Book Review for News from Indian Country:

by Gary E. Mitchell

Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains
Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa)
October, 1997

In some circles, the argument is to stop the hero worship of past Indian leaders and concentrate on present day leaders. True, but only to a certain extent. It never hurts to learn from the lessons of history and to go back and reexamine the old values and qualities that made up leadership in another time. Indian Heroes and Great Chieftains by Charles A. Eastman (Ohiyesa) provides such a forum.

In this unabridged republication of the text, originally published in 1918, Ohiyesa provides a firsthand account and a glimpse into the lives of 15 great Sioux, Nez Perce, and Cheyenne leaders. This work was possible because he lived among the great leaders, some in the twilight of their careers, or interviewed people close to them.

This small 109-page book expounds what made up leadership qualities and in many ways was fascinating reading. He covers how parents groomed the young men for eventual leadership roles, and they, of course, let the whole village know of their children’s exploits and accomplishments. This paid dividends at a later date.

Men like Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Chief Joseph, and Roman Nose of the Cheyenne attained that status of leadership among their people by generosity, courage, self-denial and holding to high ideals throughout their lives. Above all, they were men of their word. One particular quote by Ohiyesa comes to mind that signified early Indian-white relations:

“Indians say what they mean while the whites have a hundred ways of saying what they do not mean.”

The book was not a glorification of a few select men. Other less savory aspects of leadership were also covered. Ohiyesa examines why some chiefs, who were faced with overwhelming odds, capitulated to the whims of the conquerors and subsequently benefited from the treaty negotiations. In their defense, they came to recognize that further fighting was futile and wanted to preserve the balance of their tribal unit.

This, of course, is not new scholarship but helps the modern day reader understand why history happened the way it did, especially since these circumstances were not limited to the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes.

Ohiyesa’s short volume is a good read for the reader who has little time for such pursuits. It is worth the effort to reexamine, if only briefly, the past and to find out what made men leaders. After all, the lessons of the past can never stop.

Rueben Snake, Your Humble Serpent: Indian Visionary, and Activist

Books about modern day Indian leaders fill a void of Indian life and history. It is essential to show that true Indian leaders are not part of the distant past but are here today, filling a vital role in Indian society.

Reuben Snake’s autobiography as told to Jay C. Fkes more than fits the description and fills the void. His story is a sterling example of what can be done in Indian country when a person sets his or her mind to a task.

Snake’s story is a blueprint of how to succeed in life despite the usual hurdles Indians encounter. His journey through life had a lesson at each turn and Snake was able to capitalize on each hurdle to change his life for the better. He went on to become one of the most visible Indian leaders both nationally and internationally.

He was to say in the later part of his life that it was hard to shake these early days but offered this advice about children: “They’re not going to do what you say; they are going to do what you do.” This is a saying that can apply to all aspects of Indian life.

Snake’s vision for self-sufficiency for the Winnebago tribe in Nebraska included employing educated tribal members and electing them to the tribal council; initiating a wake and burial plan, along with a revolving credit plan; establishing a land acquisition program; cultural enhancement and revitalization of the Winnebago culture; and strengthening the alcohol and drug programs on the reservation. A bingo operation and, later, a successful casino operation of the tribe served as the catalyst for the self-sufficiency program.

The path to independence and economic progress did not come without its pitfalls. Snake talked about how the gaming operation had taken members away from the religious ceremonies on weekends, “They can’t come to church and practice their religion. We need to keep our church going.” This echoes a concern expressed across Indian country.

The strengths of this volume are Snake’s thoughts on leadership, religion, tradition and culture that are so essential to a tribe’s well-being. Snake’s challenge is to encourage tribes to make improvements socially, financially and spiritually. He said, “Indian people must make a commitment and sacrifice. In the old days, our ancestors had, as a regular part of life, to sacrifice for the well-being of the people.

Whether that was sun dancing or something else, sacrifices were made on behalf of the people. It has to be that way again if we intend to overcome all these problems. We have to learn what sacrifice means. We have to give up good times. We have to give up alcohol and all the party times. We have to get serious about our lives and concentrate on the good things that are there for us to have if we just get ourselves together and go after them.”

The book is more than just a testimonial to a man. It offers much more. The basic message is clear: Indian people need religion above all else; the rest will fall in place with hard work and sacrifice—a formula that Snake articulated well in this volume.