Excerpt from book: Walking Spirit in a Native Way

Excerpt from book: Walking  Spirit in a Native Way

                                                      Man or Spirit

Drawing by Brian Matrious aka Nish Nung


It was still dark out.  I thought I heard something outside my tent and awoke with a start.  What was that I wondered?  Then I heard a crackling of a fire and saw light on the side of my tent.  The crackling was close.  That is my fire!  I had put it out last night so how could it have started up with no wood.  I heard someone pick up a piece of kindling and put it into the fire.  It couldn’t be the kids?! 

“This is my camp!” I said, in as strong and firm a voice as I could muster.  “Can I help you?”  I tensely waited for a response.

A quiet, yet also strong, male voice came back.  “Are you looking for someone to tell you about the Iroquois people?” 

“Yes I am.”  I answered. 

“Why don’t you come out and we can talk?”  Said the voice from outside my tent.  

I quickly put on my pants and shirt, thinking to myself, this can’t really be happening.  Who is this guy and what have I gotten myself into this time? 

As I came out of my tent I looked up at the man standing on the other side of the fire.  He was tall, about 6’2” and had a strong solid looking build.  His hair was black with gray streaks and hung loosely over his shoulders and down his back.  Even with the gray in his hair he didn’t look much older than his mid forties.   His jeans were weathered and he wore an old sweatshirt with a faded picture of whales on it.  The features of his face were unmistakably Indian and he had a proud and contented look about him.  He looked to have a quiet and gentle demeanor and to be very much at peace with himself.

“I knew you were coming.” he said.  “I had a dream two weeks ago that you and your children would be here and would camp in this place.” 

I was taken back a little. How could this man find us out here?  I thought, what did he mean, he knew we were coming? 

“I brought coffee,” he continued, and handed me a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee.  The coffee was hot, fresh and strong. No sugar added. It was just the way I like it.

I went over to my car and took out a red wrap of tobacco to give him.  I wanted him to see that I was aware of the customs of the Native people.

“I brought tobacco.” I said, and handed a cloth wrap of tobacco to him. 

He took it and said; “I know.” 

What is this? I thought.  This isn’t believable.

He invited me to sit down and he sat on the other side of the fire.  He put a donut bag down beside him, and said, “My name is Maize and I am from the Cattaraugus Reservation over by Lake Erie.”

He looked up at me and straight into my eyes, yet somehow deeper.  “Why do you ask about us?”  He said. 

I thought to myself; well that is cutting to the quick of it. 

I answered; “I want my children to know the truth about Native American people.” 

He didn’t say anything for a moment and looked back at the fire.  Then he slowly looked up, looking me straight in the eyes again, and asked more slowly; “Why do you ask about us?” 

I told him that I want to understand spirit teachings of the people.  What I have found about my own ancestors doesn’t give me what I am seeking and I am looking to the Indian to see if what I seek is there. 

Now I had said it!  I am seeking an understanding of the spirit teachings of the Indian.  I have felt drawn in this direction as I have become aware of the Indian over the past year or so.
He answered; “There are those who are Indian in heart, which must be why I heard you.  I will talk to you and your children.  Wake them and ask them to join us.  I brought donuts for them.  I will smoke this tobacco you gave me tonight when I get home.”
 
 
 

       

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Walking Spirit in a Native Way shares timeless teachings from Native Elders that remain as meaningful today as ever. For over thirty years, Jim has learned from Ojibwa/Chippewa Elders, presenting their wisdom to schools, communities, and Native tribes across North America. Respected for his knowledge and dedication, he walks the red road to honor and carry forward the original teachings of all people.  


James B. Beard, Author of:     Walking Spirit in a Native Way

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