The White Beaver Ceremony
Among the Chawi band of the Pawnee South Bands, the White Beaver ceremony served the same purpose as the Skidi's Spring Awakening ceremony—renewing life and ensuring fertility. However, instead of focusing on corn, the White Beaver ceremony revitalized hibernating animals. The white beaver was a sacred animal associated with the water spirits. The ceremony involved elaborate rituals, songs, and the use of sacred bundles. This difference between the Skidi (celestial-focused) and South Bands (animal-focused) reflects the two approaches to Pawnee spirituality: the Skidi looked to the stars while