Whilst the author has spoken at length of the Nisenan—Sacramento’s original inhabitants—she will for this essay, turn her attention to two neighboring Tribes: the Konkow (Butte County) and the Mountain Maidu (Plumas County). Seeing that these three Tribes are offshoots of a larger body, they are commonly called the Maidu as a collective term of convenience. Because of this relation, it is impossible to speak of the Nisenan without also mentioning these two related groups.

Like the Nisenan, the Konkow and Mountain Maidu revered gender diversity. Despite this fact, however, the essay will not be based on their genderal views, as these are virtually the same as the Nisenan, which the author has already covered in past essays. Instead, it will talk of an ancient therapeutic ceremony that can easily be conducted by trans-folk wishing to relieve pent-up energy and rage.

First and foremost, whilst all dances were seen as crucial, the Bear Dance was considered the most important, and whilst the Konkow and Mountain Maidu are recorded to have held it, the Nisenan are not. Despite this fact, the Nisenan no doubt visited their neighbors from time to time, and in this way, some must have viewed it. Seeing that this was a New Year celebration, the village throwing such an event, would have no doubt wanted visitors.

In any case, on holding such a dance in modern times, a mock bear costume should be hung upon a pole. Because the bear is wild he/she must first be tamed through way of song, meditation and dance, which may be done in any order the holders choose. Remember, however, that this is no time to stress. Rather, it is a moment of de-stressing, and hence, the carefree singing and dancing shall allow a release of negative energy. To prevent any awkward uncertainties, the holders of such a dance may want to think of appropriate songs. As this is a healing event, it is crucial that participants treat it as such.

Once the individuals feel that the bear spirit is tamed, they will go up one-by-one, screaming, shouting and crying, etc. whilst whipping the mock bear with a whip. During the process, the individual must ask the bear not to harm her/him and that he/she be allowed to live in peace. The individual, whilst doing this, must take as long as he/she needs, until at last, the pains and burdens are lifted. At last, when everyone has had a turn, the mock bear is to be laid in water to soak. Water, of course, is the symbol of purification, and the sign of a bright future. Once the negative energy is washed the away, the mock bear is to be laid to dry. From that point participants hold a discussion, relating their experiences, and once satisfied, the Bear Dance is complete.

In conclusion, it should be obvious why the author has suggested such a ceremony. Seeing that trans-people are often the brunt of trauma and abuse, primal scream therapy can works wonders. By allowing the individual to lose it in a healthy way, the old suppressed pain can at last be laid to rest. The author, in fact, has held the above and can vouch for it’s many benefits. If interested, please follow the simple steps above.