PURPOSE OF WHITE LANCE AND WHITE SHIELD SOCIETIES:

     1.  Teaching/learning (ways and means) traditions, customs, ceremonies, survival and protection.  In general, sharing of knowledge.

     2.  Foster self-worth of individual.

     3.  Research past in order to respect its guidance for future.

     4.  Preserve/repair the Sacred Hoop, Mother Earth, and All Our Relations.  Strengthen the Circle.

     5.  Strive to walk in balance on the light side.

PURPOSE OF WHITE MOUSE SOCIETY:

     Same as listed above, but geared to comprehension level of children in the group, so that they will have early involvement in learning to walk in harmony with themselves, the Earth, and All our Relations.  Generally under supervision of women until reach age 10.  Then boys are handed off to the men in the White Lance Society for balance of training and girls move into White Shield Society with the women.  There may be areas of teaching that fall under the expertise of the men, and the men will be asked to share in that portion of the children's teaching..

Mission Statement:

     These Societies are based on the principles learned from the life of Sitting Bull, one of the finest Lakota who ever lived.  He was a classic representation of the four qualities the Lakota admired the most:  wisdom, generosity, fortitude, and bravery.  He was defined by his word, which was as solid as stone.  He held himself to a level that few require of themselves, being the first to find fault in himself.  He was first and always a family man, providing for his close family, the clan; and his extended family, the Nation.  When he was forced to take a stand and fight, he always did it in defense of his families and the land required for their support.  He did not do it for his own glory or the glory of his nation, but for their survival.  He balanced strategic retreats with bold stands and forays, always being cognizant of the cost in lives and loves of his People.  He never surrendered but negotiated peace accords to try and slow the inevitable.  He was always proud to be a Lakota.

     A.  Wisdom -- the ability to make the best decision given the circumstances and the knowledge available, taking into consideration the pro's and con's of the situation.

     B.  Generosity -- the ability to share freely and to help provide for others.

     C.  Fortitude -- the ability to withstand adversity, physical or psychological, without complaint.

      D.  Bravery -- the ability to do what needs to be done, say what needs to be said, in the face of overwhelming fear and adversity.

     Members of these Societies can be of any race, creed, or color, but must be tapped by an existing member and approved by the local Society or the advisory Elders' Council involved.  Members should wear their emblem proudly and must remember that their actions and their words reflect on their Society.  They must hold themselves to the strictest level of self-examination that you would find in a mirror, always tempering that with the fact that they are human.  For a measure of a human is not if they make mistakes, but how they respond and learn from them. 

NOTE:  LET IT BE KNOWN THAT NEITHER OF THESE SOCIETIES IS IN ANY WAY TO BE CONSTRUED A "WARRIOR" SOCIETY.  WE ARE A BAND OF PEACE; WE WILL ONLY TAKE UP ARMS IN DEFENSIVE MODE.  AT THAT POINT, WE ARE ALL WARRIORS IN SOME WAY.

     Requirements for belonging to White Lance or White Shield Society:  six months "invitational" period, which can occur during Lodge/Band year's probation period.  Members of Lodge/Band with more than six months membership at time of joining Society should be eligible for immediate full membership if accepted.   Distant members of the Lodge/Band may join Societies, follow the goals of the Society in their own area, and be acknowledged as full active members.  All members of the Warrior Society are automatically members of the White Lance or White Shield Societies.

     Cost of any supplies needed for teaching sessions should be addressed as needed.  By putting together agenda, we will be better able to anticipate cost of supplies and deal with it appropriately.  For the most part, supplies should be furnished at cost, with each person paying the cost of their own project, where possible.  As usual, anything obtained at no cost should in turn be donated for use in the work. 

     Leadership of Societies:  Currently, leadership of the Societies is with the Chief, the Sub-Chiefs, the Clan Mother and her Apprentices.  Elders sit in Advisory capacity, teaching when their expertise and energy permit, always with watchful eye on the proceedings, participation when they wish.  Elders may discreetly call attention to any questionable situation they see developing and offer constructive input in the same manner.  Society Leaders may request teachers as needed for whatever subject of learning is on the agenda.  Anyone with knowledge to share with the people in any capacity should feel free to confer with Society Leaders at any time.  Society Leaders will keep the Elders apprised of agenda and progress on a regular basis.