping a continuous step, forming a circular procession around the center of the parade grounds. Their movement was slow and the beat metrical, representing the continuum of life.

Male dancers
Male grass dancers with hair roaches

Ceremonial Pow Wow

In the Absence of Honor excerpt:

For most, the grand entry ceremony began in the traditional manner. Jake watched as hundreds of Native American participants wearing incredibly ornate traditional costumes danced in their moccasins to the rhythm of the Native American chant and sounds from the tribal M’dewinwin drum pits.

Female shawl dancer
with eagle feather
dance fan and
breast plate

Jingle dresses, shawls, and bandolier bags adorned the women. Authentic feathered headdresses, war bonnets, roaches, and bustles of intricate design and artistry decorated the men. The Indian motif gave tribute to a spiritual way of life full of tradition and meaning.