The Heduska is the name of a fraternal organization of good men within the Ponca Tribe. From ancient times, the organization existed to teach the male population how to live. Men were taught from childhood to entreat and greet one another with proper social amenities, to extend aid to members of the organization and other tribal members, to speak and show compassion to tribal families in need, to recognize the economic needs of the tribe, to learn skills of tracking and the hunt, to show respect for the religion of the Ponca People and participate in appropriate rites and ceremonies, and to defend the community with their lives, if necessary.
Tribal Historians stated that the earlier "Heduska", in Nebraska, had specific duties in the Tribe. Before the Ponca removal to Indian Territory, remnants of these organizations still existed. Numbering from four or more organizations, they were called P'adanik'i, Tokada, T'e nap'azi, T'e gaxe, Wasna t' aga, and so forth. Kenneth Headman and Albert MakesCry Sr said members of the Dixida and Nikap'asna Clans composed a group called P'adanik'i and were considered "shock troops" by the Tribe. these men were required to be ready all times to protect the community. This meant that they had to have access to weapons, Some even carried weapons with them at all times. And when they went to war, they painted their faces black with charcoal to symbolize death. The Tokada was composed of the yopung men of the tribe who were proven and tested in defending the camp. the T'e nap azi, was called, as the name implies, "Not Afraid to Die." KH and AMC said this group stayed at the place of battles to the end, whether it was for victory or defeat. at dances, they stood togehter and danced in one place, The T'e gaxe was known for waiting for the enemy to come to them before the fought- hence the name "Pretend to be Dead." The Wasna t' aga, or "Big Belly Group," were retired elderly men. They were known for coming to dances and showing their bravery and "toughness" to the younger men by reaching into a hot kettle of soup with their bare hands to retrieve a piece of choice dog meat. These men practiced the Heduska values and were very able to defend the camp.
from "Walks on the Ground" Chapter 10 The Old Ponca Heduska pg. 123-124
Tribal Historians stated that the earlier "Heduska", in Nebraska, had specific duties in the Tribe. Before the Ponca removal to Indian Territory, remnants of these organizations still existed. Numbering from four or more organizations, they were called P'adanik'i, Tokada, T'e nap'azi, T'e gaxe, Wasna t' aga, and so forth. Kenneth Headman and Albert MakesCry Sr said members of the Dixida and Nikap'asna Clans composed a group called P'adanik'i and were considered "shock troops" by the Tribe. these men were required to be ready all times to protect the community. This meant that they had to have access to weapons, Some even carried weapons with them at all times. And when they went to war, they painted their faces black with charcoal to symbolize death. The Tokada was composed of the yopung men of the tribe who were proven and tested in defending the camp. the T'e nap azi, was called, as the name implies, "Not Afraid to Die." KH and AMC said this group stayed at the place of battles to the end, whether it was for victory or defeat. at dances, they stood togehter and danced in one place, The T'e gaxe was known for waiting for the enemy to come to them before the fought- hence the name "Pretend to be Dead." The Wasna t' aga, or "Big Belly Group," were retired elderly men. They were known for coming to dances and showing their bravery and "toughness" to the younger men by reaching into a hot kettle of soup with their bare hands to retrieve a piece of choice dog meat. These men practiced the Heduska values and were very able to defend the camp.
from "Walks on the Ground" Chapter 10 The Old Ponca Heduska pg. 123-124