The teachings of the Sweet Medicine SunDance (SMSD) path were gathered and preserved by Elders known as Twisted Hairs.  For thousands of years medicine men and women, shamans, and other seekers of knowledge traveled beyond their tribal boundaries because they were hungry to learn more than the traditional teachings of their own tribes. 

In 1254 AD these Elders formed their own medicine society, braiding together strands of wisdom that would support eventual enlightenment.  They called themselves the Twisted Hairs Metis Medicine Societies Council of Elders, in acknowledgement of the many sources of their knowledge.  They established ceremonies and practices known as the Gateway Process - a spiritual Way to become a Sacred Human able to touch self, life and others with beauty.

The Twisted Hairs’ knowledge is known as the Sweet Medicine SunDance (SMSD) path.  Its purpose is to foster “Sacred Humans”- people with emotional balance; a grounded presence and leadership in daily life; the ability to think outside the box, and work in co-empowering ways with the diversity of humanity.  This remains the vision of our contemporary shamanism.