First National Indian Seminar

Since its earliest beginnings, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has enjoyed an almost spiritual relationship with the histories and traditions of Native American peoples. This kindred spirit is evident in the OA’s ceremonies, its symbols, and even in its name. By borrowing so much in the way of culture and crafts from the American Indian, the Order has accepted an obligation to maintain the highest standards of authenticity. Yet, with all of the interaction between the OA and that of Native Americans, there were those individuals who recognized a need for an informative program that furthered the understanding and awareness of the American Indian culture. This need gave rise to a pilot program known as the ‘National Indian Seminar’. The program was originally designed to provide maximum support to the Order of the Arrow’s nationwide emphasis on Indian culture and crafts. It concentrated on “Telling It Like It Is” in discussions of the Indian way of life. The program developed in part from concerns surrounding what many lodges were doing in the way of “Indian Dancing”. Some was so bad that it was viewed as offensive and insensitive. It is important to note that this was occurring soon after the Civil Rights Movement and other big social upheavals of the 1960s. The two most prominent social movements in the early 1970s were that of women’s rights and Native American rights. Knowledgeable observers worried that if the Order of the Arrow did not do a better job of making Indian-oriented activities and events more accurate and respectful, they could run the risk of being forced to abandon them. With the backing of the National OA Committee, the first National Indian Seminar quickly went from concept to reality.

The first National Indian Seminar was held at Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, New Mexico from July 27 – August 11, 1974. Each OA section in the nation could select one youth delegate to represent them at the two-week training program. Ultimately 62 delegates from 27 states attended the Seminar. The site of the seminar was chosen for numerous reasons, but primarily because northern New Mexico had one of the richest concentrations of Native American people and communities in the country. Since Philmont Scout Ranch also happened to be located in this area, it was a natural fit. Additionally, over the years, the Order of the Arrow had developed extensive Native American contacts throughout this area.

Numerous individuals were actively involved in the program’s development, but the driving force behind it all was longtime National OA Committee member and Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient, Maury Clancy. Maury was aided considerably with initiation of the program by his wife Harriet, as well as others. Some of the more prominent contributors to the program were Arrowmen Harris Tanner, John Cook, Bernie Drock, and George Feil (Chairman, National OA Committee).

The seminar had 18 Indian and seven non-Indian instructors from various parts of the country participating throughout the event. Most notable of which were Scott and Doris Tonemah, an older Indian couple from Norman, Oklahoma. In addition to being instructors, Scott and Doris coordinated the teaching of the other instructors in order to provide cultural continuity. Other key instructors were Harry Buffalohead and Eli Warrior (both Poncas Indians), as well as Ty Stewart, Steve Shawley, and Bill Walker. Youth Arrowmen were also heavily involved in the program’s development, and the key youth leaders were Steve McMurtry and Greg Guy. Steve was the deputy national chief of Indian Events, and Greg was the national vice chief. These two extremely capable Arrowmen became the ‘go to’ guys for Maury Clancy and the other organizers of the event.

The seminar’s schedule of events was organized into three main phases. The first phase of the program, which lasted between four and five days, concentrated on Native American history, culture, and ethnology. This phase covered the Eastern Woodlands, Northern Plains, Southern Plains, Southwestern, and Pacific Coastal cultural areas. The second programmatic phase involved a three-day field trip to various sites in New Mexico, which included places like the pueblos of Taos, San Juan, Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, and Santo Domingo, which culminated in the annual Corn Dance Festival held there. In addition, archaeological sites such as Bandelier National Monument and the Puye Cliffs were visited. The third phase of the program, which lasted about five days, was all about Indian crafts, art, costuming, and dancing. This phase emphasized the nature of beadwork, feather work, ceremonial and dancing attire, Indian music, and how to start a dance team. Throughout the two-week program, there were also occasional classes on such topics as Indian foods, games, specialized dancing, and the world of the modern-day Indian. The delegates also managed to spend an afternoon hiking up the Tooth of Time. The seminar was climaxed by the final night’s powwow put on by the staff and delegates.

As the first National Indian Seminar came to a close, and the delegates returned home to their respective sections, lodges, and chapters, they each took with them a new found respect and reverence for the American Indian, which they eagerly passed on to their fellow Arrowmen. Sadly, Maury Clancy passed away later that same year. As a result of the success of this first event the National OA Committee authorized five more National Indian Seminars over the next ten years.

