Tetonwana Lodge #105
Sioux Council, BSA 

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Serve your lodge . . . . . serve
as an Elangomat or Nimat!

The Elangomat

It’s almost time to welcome new candidates into our Order during another Conclave/Ordeal Weekend.  As you all know, to make this happen we need Elangomats.

We were all candidates once, and we went through the Ordeal led by some person we probably just met called an Elangomat.  He tested the bow with us and worked along side us throughout the weekend. 

As many of you may recall, Elangomats were the friends who led us through the various tests of the Ordeal, and served our lodge and the Ordeal with a great spirit and desire to insure that all candidates found the true meaning of the Order. 

It was Elangomats that showed all of us the path through the Ordeal and onward to Brotherhood. 

Many who have served in this role have commented that it brought time to reflect on their own Ordeal weekend, no matter how long ago that was, and many stated that it only intensified their respect for the Order and strengthened their bond in Brotherhood.

Now it is your time to return the favor, and maybe even strengthen your bond in the Lodge by becoming an Elangomat.

Every member is encouraged to be an Elangomat at least once before they become a Brotherhood member. This experience gives one the opportunity to more completely understand the meaning of the Ordeal and its intentions.

Essentially, an Elangomat goes through the Ordeal again as if he or she were an Ordeal candidate.

Besides strengthening your understanding to the Ordeal, you help to improve the experience for the Ordeal Candidates in attendance.

The word Elangomat is translated as "friend" from the Lenne Lenape. Thus, an Elangomat serves as a friend to the Ordeal Candidates.

During the Ordeal, an Elangomat will act as a liaison from the Lodge to the candidates, enduring every part of the ordeal with them, and therefore strengthening their confidence.

Serving as an Elangomat also and excellent way of fulfilling one of the requirements for Brotherhood.

Being an Elangomat is a wonderful experience and we encourage all Arrowmen to serve in this important role at least once. 

The Ordeal really is better the second time around!

When you sign up for a Conclave/Ordeal Weekend,
 let the Lodge know you'd like to serve as an Elangomat. 

What is an Elangomat?

An Elangomat fulfills many functions in the Induction process, but his chief responsibility is revealed by his title Elangomat, which means “FRIEND”.

A good Elangomat develops a personal relationship with each of the members of his clan. But this relationship is not one of words, it is deeper, for he shares in the hardships of the candidates, and in their silence.

The job of an Elangomat is not easy. He must function as a crew chief, friend, example to his candidates, counselor, mediator, and policemen.

The Elangomat must be a constant and continual example of the Obligation. This may not always be possible, but it is the goal.

Being an Elangomat is a great sacrifice, but as with all true services, you gain as much or more than you give. This you will know if you take the Ordeal challenge yourself.                          

Duties and Responsibilities of an Elangomat

To honestly try in all ways to bring candidates to a compete understanding of the purpose and the spirit of the Order of the Arrow.

To always take the initiative in performing service and accomplishing tasks.

To be a continual example of the Spirit of the Order in both action and attitude.

To be foremost in ensuring that the candidates are following in full the challenges of the Order and to take appropriate action when these challenges are not being met.

To encourage candidates in their understanding of the real purpose of the Ordeal which they are experiencing.

To strive to bring to the candidates the ideals and instill with them the virtues of Brotherhood and cheerful service.

To make the candidates feel that they are now part of the Order and to work with them following the Ordeal till they achieve Brotherhood.

The Nimat

A Nimat is a brother - similar to being an Elangomat, but for Brotherhood rather than for Ordeal candidates. Hopefully, anyone considering serving as a Nimat has served as an Elangomat during an Ordeal and thus already has helped a new brother into the fellowship of our Brotherhood. The role of a Nimat is a furthering of this role, helping a brother to understand the full meaning of the Ordeal which has been completed, the role of his service in the Brotherhood and in his troop, and to prepare the brother to strengthen their ties of brotherhood through the Brotherhood ceremony.

At the end of the Ordeal new members were sent to seek a vision of themselves and a new purpose. Nimats help them to further this goal and challenge by helping them to understand the meaning of their service since the bestowing of the Ordeal. Nimat are put be in charge of one to five candidates who will be taken on an introspective hike, where Nimats help them in their search of the Arrow. The tone which Nimats set in thier demeanor will make this either a success or a failure. Those who serve as Nimats must take this challenge seriously.

The following criteria would be helpful in choosing those who serve as a Nimat. They must be a Brotherhood or Vigil member of the Order, they should be a member in good standing, and should be recommended by their Chapter Advisor and Chief. They should be open and friendly, able to easily discuss the ideals of the Order, and fully understand the Obligation, the Customs and Traditions of the Order, and the basic principles of the induction. Each Nimat should then be trained, before the time of service, in order to fully understand their role and what will be expected of each candidate.

Each Nimat should arrive before the appointed time of the members, in order to have sufficient time to prepare a path for their group to follow that will not interfere with that of another Nimat. They should each be familiar with the path of their hike, and where they plan to make each stop along the trail to discuss the topics assigned. They should know where the final ceremony grounds are and where Kichkinet will be waiting to bring the candidates into the Brotherhood ceremony.

Contact your Chapter or the Lodge a Adviser for more information about serving as a Nimat.

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