Traditionally, it was women who washed and dressed the body in preparation for its burial. Women also made the moccasins which are placed on the feet. Sweetgrass, our sacred and purifying plant is placed in the right hand of the deceased. Tobacco, the instrument to aid communication between the Creator and ourselves, is also placed in the casket. As well, personal property, especially the deceased person's pipe, is left with the body as these articles are, in essence, part of the person.
Women prepare the meals during the days of bereavement.
The food for the feast following burial is also prepared by women although some women, at times, will be excluded from handling or touching the food. If it is inadvertently tasted or touched, that food is set aside and not eaten. This is because the intention of the feast is to eat with the Spirits. At the grave site prayers are offered and songs are often sung. Before the casket is lowered into the earth it is covered with a blanket as a gesture of farewell and respect.