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Don Thom

The fundamental values of both the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and the Order of the Arrow (OA) have continued to grow and prosper over the years due in large part to certain individuals whose personal involvement and commitment have greatly enhanced these programs. Donald C. “Don” Thom (rhymes with “dome”) is certainly one of these individuals.

Don Thom was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky during the height of the Great Depression. As an only child, Don was a bit shy and kept to himself a lot during his earlier years. However, at the urging of his father, Don agreed to visit a local Scout troop on one of their meeting nights. Even though this initial troop experience left Don a little reluctant at first, he eventually entered the Scouting program at the age of 12 in December of 1938 after visiting a second troop in the neighborhood. Don quickly overcame his shyness and became a very active member of the troop earning the God and Country Award and his Eagle Scout Award in 1943. It was not long before Don gave service back to the troop by becoming its Junior Assistant Scoutmaster for several years just prior to his serving in the Navy. After fulfilling his naval duties, Don eventually returned to the troop serving as its Scoutmaster for 12 years.

Don’s association with the OA began in 1946 when he was inducted as an Ordeal member of Zit-Kala-Sha Lodge. The ceremony was conducted at Camp Covered Bridge near Prospect, Kentucky. It was also at this camp where he received his Brotherhood Honor in 1949 and the Vigil Honor in 1952. Don’s Vigil Honor name is Achgigwit, which means ‘Lively One’. Don was extremely active as a young adult in the Order of the Arrow, even serving as lodge chief. He attended his first National Order of the Arrow Conference (NOAC) in 1948, and it was there that he first saw Scouts performing Native American dancing.

Don brought this experience back to his own lodge, and in the summer of 1949, Don and four other lodge members started the Wawoyaka Dance Team. Wawoyaka means ‘Story Teller’ in the Sioux language. The Wawoyaka Dancers gained recognition in the local area, as well as throughout Region Four. As a young adult, Don was a member of this champion dance team, and it was this pursuit that led him to first recognize the need to study and respect Native American culture.

Don’s local service to the Order of the Arrow continued as an adult leader. He served as the lodge adviser of Zit-Kala-Sha Lodge for 20 years, as well as serving as the Area 4B adviser. His involvement was noticed at a national level, and he was on the ‘short list’ of candidates to succeed J. Richard Wilson as OA Executive Secretary. Don received the Silver Beaver Award in 1955 as recognition for his local service. Don continued his attendance at national events where he involved himself in anything associated with Native American activities. Don was asked to serve as the Assistant Scoutmaster of the OA Service Corps at the 1960 National Jamboree, and it was this service that led to his receiving the Order of the Arrow’s Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in 1961. Don continued to serve with the OA Service Corps at National Jamborees in the following leadership positions: 1964 Assistant Scoutmaster; 1977 Scoutmaster; 1985 Director and 1989 Director. Don also served as the Director of the OA Indian Village at the 1993 National Jamboree.

Don’s love for Native American culture, as well the need to study and respect it never weakened from his days as a young adult dancer. He personally dedicated himself to associations with American Indian groups such as the American Indian Scouting Association, and in so doing brought that commitment to the Order of the Arrow, and especially to the National OA Conferences. Don became a member of the National OA Committee in July of 1974, and shortly thereafter he became the Lead Adviser for American Indian Events. He remained in that capacity through the 1996 NOAC. Although he missed the 1974 event, Don was not only instrumental, but the driving force behind the planning and hosting of the 1978, 1980, 1982, and 1984 National Indian Seminars, as well as the 1987 National Pow Wow, and the 1995 Philmont Retreat. Don was also instrumental in the drafting of the OA’s Protected Feather Clarification Policy of 1976, which restricted the use of feathers and animal parts in the construction of Native American regalia to only that of domesticated and game birds. This policy kept the BSA/OA in good standing with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Throughout the 1980s and the early 1990s, Don's wife Carolyn Jaegers Thom also played an important role in the success of numerous OA sponsored American Indian events and activities. Ms. Thom assisted Don at NOACs, National Indian Seminars, and Pow Wow's by coordinating event details, chaperoning Miss Indian America, and by providing transportation for invited Native American guests. The National OA Committee recognized her many years of volunteer dedication and service to the Order of the Arrow by presenting her with the Order's Red Arrow Award in 1992. 

