Sitting Bull: His Life and Legacy - Hardcover

La Pointe, Ernie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 142360556X ISBN 13: 9781423605560

Publisher: Gibbs M. Smith Inc, 2009

Synopsis

The only book on Sitting Bull written by a lineal descendant

Ernie LaPointe is the great -grandson of the famous Hunkpapa Lakota chief, and he presents the family tales and memories told to him about his great-grandfather. In many ways the oral history differs from what has become the standard and widely accepted biography of Sitting Bull. LaPointe explains the discrepancies, how they occurred, and why he wants to tell his story of Tatanka Iyotake.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Sitting Bull

HIS LIFE AND LEGACY

Never before has the story of Sitting Bull been written and published by a lineal descendant. In Sitting Bull: His Life and Legacy, Ernie LaPointe, a great-grandson of the famous Hunkpapa Lakota chief, presents the family tales and memories told to him about his great-grandfather. LaPointe not only recounts the rich oral history of his family-the stories of Sitting Bull's childhood, his reputation as a fierce warrior, his growth into a sage and devoted leader of his people, and the betrayal that led to his murder-but also explains what it means to be Lakota in the time of Sitting Bull and now.

In many ways the oral history differs from what has become the standard and widely accepted biography of Sitting Bull. LaPointe explains the discrepancies, how they occurred, and why he wants to tell his story of Tatanka Iyotake. This book is powerful. It is a story of Native American history, told by a Native American, for all people to better understand a culture, a leader, and a man.

ERNIE LAPOINTE, a great-grandson of Sitting Bull, was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He is a Sun Dancer who lives the traditional way of the Lakota and follows the rules of the sacred pipe. LaPointe and his wife, Sonja, live in South Dakota.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The encroachment of the white man was advancing very quickly, and this worried Four Horns. He decided that new leadership was necessary. In 1867, he sent word to all the Lakota bands and other nearby nations, requesting a gathering to discuss an important matter. There were six Lakota bands, some Yanktonai, and a few Cheyenne who responded to his call and arrived at his camp on the lower Powder River. Among those who arrived quickly were Crazy Horse and Gall. They were in agreement with Four Horns about the need for new leadership, and they understood the urgency of the situation.

Four Horns began the council by explaining to the chiefs and elders why he believed new leadership was required. He said he was advanced in age, and a younger Wicasa was desired to lead the people. He recommended his nephew, Tatanka Iyotake, to be the chief of the Tiatunwa Lakota Nation. The council members all agreed with Four Horns that Tatanka Iyotake was the best choice, for he was advanced in his thinking and actions for one who was only thirty-six years old. They also agreed to the appointment of Crazy Horse as the second chief.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gibbs M. Smith Inc
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 142360556X
• ISBN 13: 9781423605560
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 144