|
106. Joseph La Flesche/ Iron
Eyes (Omaha) - Tribal Leader
He was the son of a Frenchman, a Ponca mother, and the adopted son of the first Chief
Big Elk - who eventually named Iron Eyes his successor as tribal chief. As leader
of the Omahas, he favored education and civilization of his people - as a matter of
survival - so the could live peaceably alongside the white invaders whom, he assumed,
were going to occupy and take over his land. Iron Eyes wanted his people to be
farmers, to educate their children, and to have rights and citizenship like those of the
whites, which would allow the Omaha's to smoothly ease into the new society.
107. Susan La Flesche Picotte
(Omaha) - First Native American Woman Physician
"Susan truly had faced obstacles above and beyond those faced by nineteenth
century white women, yet she overcame every one and dedicated her life to her grateful
people. Her story is a litany of frontier vignettes of which classic legends are made,
and it needs no embellishment. Dr. Susan could very well emerge as one of the more
notable heroines in American History." and "Susan LaFlesche graduated top of
her class and worked for improved health conditions of her tribe including a reservation
hospital."
108. Susette La Flesche
Tibbles/ Bright Eyes (Omaha) - Native rights advocate and activist
She was highly educated, an amazing speaker, and an advocate for Native American
education and human rights. Susette became a celebrity in 1879 when she involved herself
with the Standing Bear trial and subsequent win for his rights as a citizen in the
United States. She traveled the country with Standing Bear, speaking out against
Native oppression and for their citizenship and basic civil rights. She married
journalist Thomas Tibbles, continued to lecture through out England in the late
1890's, and was a frequent magazine contributor. Bright Eyes died in 1903.
109. Phil Lane Jr (Yankton
Dakota/Chickasaw) - Tribal Leader/ Educator
Phil Lane Jr is an internationally recognized leader in human and community development,
working with Indigenous people in the America's as well as Thailand, India, Africa,
and Hawaii. With his guidance and presidency, Four Worlds' Economic Development has
become an internationally recognized leader in social and economic development. Lane
received the 1992 Windstar Award as well as the 2000 Foundation for Freedom and Human
Rights Award in Berne, Switzerland.
110. William Least Heat Moon
(Osage) - Author
He's an author known best for his award winning travel writings including Blue
Highways, a best-selling book about his travels around the nation's back roads.
111. Edmonia Lewis
(Chippewa) - Sculptor
Though she had no formal education, Edmonia Lewis entered Oberlin College's Young
Ladies Preparatory Department in 1859 (Oberlin College was the first in the nation to
admit women) but left after being falsely accused - and then beaten by a white mob
- for allegedly poisoning two white students. She settled in Boston to study
with sculptor Edward A. Brackett, and then to Rome to work in the same studio as
Caravaggio. Her work was impressive and today she is known not only as the first Native
American sculptress, but also the first African American female sculptor (from her
father's side).
112. Georgianna Lincoln
- Politician/ Commercial Fisherman / Activist
Her hometown is Rampart, Alaska and she is considered one of the most prominent Alaskan
Native political leaders of all times. She's worked since the 1960's on behalf of
aboriginal land claims - a movement that led to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
- and won a Senator seat, representing the largest Senate district in the United
States. Today she is the program director for the Tanana Chiefs, a non-profit human
services agency serving about 43 villages, and a commercial fisherman.
113. Little Crow
(Kaposia Sioux) - Tribal Leader
He was a principal figure in an effort by the Sioux to escape the horrid 1862 Minnesota
reservations; an escape that would initiate the "Great Sioux Uprising,"
which ended with the largest mass hanging in U.S. history. Little Crow escaped the
1864 massacre, but was later shot to death by a farmer while foraging for
berries. His remains were on display at the Minnesota State Capitol until 1915.
114. Sacheen Littlefeather/
Maria Cruz (Yaqui) - Actress
She is a minor movie actress best known for dressing in an Apache dress and rejecting an
1973 Oscar on behalf of boycotting actor Marlon Brando with a prepared political
statement protesting the mistreatment of American Indians in Hollywood and television.
Some biographies claim that "Littlefeather" is Hispanic, not Yaqui.