Don attended every National OA Conference from 1948-1998, plus one more in 2002. He also attended eight National Jamborees and one World Jamboree from 1950-1993. In all of these events, Don’s leadership in service has been exemplary. Since his induction in 1946, Don unceasingly provided service to the Order of the Arrow for over a half century. His lifetime of service has forever linked the mission of the Order of the Arrow with the Native American heritage on which it was founded. In 2014, in recognition of his years of service, Don Thom received the Silver Antelope Award.

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Eagle Scout Ford Becomes President

Following the resignation of Richard Nixon, Eagle Scout Gerald Ford became the 38^th President of the United States of America. Although not an Arrowman (the OA was not offered in Grand Rapids during his youth) Gerald Ford was named a Distinguished Eagle Scout in 1970.

To date, Ford has been the only president to attain the rank of Eagle Scout as a youth.

Ford stated,

One of the proudest moments of my life came in the Court of Honor when I was awarded my Eagle Scout badge. I still have that badge. It is a treasured possession.

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Viet Nam War Ends

By 1969, the Vietnam War seemed endless to Americans, and the United States slowly began to withdraw troops. In January 1973, a cease-fire was arranged and the last U.S. ground troops left Vietnam two months later.

The Viet Nam War finally ended on April 30, 1975 when South Vietnam surrendered to North Vietnam.

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60th Anniversary Award

The Order of the Arrow (OA) celebrated its 60^th Anniversary in 1975. In keeping with tradition established ten years earlier during the Order’s 50th Anniversary, the celebration was a national event. In addition to the OA milestone, America was also about to celebrate its bicentennial. To recognize these two historic events, the National OA Committee established the Order of the Arrow 60^th Anniversary Bicentennial Award. The award was designed so that individual Arrowmen, as well as lodges and chapters could actively participate in the nation’s bicentennial celebration. To acknowledge individual participation, Arrowmen who satisfactorily completed specific requirements prior to their 21^st birthday could earn a special 60th Anniversary Bicentennial Award. The embroidered emblem was to be worn in the designated location on the Arrowman’s sash, in a manner similar to the OA’s 50^th Anniversary Award. At the time, the 50^th and 60^th Anniversary Awards were the only badges authorized for display on the OA sash. The requirements for the 60^th Award included Arrowman’s Personal Development; Bicentennial Involvement; and Unit, Lodge, or Council Involvement. All requirements were outlined on an official scorecard, and were to be completed between September 1, 1975 and June 14, 1977. Nine lodges and two chapters qualified for the special 60^th Anniversary Bicentennial Certificate.

 The next time the Order offered an anniversary award was for the 75^th Anniversary.

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National Policy on Feathers

In the early years of the Order it was common for regalia for ceremonies and dance competitions to be made with feathers and/or body parts from birds of prey including bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks, owls, songbirds and migratory birds. Government regulations greatly limited this practice making it illegal to possess these items under most circumstances. It also was made illegal to even trade or sell such items. Nonetheless there existed a thriving black market in the country for these items that unfortunately was driven primarily by Arrowmen obsessed with authenticity and the extraordinary beauty of the feathers.

Effective January 1, 1976, the National OA Committee stated that only feathers of non-protected birds (domesticated or game birds) could be used in Order of the Arrow dance and ceremony competitions.

This restriction applied even in cases of legal possession of feathers of protected birds. This decision significantly reduced the market for illegal feathers.

This action also avoided the severe legal penalties and embarrassment that would have resulted if a National OA Conference’s dance or ceremony competition was visited by Federal law enforcement.

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E. Urner Goodman Camping Award Created

At the 1968 National Planning Meeting, a proposal was made to create a camping award to encourage camp promotion. The plan was approved and it was introduced at the 1969 National Conference as the E. Urner Goodman Camping Award.

The E. Urner Goodman Camping Award is designed to be both a tribute and testimonial to E. Urner Goodman’s commitment to Scout camping and summer camp. The Award’s purpose is to encourage and challenge Order of the Arrow members and lodges to increase their effectiveness in promoting and increasing Scout camping in their council. Awards are presented to two outstanding lodges in each region annually.  For a lodge to be eligible for consideration, it must have achieved at least the bronze level of Journey to Excellence performance. 

