The Words That Come Before All

When the Indigenous Peoples of Western New York celebrate the Midwinter festival, the gathering begins with a communal thanksgiving to the elements and forces of nature that support life on earth.
John Snodgrass teaches Religious Studies at Canisius College, and he is the author of numerous books including “Sun Dance: Plains Life in Balance” and “Jolly Holidays.” He lives in Buffalo with his bride and their four children