News – Sheridan Media
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The annual Brinton Museum tipi raising event was held on Friday, June 12 on the Brinton grounds. Museum Board Liaison Wallace Bear Chum presented the event.
Before the tipi was raised, Bear Chum performed the smudging ceremony. Smudging is a ceremony of burning tobacco, sage or sweetgrass and using the smoke for purification or blessing. An eagle wing fan is used to fan the smoke over and around the one who is receiving the blessing. The Brinton staff and volunteers, as well as audience members, were invited to come for the blessing as well.
He added that after the poles were selected and cut, the bark is scraped off and then they are set up and allowed to dry, which makes the poles lighter and easier to handle.
“I learned which poles to select, how to cut them and how to peel them, and the ceremonies that go with that, and of course how to put the tipi up.” Bear Chum said.
He added that in the Cheyenne culture they had women’s societies, as well as warrior societies. It was their job to teach the skills to the younger generation.
He said that today, the tipis are often larger than they traditionally were.
He then encouraged audience members to help set up the tipi, and several of the attendees, including two youngsters, help with the set up.
The weather was warm and sunny, and the event drew a large crowd. The tipi will remain up throughout the summer on the Brinton grounds.
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Last modified: June 14, 2026