On 18 October 1996, a grand ceremony of initiation for first-graders took place at our school. Everyone had been waiting for this day, as the pupils were to become true members of the “Clean Feet” tribe. The ceremony was attended by parents, teachers, children and Father K. Rzońca, while the guests were welcomed by the chief “Sweet Heart”.
Why is the tribe called “Clean Feet”? Our main aim is for our Earth to be clean, in accordance with the words of Majka Jeżowska’s song, “Let us walk with clean feet upon our Mother Earth...”
Thanks to the beautifully recited poems, we learned what the country where the “Little Clean Feet” live is like and what is most important to them at present: family, friends and their immediate environment.
The prepared and conducted Indian knowledge quiz introduced those gathered to such topics as
-Where did the name Indians come from?
-Why do we call them redskins?
-What signs did they use to communicate?
-What does the peace pipe mean?
-Who was Pocahontas (a real historical figure)? etc.
The parents were surprised that their children knew so much about the subject and expressed their appreciation with enthusiastic applause.
Then the future Indians demonstrated their strength by overcoming various obstacles, such as carrying a 2-kilogram medicine ball on their heads—and once again there was enthusiastic applause for the best performers.
The final part of the exam consisted of drinking a “magical memory potion” (juice squeezed from a lemon), which helped them remember good moments—they were not allowed to grimace!
The children successfully completed all the trials, and the moment of initiation followed. The parents put on the first-graders’ costumes, which they had sewn themselves; the tribe’s chief placed beautiful feather headdresses on their heads and gave each child an Indian name. Afterwards, they took an oath: “We, the Little Clean Feet Indians, will take care of our Earth and conscientiously fulfil our school duties. We will do everything so that our parents and teachers are proud of us.” The Indians’ anthem, dances and a wonderful feast prepared by the pale faces (the parents) brought the ceremony to an end.
With an Indian greeting, Hauk! Chief Sweet Heart – A. Boczarska.