115. Little
Turtle/Me-she-qui-no-qua
(Miami) - Tribal and Military leader/ Hero
"Little Turtle beat the U.S. Army twice. (Generals Harmar and St. Jean). His
victories forced Constitution writers to put Indian clause in Article I, section 8, to
make sure states didn't mess up federal treaties. (Even though they did anyway.) But he
was also a leader for peace - a rare combination." He's called the last Chief
of the Miami, was a principal chief among the coalition of Shawnees, Miamis, Delawares,
Potawatomis, Ottawas, Chippewa's, and Wyandots, and led the defeat of General Arthur St.
Clair, considered the worst defeat ever suffered by the U.S. Army at the hands of
Natives.
116. Little Wolf
(Cheyenne) - Principal Leader
He was a handsome man with a dignified, noble nature and eloquent speech. Little Wolf
was the bearer of the Sacred Chief's Bundle (an extremely important position) and he led
the Cheyennes from illegal exile in Indian Territory back to their homeland (Montana)
during the late 1870's. He was allowed to remain near his homeland for the remainder of
his life, which ended in 1904.
117. Kevin Locke
(Lakota) - Traditional Flute Player/ Hoop Dancer/ Grammy Winner/US Ambassador
"I would like to nominate Kevin Locke as one of the Greatest Native Americans.
Kevin Locke is an accomplished hoop dancer and flute player. Everywhere he goes, he
teaches people about the history, beauty and immeasurable value of his traditional
cultural practices. Kevin is a beautiful person. He dedicates much of his time to the
education of the youth of this nation (as did his mother who will be inducted to the
National Women's Hall of Fame this coming fall). Kevin has done a great deal to uplift
his people and indigenous people around the world. I believe he is a truly great American!"
118. Patricia Locke
(Lakota) - Activism/ Community Service
"I nominate a wonderful woman I had the privilege to meet years ago, Patricia
Locke because she helped start 13 Indian Colleges. I also attended her Memorial Service.
She was also a MacArthur Scholar for her work in getting Indian languages taught in
schools. As far as national prominence---she was elected by people across the USA to
serve on the Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly and was its Vice Chairman when she died
in 2001. For all this and more, she is one of only 10 women voted into the US Women's
Hall of Fame for 2005!"
119. Chief Logan/ James Logan/Tachnechdorus
(Mingo) - Tribal Leader
Logan was a leader of the Native people along the Ohio and Scioto rivers and life-long
friend of the whites until his family was massacred in 1774 by white settlers. He then
joined Chief Cornstalk in his fight against the British. Refusing to attend a peace
meeting in Chillicothe, Ohio, instead he sent an eloquent letter considered to be one of
the finest example of Native American writing. He died in 1780.
120. Lone Wolf
(Kiowa) - Tribal Leader
He was one of nine who signed the famous Medicine Lodge Treaty of 1867 that would place
the Kiowa on a reservation. Lone Wolfe headed a delegation to Washington in 1872, but
the following year participated in raids due to the murder of his son by a white
Texan. Declared hostile, he was defeated by the military who then deported him to
Florida, where he was confined for three years. He died one year after his release in
1879.
121. Low-Dog
(Lakota) - Tribal Chief
Low-Dog was a respected warrior who became war chief at the remarkable age of 14. He
participated in the Battle at Little Big Horn and his account of the battle is one of
history's best known.
122. Loretta Lynn
(Cherokee) - Singer/ Song Writer
When you think of country music, there's a chance Loretta Lynn will come to mind. She's
had more than 70 hits, an autobiography and a movie about her life. Lynn
started off as a married mother of four, but a decade later she would be
signed to a record label (1959). She and her husband insistently promoted her
music, getting DJ's to play her records, which allowed her to climb the music
charts slowly but surely. She received the Legend Award (1996) and her 2004 album with
Jack White, Van Lear Rose, was a hit.
123. Oren Lyons
(Onondaga) - Traditional Chief/ Author/ Educator/ Artist
Oren Lyons is active in international indigenous rights, environmental and sovereignty
issues, and preserving bio-diversity. In 1992 this Associate Professor in the American
Studies Program at the State University of New York at Buffalo, reaped the reward of his
efforts when the U.S. Senate passed a resolution in 1992 that formally acknowledged the
contribution of the Iroquois Confederacy to the development of the United States
Constitution. He is also the publisher of "Daybreak," a national Native
American news magazine.
124. David Mahooty
(Zuni) - Business
"David is a real go-getter who had high hopes of being in the competitive world
of finance. He has worked his way up (as
they say, the corporate ladder) and has proven his worth in the world of banking. He set
high goals in his early and worked hard at his education. He's very well-liked by his
peers and people in the business world. He also has given back to his community in many
ways and mostly, he has not forgotten that he is Zuni in every way."
