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Certain people were destined and trained to become a medicine man (Tek'wilc). Their upbringing and lifestyle from birth was controlled to ensure they would develop the power to heal. A medicine man was usually a man, but occasionally a woman became a Tek'wilc as well.
A Tek'wilc gained his powers from rigorous training and receiving of guardian spirits, songs or dances. Some used natural forces such as air, water, fire or earth to help them achieve the desired effect. A Tek'wilc might use his animal transformation spirit to conduct a ritual or to travel through the spirit world. A Tek'wilc could also choose to harm others. Sometimes the Tek'wilc was unknown to the people. Because of this, all people needed to show respect for everyone, especially the elders. Respect is shown by not walking directly behind your elders, not walking between people who are talking and being calm. Sometimes people who believed they possessed the power of being a Tek'wilc, but did not, were more apt to harm themselves or the people they were trying to help. |
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