When ye are assembled in Council, fail not to light in your midst the Fire which is the symbol of the Great Spirit and the sign of His presence.
And light the Sacred Pipe, which is the symbol of Peace, Brotherhood, Council and Prayer, and smoke first to the Great Spirit in Heaven above, then to the four Winds, His messengers, and to Mother Earth, through whom He furnishes us our food.
And let each Councillor smoke, passing the pipe in a circle like that of the Sun from east southward to the west.
At the opening of Council, let the Chief arise, light the pipe and pray: Wakan Tanka Wakan na Kay chin, Chandee eeya paya wo: “Great Spirit, by this pipe, the symbol of Peace, Council, and Brotherhood, we ask Thee to be with us and bless us tonight.”
— Oglala Dakota Chant