One year ago, Tsisqan and Lo La’Qam Geela set their efforts on a new task, an ordeal approaching swiftly as a flock of field crows flying black across the sun. This trial was to merge with one another before the year had finished, and their resolution would need to hold fast. Through meeting upon endless meeting, delegates of each parent lodge worked tirelessly to derive a system that would support the new lodge: Kunamokst they called it.
Earlier this year they celebrated a victory with the successful completion of their founding event, and thus the enactment of their standing rules and lodge office. For a time, there was joy to be had.
However, this month marked the final events of Tsisqan and Lo La’Qam Geela.
For decades these two lodges have held fast in their service and devotion to others. Now is our chance to acknowledge their accomplishments rather than mourn; now is the time to celebrate. In fact, both lodges held onto this principle for their final events.
On the weekend of Oct. 10-12, Lo La’Qam Geela held their final fellowship at Camp McLoughlin. Despite the somber undertone, the event maintained a sense of joy and brotherhood. Members of the lodge gathered together in service one last time, providing necessary winterization to the main lodge, and preparing the camp for a hearty snow season.
Through the afternoon, Arrowmen played games and made crafts together, until the weekend culminated in a banquet. After enjoying excellent food and merriment, the lodge leadership presented awards and recognitions, and spoke about the legacy of Lo La’Qam Geela Lodge.
Just one week later, on Saturday, Oct. 18, over two hundred arrowmen gathered to say goodbye to Tsisqan. In the morning, over a hundred vigil members came together for a Vigil Gathering and brunch. Vigil members of the lodge gave speeches on how Scouting has changed their lives–more specifically, how Tsisqan has changed their lives.
After the Vigil Gathering, there was a short gap until the Klahow’ya Tsisqan Farewell Banquet began. Over two hundred Arrowmen from across the nation gathered together for the banquet at the Lane Events Center. After exchanging memories and reuniting with old friends, the evening progressed with numerous speeches honoring Tsisqan and all its accomplishments and distributing the final awards and recognitions for Tsisqan.
The evening came to a close with an oral auction, followed by a special ceremony to honor the ending of a long and joyful time–and the beginning of a new and exciting one. All the members in attendance gathered into one giant circle to sing the Order of the Arrow Song one last time, and its echoes reverberated in the hearts of everyone in attendance.
And with that, both Tsisqan and Lo La’Qam Geela were no more. But, just like that final song, the echoes of their successes, trials, triumphs, and legacies will continue to impact both Kunamokst and our section as a whole. Remember now that membership in the Order of the Arrow is given, not only for what you have done, but for what you are expected to do in the future. Tsisqan and Lo La’Qam Geela have done much, but we should expect much more to come from Kunamokst as it grows and thrives into 2026 and beyond.
