Voices of our Culture

Sacred Tradition

Honoring Those Who Served

The Ponca Flag Song honors the veterans who went to war in World War I — a sacred melody carried forward through generations as a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and service.

Listen to the Flag Song

Experience the sacred sound of the Ponca Flag Song. The Ponca Culture Department has preserved recordings of this song and accompanying discussions about its meaning and origins.

Flag Song Recording

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Meaning & Discussion

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Words of the Song

Sung in Ponca

Each line carries the weight of remembrance — passed down through voice and ceremony to honor those who served.

Verse 1

Nuzhiⁿga haska

These young men

Verse 2

Thenoⁿ dexti

Who carried it under hardship

Verse 3

Moⁿzon they tho day

For this country / land

Full Meaning

“These young men who carried the flag under hardship for this country or land.”

Six Stories

A timeless collection of sacred Ponca stories passed down through the generations.

The Coyote and the Gray Fox
01

The Coyote and the Gray Fox

Explore the multi-media files for The Coyote and the Gray Fox.

Song – The Coyote & The Gray Fox
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The Coyote and the Snake
02

The Coyote and the Snake

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Song – The Coyote and The Snake
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Audio Reading – The Coyote and The Snake
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The Coyote and the Turkeys
03

The Coyote and the Turkeys

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Song – The Coyote and The Turkey
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Audio Reading – The Coyote and The Turkeys
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How Ishtinike Caught the Turtle
04

How Ishtinike Caught the Turtle

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Song – How Ishtinike Caught the Turtle
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Audio Reading – How Ishtinike Caught The Turtle
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How the Rabbit Caught the Sun
05

How the Rabbit Caught the Sun

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Audio Reading – How The Rabbit Caught The Sun
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The Orphan and the Bird Chief
06

The Orphan and the Bird Chief

Explore the multi-media files for The Orphan and the Bird Chief.

Song – The Orphan and The Bird Chief
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Audio Reading – The Orphan and The Bird Chief
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