History, Native American 

The sweat lodge has many functions. It cleans and heals the body. It heals the mind, bringing clarity. It is a testing place, offering a rite of passage where a participant can show endurance, strength and courage. And finally it is a holy place where Native Americans can renew their connection to the cosmos and God.

For decades, the U.S. government banned the use of Native American sweat lodges and destroyed those they found. By doing so, the government was attempting to destroy their culture. For Native Americans, the sweat lodge is a church, one of their four sacraments.

Joseph Bruchac, part Abenaki Indian, is well qualified to tell the history and meaning of the sweat lodge as it was and still is practiced by native people. The legends he includes are teaching stories, indirectly explaining the sweat lodge to those who will hear.