THE CHIEF'S SASH

In the El-Ku-Ta Lodge the Chief wears a distinctive sash.  It is beaded with the designation "Lodge Chief" on it.  As part of the ceremony of the induction of a new Chief, he becomes the Chief when the retiring Chief takes off his sash and places it on the shoulder of the newly elected Chief.  It is not his to keep but only to wear during his term.  However, he leave his mark on the back of the Sash much as he leaves his mark on the lodge.  Each Chief in turn who has worn it has signed it with the years that he served and, if a Vigil Member, with his vigil name.  There is no ceremony with the signing of it and each chooses to when sign it towards the end of his term when it is appropriate to him.

From the beginning of the Lodge there have been (2011) 51 Lodge Chiefs.  All have made outstanding contributions to the lodge.

There have been two beaded sashes that have been passed on in this way.  It has become so distinctive that it is referred to as The Sash by most of those who recognize it.

Up until 1974, the term of Mick Mackay, Chief's wore the Bonnet  but not a different sash.  Early Chief's were designated with a special neckerchief also. However the Chief's Bonnet is somewhat cumbersome and used only for formal occasions.  It is not used as the Chief travels, attends meetings, and events and hence the Sash was developed so that all would know that the wearer was the Lodge Chief.

The First beaded sash was worn by Mick Mackay.  He wore it until it was retired by  Brad Mecham in 1992, the last Chief to wear it.   At the conclusion of its use by the Chiefs who wore it and passed it down (i.e. when the back was full of signatures) it was framed and now hangs in the Board Room of the Council Office.  A plaque with the sash indicates the names, years of those who wore it and the Lodge Advisers they served with.

The Second sash was made during Brad Mecham's time as Chief and has been worn by all of the Chiefs since that time.  It was beaded by Justin Barker, a Lodge Vice Chief at the time.  Justin often taught beading at Section Conclaves and in his turn became the Section Chief.  He was recognized for his skill and expertise in beading. Upon its retirement, it will also be framed and suitably hung in a place of prominence.  In the years that have passed, Justin has continued to make a contribution in teaching his skills on a Section level.  The present Chief, Caleb Cannon, will probably be the last one to sign it before it's retirement.

The Third sash was introduced at the Lodge Banquet in 2012.  It was also created by Justin Barker.  It uses brain tanned leather and with the different colors of beads has a 3-D effect.  Some of the red beads were left over from the Second sash are are incorporated in it.  The prior sash was retired and given to the Scout Executive for suitable display.  It is framed and bears a plaque of all of the Chief's who have worn it.

The tradition of the Sash demands that it never leave the possession of the Lodge Chief - not even for someone to care for  it while he is busy.   If he were to leave it unattended or unwatched or in the hands of another, even (especially) the Lodge Adviser, it is an extreme mark of disrespect  and would subject the Chief to censure by Past Chiefs should it become known.  It is his badge of office and is worn whenever he is on lodge business.  The fact that it was made and given to the lodge as a service by a fellow Arrowman is a lesson in service that the Chief carries with him.