When all are assembled, the giver of the feast opens the medicine bag with some formality.

The pipe is lit and smoked by all present; but it is first offered to the Great Spirit.

After the smoking, food is placed in wooden bowls, or other vessels that visitors may have brought; for it is not a breach of etiquette to bring dishes with you to the feast.

When all are served, the word is given to commence eating, and those that cannot eat all that is given them, must make a present to the host, besides hiring some one present to eat what they fail to consume.

To waste a morsel would offend the Great Spirit, and injure or render useless the medicine.