Our Story, Our Responsibility

This page reflects the origins of our society, the elders who taught us, and the sacred items entrusted to our care. It is a reminder of the responsibilities we carry and the traditions we work to preserve.

Our Beginnings

The Northeast Hethuska traces its roots to the early gatherings on “Head Hill” in Wilkinsonville, Massachusetts, where Ronald (Ron) Head and his wife Edie welcomed Native and non‑Native people who wished to learn, preserve, and honor Indigenous culture.

Ron traveled widely, learning from Native communities across the country and carrying those teachings home. Encouraged by many friends in Oklahoma, he began shaping a New England‑based expression of the Hethuska way. After years of study and guidance, the first Formal War Dance Ceremony was held in May 1973 in Sutton, Massachusetts.

The Path to Recognition

By the early 1980s, the men of the AIS War Dance Society had built a strong foundation, but they had not yet been formally granted the rights to the Hethuska by the Ponca people. As Ron battled cancer in 1983, he asked Edward J. LaFave to complete this work.

Later that year, representatives traveled to White Eagle, Oklahoma to meet with Ponca elders. After a traditional meal prepared by Clarabell Roughface, the elders agreed to grant the New England group the songs and the right to carry a drum.

On February 2, 1985, Abe and Vicki Conklin traveled to Massachusetts to formally pass the drum, symbolized through a cassette of Committee songs and a bundle of four drumsticks.

Those Who Helped Shape Our Society

The Northeast Hethuska stands on the teachings, generosity, and guidance of many individuals. Our founders and early leaders include Ronald Head, Edie Head, Edward J. LaFave, and Jonathan Holmes.

We honor the Ponca Hethuska mentors who guided our early years: Abe Conklin, Paul Roughface, Clarabell Roughface, Lucy Cries for Ribs, Roland Bond, and Dennis “Hawkeye” Hawkins. We also acknowledge the Ponca singers who supported the first ceremonies in 1973.

Comanche Headman Melvin “Old Man” Kerchee Sr., Pawnee singer JoJo Lane, and many others offered prayers, teachings, and encouragement that helped shape our society.

Sacred Gifts Entrusted to the Society

Over the years, the AIS Hethuska received several important items that continue to be present at our annual Dance Ceremony. These include the Drumstick Bundle honoring Sylvester Warrior, Lamont Brown, Jonas Steele, and Joe Conklin.

We also carry two pipe bundles gifted by Comanche Headman Melvin Kerchee Sr. and a third pipe gifted by William Reinecke. The Whipman Quirt, given by Ponca Whipman Paul Roughface, symbolizes Ponca support for our society.

The Lance, gifted by Pawnee singer JoJo Lane, bears breath feathers representing major U.S. conflicts. The Veterans Banner and the Bell Tower & Memorial Garden further honor our members and their families.

Leadership Lineage

Our leadership lineage begins with Ronald Head, whose vision shaped the earliest gatherings. In 1985, Edward J. LaFave became Headman and guided the society for nearly four decades.

On June 11, 2022, Luke Ciarfella received the bundle and became Headman, forming his committee the following day. We honor all who have served in leadership roles since the society’s founding.

A special thank you to our friend Clara/James Thetford, for the use of their photographs on this site.

A special thank you to our friend Clara/James Thetford, for the use of their photographs on this site.

A Society Rooted in Family, Service, and Honor

From its earliest days on Head Hill to its present home in Red Hook, the Northeast Hethuska has remained a family‑centered organization. We honor the teachings of the Ponca people, the service of our veterans, and the responsibility to “help one another.”

Our vision is to remain a family‑oriented society dedicated to honoring Hethuska traditions, supporting veterans, and helping those in need.