125. Wilma Mankiller
(Cherokee) - Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma
She was the first female in modern history to lead a major Native American tribe (the
second largest in the US) with an enrolled population of more than 140,000 and an annual
budget of $75 million. Her responsibilities can be likened to that of a major
corporation. "Simply put, as a Woman she has stood her ground as a leader in
this society, leading her people with poise and grace. Women are revered and respected
in Native society and can even lead our people to great things."
126. Maria Martinez
(Pueblo) - Potter
She's been referred to as the most famous Indian artist of all time. Maria Montoya
Martinez brought about a revival of indigenous pottery-making techniques that
transformed the art of making potter and won hundreds of national and international
awards. Her amazing work transformed her poor farming community into one of the
leading Pueblo arts and crafts centers in the Southwest.
127. Massasoit
(Wampanoag) - Tribal Leader
He lived from 1580-1661 and was the principal leader of the Wampanoag when the English
settled New England. He encouraged friendship with the "settlers,"
negotiated a treaty between the two groups, and forged personal ties that helped
maintain good relations during his lifetime.
128. Alexander McGillivray
(Creek) - Tribal Leader
He was born in 1759 to a Scottish trader and his French-Creek wife. Given a
classical education before his return to his mother's people at the beginning of the
American Revolution, he eventually became tribal leader of the Creek, and then of a
grand national council with more than 10,00 warriors. He fought against encroachment and
refused proposals for peace until 1790. Records describe him as ambitious,
flamboyant, and fond of power. He died in 1793.
129. William McIntosh/ White
Warrior (Creek) -
Military Leader
White Warrior was the son of Captain McIntosh, an affluent Georgia man, and Sonoya,
a Creek president of the prominent Wind Clan. Raised Indian by his mothers family (he
never met his father), he fought on the American side of several conflicts and even made
brigadier general in the US Army. He was killed in 1825 on his Chattahoochee River
plantation.
130. Russell Means
(Lakota Sioux) - Activist/ Actor/ Author
For over two decades Russell Means has been an outspoken activist for Native American
rights. A major figure in the AIM, Means participated in the 71-day siege at
Wounded Knee, has led the American Indian Anti-Defamation League since the late 1980's,
and in 1970 he and a group of Indians confronted costumed "Pilgrims" on
Thanksgiving in Plymouth Massachusetts. He later turned to acting and writing.
131. Metacom/ King Philip
(Wampanoag) - Tribal Leader
He was the second son of Chief Massasoit and would become chief in 1662
following the death of her father and then his brother - who presumably died at the
hands of the colonists. Metacom was an unbending, frightening leader who often found it
difficult to deal with settlers. War was waged between the two parties and entire Native
villages were massacred and decimated. In 1676 Metacom's wife and son were taken captive
and sold into slavery. Metacom was beheaded; the head of this great leader
(who was about 38 years old) was displayed on a pole for 25 years in Plymouth.
132. Miantonomo
(Narragansett) - Tribal Leader
Nephew of Canonicus, in 1637 he aided the English colonist in the Pequot War. He
signed a peace treaty between his people and the English - but it was violated due to
military warfare in 1643. Miantonomo was captured by Uncas, the Mohegan Chief,
and tried by a committee who sentenced him to death.
133. Billy Mills
(Oglala Sioux) - Olympic Gold Medalist/ Athlete
Mills won the 10,000 meter race at the 1964 Olympic games in Japan earning a gold medal
in what has been called one of the greatest moments in Olympic history (and quite
possibly the most sensational Olympic race ever run). Mills, the the only American
ever to win this race, is today a noted motivational speaker and role
model for Native and non-Natives alike.
134. N. Scott Momaday
(Kiowa) - Poet/ Author/ Scholar/ The only Native Pulitzer Prize winner
His critically acclaimed writings focus on Kiowa traditions and beliefs, and Momaday is
considered one of the most successful and talented contemporary Native American literary
figures. Awarded the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel House Made of
Dawn, he also received the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Academy of American Poets
Prize, and the National Institute of Arts and Letters grant. Momaday is a
professor, lecturer, a consultant of the National Endowment for the Humanities and
National Endowment for the Arts since 1970 and a member of the Gourd Dance Society
- the ancient fraternal organization of the Kiowas.
