OA Native American Regalia

One of the highlights of the Order of the Arrow is its use of Native American attire.  It is one of the most exciting parts of the program to some members; in fact it’s what brings many into the program. Still few realize the cost involved in acquiring Native American regalia.

The cost, while it should not be a factor in active participation in the order, sometimes gets in the way of becoming active in the ceremony and dance portions of it. A well made Native American Dance outfit normally costs about $150, even if substitute and imitation materials are used. That’s a lot of money for a 14-year-old. An Order of the Arrow Ceremonial outfit can cost more or less, depending on if “found and rebuilt” items are used, or if real leather, like in Utah Valley, is used. Your regalia needs not be complete to be used in ceremonies, either.

While O-A members are encouraged to adopt the lore or attire of tribes local to them. The easiest and cheapest costumes to make are the Apache, the Pueblo, and Navajo of the southwest cultural area, but these tribes are not near most members areas. The Western Plains Cultural Area is the most wanted regalia and it takes time and money to build. Something is needed in the mean time.

You may try and borrow regalia from most lodges, chapters, or Advisors until you decide which direction you want to take with your own regalia. Just remember that whenever you borrow regalia, from what ever the source, you need to provide your own earth tone shorts and moccasins for sanitary reasons.

Most O-A members acquire their regalia from many sources. Not everyone can bead, sew, or do feather work. Thus, some items are bought, some are given as gifts for Christmas, birthdays, and other holidays, and some are made by other members of family.