Produced to accompany Howard Bad Hand's book Native American Healing (Keats McGraw-Hill, 2001).

Howard Bad Hand sings at slower pace and lowered volume to aid persons wishing to learn the songs. By recording one track and then singing along with himself on subsequent tracks, Howard sings all parts in a three part harmony. This an excellent recording for non Lakota speakers to hear the words of each song clearly pronounced by a native Lakota speaker.

A note about the song titles:

In practice, ceremonial songs are not given titles. However, for the purpose of distinguishing the songs incorporated in the text of Native American Healing, Howard chose the most salient line of lyrics as the title of each song.Traditionally, lowampi songs are grouped in categories by the function they serve in the ceremony. On this recording, the songs the listener will experience fall in to the following 14 categories (song numbers correspond to the song numbers used in the song texts below):

1. Canupa Ojuyapi Olowan (Pipe Filling Song)
2. Canupa Opagin Olowan (Pipe-Offering Song)
3. Tatioye Toye Olwan (Four Directions Song)
4. Wakan Tanka Taolowan (Great Spirit Song)
5. Lel Etunwan Yo (Personal Sacred Song)
6. Wicakicopi Olowan (Spirit Calling Song)
7. Tiuma Hiyupi Olowan (Spirit Entrance Song)
8. Wakan Ki Wacipi Olowan (Spirit Dancing Songs
9. Wakan Ki Woglakapi Olowan (Spirit Talking Song)
10. Wakan Ki Woglakapi Olowan (Spirit Talking Song)
11. Wakan Woayupte Olowan (Spirit Responding Song)
12. Wakan Kinanpe Olowan (Spirit Departure Song)
13. Wakan Wicak’upi Olowan (Offering Song)
14. Woawanyanke Olowan (Protection Song)
15. Wakan Iglustanpi Olowan (Ceremony Completion Song)

SONGS FEATURED ON THIS ALBUM
Select a song for more details

Friend, Do It This Way
Look Upon This Pipe, It Is Sacred!
To The Four Directions, I am Related
It Is To The Great Spirit First That I Pray
Sacred People Are Coming To See You
I Have Somehow Arrived
Everything Is Sacred. Look Here!
The One I am Singing For Is Now Coming
Their Voices Can Be Heard
Hear Me! I Am Speaking For Them!
Send Your Voice
I Give You Grandfather’s Prophecies!
I Give These To You
We Watch You From Above
I Speak Sincerely. Do Not Deceive Me!

Howard Bad Hand is a Sicangu Lakota, a member of the Rosebud (S.D.) Sioux Tribe. One of the fourth generation of singers and tribal song keepers in his family, Howard began learning the sacred music of his people as a teenager. Taught and encouraged by his elder relations, Howard learned the songs and the healing rituals.

Formally educated at Lenox School in Massachusetts, followed by long stints at Dartmouth College and Harvard University, Howard has also been well educated in the history and traditions of Anglo culture. Known also by his given name, Wicapi Wankatuya (High Star) he is frequently called upon for his ability to interpret Lakota traditions to meet the challenges of contemporary times.

Widely known throughout both Native American and Anglo worlds, Howard serves today as a ceremonial leader, healer and teacher. He has taught Native American music, character development and lectured on Lakota spirituality and the Book of Change throughout the US as well as in Europe and Australia. Howard lives with his wife Terrie and family in Taos, New Mexico.