135. Jack C. Montgomery
(Cherokee) - Military Hero
In 1944 Jack Montgomery was a First Lieutenant with the 45th Infantry Division
Thunderbirds stationed in Italy who led a platoon that was confronted by German
infantry. Montgomery's rifle platoon was under fire by enemy forces, yet he
single-handedly attacked all three positions, taking prisoners in the process. As a
result of his courage, Montgomery's actions demoralized the enemy, inspired his men to
defeat the Axis troops, and captured 21 prisoners - right before he was seriously
injured. He was summoned to the White House by President Roosevelt for his
"selflessness and courage" and given the Congressional Medal of Honor.
136. Naiche (Chiricahua
Apaches) - Tribal Leader
Naiche fought alongside Geronimo against military forces until his surrender in 1883.
Two years later he and Geronimo left the reservation, trying one last time to live
free, but both were captured and incarcerated. Naiche would later share a
reservation with Kiowa and Comanche's, living in Oklahoma until 1913, when he was
finally allowed to return to New Mexico where he would live for the next eight
years. He died in 1921.
137. (Navajo) Code Talkers
"I vote for the
Navajo Code Talkers as a whole because they done so much for not only the Navajo and
Native people, but for America and for the entire world. They were instrumental in
winning the war in WWII and without them our lives may be completely different. I admire
each of them and feel that they are best remembered as a whole, as one entity, because
without each person working together for a common goal, they would not have been
successful. Our country is what it is today because of the Navajo Code Talkers."
+ "I vote for all the Code Talkers. They were from many nations including
Comanche, Sioux, Kiowa, Winnebago, Pueblo, Cherokee, Hopi and Seminole. They are the
perfect example as to how much we have done for this country, our country, and that we
are not against America but we are part of this country. And our accomplishments need to
be celebrated. We are vital to our land and to our countrymen and the Code Talkers
allowed us to be who this country is today. Where would we be without them?"
138. Wayne Newell (Pasamaquoddy)
- Community Leader
Newell is nominated because he is "blind and responsible for the Pasamaquoddy
curriculum and language instruction that now exists in Maine." Wayne Newell is
part of a team of people who enhanced the curriculum in the two Pasamaquoddy schools
with tribal language, music, art, stories, oral tradition, and other cultural content.
139. Wayne Newton
(Powhatan/Cherokee) - Singer/Entertainer
Wayne Newton (Mr. Las Vegas) has performed 25,000+ concerts over the last 40 years
in Las Vegas, putting in 40+ weeks a year at the Stardust resort. He learned to
play the guitar, steel guitar and piano at age six, and has performed for
President Harry S. Truman, lead American troop tours overseas, and even sang at the
Grand Ole Opry. His biggest hit "Danke Schoen" was released in 1963, when the
singer was 21.
140. Samson Occom
(Mohegan) - Author/ Minister/ Lobbyist
He was born in 1721 in Mohegan, Connecticut, adopting and studying Christianity before
he became a minister in 1749. Occom ministered to all who would listen, acted as a
Missionary to many Native tribes, and also made an income as a schoolmaster,
fisherman, cooper, farmer, and book binder. He was the leader of the Brothertown
movement - a Christian Indian community.
141. Ohiyesa/Dr. Charles
Alexander Eastman
(Woodland Sioux) - Author/ Physician
His mother died shortly after his birth and he as raised traditionally by his
grandmother until age 15. His father (who was one of the 300 men sentenced to death
by hanging for the Sioux Uprising, but later partially pardoned and imprisoned for 12
years) wanted him to receive a white man's education. Ohiyesa received a medical degree
and became highly literate, writing books and practicing medicine when he was able (he
was constantly harassed because authorities could not believe an Indian was legally
qualified to practice medicine).
142. Oihduze/Carrier Samin
(Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota) - Tribal Leader
Though he always worked with the government, he dedicated his life to the best interest
of his people. "He's a great chief because the whites tried to force him to
sign treaties by putting his people in chains but he held his ground and refused to
sign. He worked with the government because he had to, but he was loyal to his own
first."