2, Awards, Goodman, OA, Scouting

Campership Fund Created

The Maury Clancy Indian Campership Fund was created in 1971 to assist with funds to those American Indian Boy Scouts who wanted to attend resident camp. This fund was subsequently named in memory of long-time National OA Committee member, Maury Clancy. Mr. Clancy contributed significantly to the Order by emphasizing the significance of our nation's American Indian culture and he worked to encourage the preservation of our American Indian heritage.

Campership funds provide up to 50% of the cost of one week at an accredited Boy Scouts of America long-term camp. To be eligible, a youth must be recognized as being of American Indian heritage. The application must be filled out and signed by the Scout Executive by March 31^st of each year. The campership is funded by donations from lodges that may also contribute through their section. Additionally, donations are often taken at section conclaves and region National Leadership Seminars.

2, Ceremonies, OA, Scouting

Maury Clancy

Maurice M. “Maury” Clancy, from Santa Fe, New Mexico and later served Ashie Lodge, San Diego, California, was a member of the National OA Committee. He was most known for his work as an Indian specialist. Maury emphasized the significance of our nation's American Indian culture and worked to encourage the preservation of our American Indian heritage. He received the Orders Distinguished Service Award in 1971 and died December 16, 1974.

In 1975, the Order’s Indian Campership Fund was renamed as “The Maury Clancy Memorial Campership Fund” and today it is known as the “Maury Clancy Indian Campership Fund” to commemorate Maury’s devotion to the American Indian.

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Spirit of the Arrow Booklets

The first Spirit of the Arrow booklets were made available for sale by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) Alpha Phi Omega (APO) – a group that later became the Ceremonial Advisory Group (CAG).

Spirit of the Arrow booklets became an official part of the program of the Order of the Arrow following their introduction at the 1971 NOAC training show titled “The Spirit of the Arrow.”  

Ray Petit and Jay Dunbar were instrumental in the introduction of the Spirit of the Arrow to the Order of the Arrow.

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The OA in Space

On January 28, 1969 Donald Pountain, the lodge chief of Mikano Lodge, Milwaukee, Wisconsin received an astounding letter from a former lodge officer. Captain James “Jim” Lovell, former Lodge Secretary for Mikano Lodge had enclosed a Mikano Lodge flap that had joined Lovell on his Apollo 8 voyage that went around the moon and back. Lovell stated that he would have liked to have actually worn the patch on his spacesuit, however after the Apollo 1 tragedy, nothing could be worn on the suit that was not fireproof. This OA flap likely traveled more miles than any other flap.

Jim Lovell intended to repeat the feat by shepherding a Mikano Lodge Flap to the moon aboard Apollo 13 and placing it in the lunar dust. However, the mission failed to land upon the moon and Captain Lovell never had another opportunity.

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Ceremonial Advisory Group Formed

Other authors revised the early ceremonies in the late 1940s just prior to the Order of the Arrow becoming an official program of the Boy Scouts of America. By the 1950s and early 1960s however, the OA initiation had, to a large degree nationally, deteriorated into a haphazardly conducted formality, all too frequently characterized by hazing and other activities inconsistent with not only the Order’s principles, but also the core tenants of the Scout Oath and Law.

Raymond C. Petit, a new member of the Ump Quah Lodge in Washington state was so keenly motivated by his poor experience of his own induction into the OA that he formed the Ump Quah Ceremonial Improvement Program – the beginnings of what would become ten years later, the CAG. When Ray went to college at MIT, he brought his Ceremonial Improvement Program ideas with him, many of which became a part of an Alpha Phi Omega service project, resulting in numerous publications designed to improve the individual candidate’s experience of the Ordeal, Brotherhood and Vigil Honor ceremonies.

On June 21, 1969 the National OA Committee, at the urging of future chairman Dr. Carl Marchetti, formed the “MIT boys” into an official advisory group.

Most of the core CAG members were college-aged, and went on to earn advanced degrees, including Jay Dunbar, PhD; Roger Billica, MD (and CMO of NASA); Kemp Cease, MD; Joseph Buchman, PhD; Matt Fisher, PhD; David Mest, PhD, others pursued studies in the Catholic Priesthood, served missions for the LDS Church, in computer science invention and applications, or have achieved similar academic success in their chosen fields.

The CAG disbanded following the 1992 NOAC, but many of its members have remained individually active in NOAC training, literature development and in local lodges as ceremonial team coaches and advisors.

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