|
 The
life and times of Nicholas Black Elk (1863?-1950) saw the final
years of Lakota supremacy on the plains, followed by his people’s
confinement to reservations and the loss of age-old traditions.
Born around December of 1863, Black Elk witnessed seminal events
such as the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the death of Crazy
Horse, and the Massacre at Wounded Knee.
During this period, American society viewed Lakota
religion as dangerous, especially when it seemed to preach the
elimination of white persons from the continent. Especially after
Wounded Knee, elders feared that continuing these teachings placed
their people in danger, and instead they stopped passing on their
stories. Allotment and religious persecution quickly eroded these
ancient traditions, and soon it appeared that all was lost for
Lakota society.
While this persecution lasted well into the
twentieth century, two men from opposite cultures began a
relationship that saved some of the traditions so threatened by
this new way of life. In August of 1930, John G. Neihardt took a
chance and visited the rapidly aging Black Elk to see if he could
save some of those traditions. With great good fortune, Black Elk
and Neihardt developed a trust for one another that is still
unique for native-white relations today.
Black Elk Speaks was the result of this
cooperation. The book is a complex translation of the stories
provided by Black Elk and others who lived during the same era.
Black Elk described his great vision as a youth, provided details
on ceremonies in danger of extinction, and spoke of memories
during a critical time in Lakota history. |