143. Simon J. Ortiz
(Acoma Pueblo) - Author/ Journalist/ Editor
He's a brilliant traditional storyteller and one of the most respected, awarded and
widely read of Native American poets. Ortiz attended Fort Lewis College (1962-63), the
University of New Mexico (1966-68), and the University of Iowa (1968-69). He taught at
San Diego State, the Institute of American Indian Arts, Navajo Community College, the
College of Marin, the University of New Mexico, and the Sinte Gleska College,
plus served as lieutenant governor of the Pueblo of Acoma. Ortiz also acted
as consulting editor of the Pueblo of Acoma Press.
144. Osceola
(Seminole) - Tribal Leader
He fought in the Wars of 1812 and in 1818 against American troops under Andrew Jackson,
but is most known for leading his people against forced removal from
their Florida homelands. Imprisoned after throwing his dagger into a treaty
and saying "This is the only treaty I will make with the whites!," he
later pretended to agree to his tribe's move out west and was released, but instead lead
his people deep into the Everglades and engaged in conflicts with US military. He was
eventually arrested and imprisoned, dying in 1838 at the age of 34.
145. Ely Parker/Ha-sa-no-an-da
(Seneca ) - Tribal Leader/ First Native American commissioner of Indian affairs
He was a Seneca chief, a US Brigadier-General, an engineer, a Civil War hero, a legal
scholar, a secretary to General Ulysses S. Grant, and the first Native American
Commissioner of Indian Affairs. He studied law even though New York State would not
allow an Indian to have a law practice, and became a captain of engineers in the New
York State Militia in 1853. Parker was often referred to as "Grant's Indian"
and Grant was the best man at his wedding. Today he is remembered as a controversial
figure, and to many, a hero.
146. Quanah Parker/
Potalesharo (Comanche) - Tribal Leader
His mother was Cynthia Ann Parker, the famous little white girl taken captive during an
1836 raid, living 24 years with the Comanches and never being able to readjust to white
life once "recaptured." Quanah, the last Chief of the Comanches, supported
education, ranching, and farming for his people. He never lost a battle to the
white man, and his people were the last tribe in the Staked Plains
to enter into the reservation system.
147. Leonard Peltier
(Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota) - Activist/ Artist/ Prisoner of War
"I think Leonard Peltier should top the list for his unerring steadfastness in
the face of oppression and what he has done for his people and young ones. What better
example could they have?" Another person said of Peltier, "His
activism and ongoing work rings true to this day."And anther..... "He
has brought awareness to Native causes, and also kept that public's eyes wide open that
a man can go to prison for a crime he didn't commit, and still be in prison after all
these years. He is a symbol of the injustice, a martyr if you will, that is still
ravaging our nation. Let's face it, people these days are committing murder and back out
on the streets in 3 years!"
148. David Pendleton
Oakerhater/ Making Medicine (Cheyenne) - Warrior/ Missionary
"I nominate David P. Oakerhater because he was a great warrior who fought for
land rights and he eventually found religion and became involved in it and was a
missionary. He founded schools and worked until he died in the 1930's"
149. Elizabeth Peratrovich
(Tlingit) - Civil Rights Leader/ Founder of the first "Equal Rights" Bill
She was a Tlingit orphan adopted and educated by missionaries who would grow up to be a
major civil rights leader in Alaska, and then for the entire country. When she was Grand
President of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, Peratrovich was shocked to see the racist
"No Natives Allowed" signs that littered the state. She protested
them, and the school tax - which Natives had to pay even though their children
could not attend public schools - to the Governor, stating that Native people
deserved the same rights as whites. She lobbied for an anti-discrimination law in
1943 but it did not pass. For two years she lobbied and testified, and it finally paid
off in 1945 when the FIRST anti-discrimination law in the entire country was passed - a
law that outlawed discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and rights in
Alaska. Peratrovich continued her work in Alaskan Native Affairs until her death in
1958. In 1988 the Alaska Legislature established February 16 as "The Annual
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" - the anniversary of the signing of the
Anti-Discrimination Act - and each year Alaskans pause to remember her and her work for
all people no matter their race, creed, and ethnic background. Because of her work,
each state would eventually adopt their own version of her "Equal Rights"
Bill.
150. Lori Piestewa
(Hopi) - War Hero who died in recent war efforts in Iraq
"She was the first woman killed (and was Native American) in the Iraq War. Have
they forgotten the sacrifice this young woman, and mother made for her country???"
