Originally, the only link between the Order of the Arrow and Native Americans was only found in the induction ceremonies of the order. The original ceremony contains a lot of lines that are borrowed from other sources. Horace P. Kern, a close friend of the founders and the third Vigil Honor member wrote many of the lines for the ceremony. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge which conduct similar inductions. Other lines were borrowed from the epic poem "The Song of Hiwatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The legend was extrapolated from the book "Last of the Mohigans" by James Fenimore Cooper. Many lines from all three of these sources exist today in the current ceremonies.

The original ceremony was based upon Native traditions, but the costumes worn by the ceremonialists were not based on Native Regalia. For most of the early years of the order, black church robes were worn by the ceremonialists. Interestingly enough the link between native costumes and the Order of the Arrow may have come from German hobbyists who emulate American Indian traditions. Americans who were in the OA may have seen the popularity of this and brought Native American costumes and dancing to OA.

Another theory is that as the OA began to spread, new lodges did not know anything more about doing the ceremonies than a script. Many of them would have just assumed that doing a Native American ceremony required regalia, not church robes.

Regardless of where the initial association began, the OA has continued to integrate its traditions closely with Native Americans. Today OA members often study specific Tribes, Groups or Bands. OA dance teams participate in pow wows along side Native Americans.

Individual groups in a few rare cases have learned songs and dances from tribes and continued to use them even after the tribe had forgotten their traditions. In a day where many young Native Americans are not interested in learning their own customs, a number of tribes have embraced the enthusiasm of Arrowmen who show real interest.

It is hoped that the OA and Native Americans can continue their good relationship. This relationship can grow only with an open dialogue between the two groups. OA members should seek out tribal elders as mentors, and learn everything they can. Native Americans can always find a place to teach enthusiastic young men by helping the OA.