What is a Indian Pathfinders Tribe

The Pathfinder Tribe is a group of approximately six to eight father and daughter teams. The tribe usually meets twice monthly in the homes of its members on a rotating basis. Meeting nights are dependent on the parents schedules. Father and daughter are expected to attend as a team. Therefore, each father and daughter team is kept on a one to one basis within the tribal group.

The tribes are usually named after American Indian tribes, with the name selection made by the members of the new tribe. Tribe members also select Indian names for themselves with the father and daughter working together to find a name that has personal meaning and reflects honor. The American Indians employed one or more of the following methods:

The Elder's vision of what the child may turn out to be (i.e. A guide to her future, such as Silver Bird, Peace Maker, and Straight Arrow). Something that stood out in the parents' minds the day the child was born (i.e. Bright Star, Snow Rabbit, Sleeping Bear). The hope of the parent or child for his/her future (Strong Heart, Steady Wind, Brave Wolf or Wise Owl). The traits of the parent or child (Great Thunder, Tall Cedar, Keen Eyes, Quiet Squirrel). An experience of great meaning to the family (Clear Water, Running Deer, Red Sky).

Fathers serve as officers and their daughters share in the responsibilities of the office. Each tribe elects a Chief who represents the tribe at the monthly planning (Longhouse) meetings. In addition, each tribe selects a Medicine Man to organize the award activities, and a Wampum Bearer to control the tribe's funds. Typically, these positions are rotated on an annual basis from member to member. The goal is to get everyone involved in the duties of the tribe.

The activities of a tribe depend largely on the age of its members and the length of time the tribe has been together. Tribes that are just beginning, typically ages five through seven, usually center their activities around regularly scheduled meetings.

Although some structure is recommended to provide continuity for younger children, there is no right or wrong when father and daughter are doing activities together.

Tribe meetings are a source of activity for the younger children. The Native American theme provides an excellent backdrop for stories, crafts, games, and beadwork. The activities are geared toward assisting the girls in getting to know their fellow tribe members as well as getting to spend precious time with dad.

The wampum (treasury) grows as each girl contributes the amount of dues determined by the tribe. The wampum report is an opportunity for the girls to tell their tribe little chores they did around the house or some act of kindness they extended to another person. In doing so they gain the experience and confidence of speaking in public and contributing to the tribe's wampum chest. As the wampum grows, the whole tribe reaps the benefits of their hard work by sharing in some special activity (going for an ice cream or seeing a movie).

Girls receive a bead after they complete an activity leading to an award. Beadwork is a unique activity that father and daughter work on together a t home, or as a tribe activity. Completed beadwork is brought to the tribe meetings to share and discuss. Although it is the girls who receive the awards for doing the beadwork, the time spent together while reading, crafting, searching, or building is what the program is all about.

As the girls progress and mature, the tribe-based activities tend to change, as they should. Dads should always strive to be creative in planning meetings. Also, the girls should begin to assume more responsibility in the planning process, giving them a greater sense of ownership. Bike rides, skiing, museums and picnics can serve as meeting substitutions. Acts of community service are always appreciated by local organizations. Examples include visiting nursing homes, spending time at a soup kitchen, assisting elderly with home chores, or digging out snow-covered fire hydrants.