Another respondent said of Pestewa, "she showed us in life and more so in death
how the Red and White society have been so connected. She fought for a country in which
she in many places would have not been accepted. She gave of herself as a person, in
pride of her family ,her people and her nation within a Nation. She has left behind a
legacy for all the Native American veterans, and opened the eyes of the world to the
fact that Native people also fight to keep this country Free. She honors us and humbles
us."
|
the Greatest Native American, Nominations, 151-200 |
151. Pocahontas
(Powhatan) - Prominent Native Figure
"She was young but opened up great communication between settlers and Native
people." Her name is one of the most recognized within the indigenous
community, but much of what is known about her is based more on myth than fact.
Though she was accepted by English royalty herself, she was not a princess. Her father,
Powhatan, was chief of the Powhatan Confederacy and her first claim to fame is when she
"saved" the life of John Smith. She eventually married John Rolfe, had a son,
traveled to Europe and died during her return home at age 21.
152. Pontiac
(Ottawa) - Tribal Leader
He befriended the French, played an important role in the French defeat of the
English in 1755 (during the opening battles of the French and Indian War), and helped to
drive out the English and unify various indigenous nations. In 1765 Pontiac and 30 other
chiefs signed a treaty of peace with then English. The French would later betray him and
Pontiac's leadership would be doubted. He was murdered in 1769 and today a statue of him
stands in the City Hall lobby in Pontiac, Michigan.
153. Popé
(Tewa) - Spiritual Leader
He was a religious leader who organized and led the most successful Native uprising
(1680) in the history of the American west with an army of more than 8,000, therefore
driving the Spanish from New Mexico. He preached Spanish resistance, fought to restore
traditional Pueblo culture and religion to his people, and ordered the destruction of
Christian objects and churches. Some people said that he was harsh and too radical in
his thinking, dissension arose and the Pueblo community would weaken. Pope' died in
1690.
154. Jerry Potts
(Blackfeet/Piegan) - Guide/ Leader/ Advocate
"Jerry Potts worked with the North West Mounted Police for many years. He was
strongly against the whiskey traders of that time. He did much to help his people and to
strengthen to ties between the natives and the NWMP. He was a strong leader and advocate
for his people!"
155. Tom Porter
(Mohawk) - Tribal Leader/ Holy man/ Tribal Elder
"I nominate Tom Porter, a leader of his community and a spiritual leader from
the Mohawk Community of Kanatsiohareke, New York. He was raised Akwesasne Mohawk, lived
his life traditionally, and was part of the longhouse movement. He help found the White
Roots of Peace group and he would speak to people all over the country about Native
teachings and traditions. He helps bring the Mohawk language to kids and wants his
people to be drug and alcohol free so he set up a center for that too. He's really into
preserving and teaching his culture to others so they can pass it down to their
children. He's a great man."
156. Powhatan/ Washunsonacock
(Powhatan) - Tribal Leader/ Confederacy Leader
He consolidated more than 30 tribes into a confederacy and ruled those tribes in 8,000
square miles of Virginia country, with more than 8,000 people. He first befriended the
English but soon realized that they could not be trusted; he then wanted them off his
territory. Supposedly, the Powhatan captured captain John Smith and Powhatan's daughter,
Pocahontas, saved his life. He died April 1618.
157. Elvis Presley
(Cherokee) - Singer/ Entertainer
His great-great-great-grandmother, Morning White Dove, was full-blooded Cherokee and
Elvis Presley was quite proud of his Native heritage - and many Cherokee's are quite
proud of him - but Colonel Tom Parker advised him against identifying his Native
heritage due to racial tensions of that time. Elvis won three Grammy Awards, has more
multi-platinum sales than any other performer, had 18 #1 songs, sold over a billion
albums worldwide (more than any other artist or group, including the Beatles), and the
first ever musical video was Jailhouse Rock (1957).
158. Rain-in-the-Face
(Hunkpapa Sioux) - Military Warrior
He was ten years old when he took part in the war with the Gros Ventres and was
given his name after a rain-soaked battle left his face streaked with war paint. He
fought against Custer and other US military forces until surrendering in 1880.
Rain-in-the-face said, "I have lived peaceably ever since we came upon the
reservation. No one can say that Rain-in-the-Face has broken the rules of the Great
Father. I fought for my people and my country. When we were conquered I remained silent,
as a warrior should. Rain-in-the-Face was killed when he put down his weapons before the
Great Father. His spirit was gone then; only his poor body lived on, but now it is
almost ready to lie down for the last time. Ho, hechetu! [It is well.]"
|