“A warrior who had more than he needed would make a feast. He went around and invited the old and needy…. The man who could thank the food—some worthy old medicine man or warrior—said: “Look to the old, they are worthy of old age; they have seen their days and proven themselves. With the help of the Great Spirit, they have attained a ripe old age. At this age the old can predict or give knowledge or wisdom, whatever it is; it is so. At the end is a cane. You and your family shall get to where the cane is.” Black Elk (Oglala Sioux holy man) 1869--1950[1]




Black Elk became very ill as a child. He suffered for days. During his sickness, Black Elk had a vision that he was visited by the “Grandfathers.” He was revered for this vision and he stayed true to it throughout his long life.

Image: Cover of Black Elk Speaks[2]

Find teacher resources and lesson plans for Native American History month 2014 online.[3]

[1] Recommended reading: Native American Wisdom (Miniature Editions) by Running Press and Edward S. Curtis or online at: http://curtis.library.northwestern.edu/

[2] Available at: http://www.amazon.com/ or at Portland’s famous http://www.powells.com/

[3] For material and lesson plans, see: http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/teachers/