Anidawehi is the plural form of Adawehi. An Adawehi is a traditional spiritual leader and healer for the Tsalagi people. An Adawehi knows the ceremonies and prayers needed to keep the balance in this world. He knows the proper plants to use for herbal medicines and the correct way to collect them as well as the sacred prayers used to call on the spirits of the plants for aid in healing. It is the Anidawehi who have learned and passed on the lessons of life, civil order and Tsalagi customs to our people. They are the keepers of the creation stories and the history of the Tsalagi people.
The Anidawehi were and still are the most powerful order among our people. They have a ceremonial language that only the initiated could understand and they are skilled in the secrets and mysteries of the stars and the cosmos. The Tsalagi people consider the Anidawehi wise men and prophets. The Anidawehi were also interpreters of dreams, for the Tsalagi set great store in dreams. All dreams should be interpreted, understood by the dreamer and followed even if danger comes in answering the call.
The Anidawehi are so well thought of and such an important part of the workings of Tsalagi life that the greatest Chief would not act until he has time to speak to an Adawehi first.
All people are healers in their own way but not everyone can be an Adawehi. Tsalagi women have a huge role in treating the day to day ailments of their families and clans but the Anidawehi is reserved solely for initiated men who answer the call of this lifelong responsibility to the Tsalagi people.
Chief William Hoff – Crazy Bear (Nuda Yonv), is our Adawehi for the Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Tribe and can answer any further questions you may have. He is always willing to help with spiritual issues, healing, herbal remedies, prayers and ceremony at your request.
Chief William Hoff
Tribal Adawehi
Tsalagiyi Nvdagi Tribe
110 Allen Draw Lane
Tularosa, New Mexico 88352
walelutown@yahoo.com
