by Ollie Napesni, Lakota Sioux
Recorded, Transcribed & Edited
by Dianna Torson
Beginning at the time of her birth in the cemetery at St. Francis, South Dakota, on June 8, 1917, Ollie Napesni captivates readers with colorful details of her life. She is a natural storyteller intriguing us with descriptions of events beginning in the 1920s and continuing into the 21st century, including how she became a well known star quilt artist. Descriptions of the Depression, Dust Bowl and the impact of World War II provides important information about that era and its effect on the lives of people living on the Rosebud Reservation. Ollie's adventuresome spirit took her to many areas of the country but always with a longing for Salt Camp, her childhood home. When she settles for good back on her land she begins to learn the value of Lakota religion. Traditional ceremonies saved her life, yet her ability to harmonize two worlds and two religions demonstrates her strength of character and wisdom. Within the pages of her book, you will learn what it was like to be Native American in America.
Lakota language teacher, storyteller, traditional beader, doll maker and quilt maker, Ollie Napesni embodies the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. She spoke at the United Nations Cry of the Earth Conference in November 1993. She received the National Indian Education Association's Elder of the Year Award in 2002 and also the 2002 South Dakota Indian Living Treasure Award. She has made over six hundred star quilts since 1980 and her Veteran's Quilt is on display at the Gustav Heye Center of the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City.
"If you are not lucky enough to be able
to sit at Ollie's feet and listen to her in person this is the
next best thing... the book "sounds" like her... it
is written as though she is speaking directly to you.... so it
will throw many readers at first until you get used to the
voice.... this is as close as you can get to her voice without
voice recordings :) This is a wonderful way of speaking that
has come about from mixing traditional Lakota dialects with
the English language to create a new dialect that is truly
unique.
The book itself is a treasure of information that gives you a
personal perspective of life in this area growing up during a
time when this nation was going through major changes. Ollie
gives you a vivid account of daily life, life that has all but
disappeared, sprinkled with wisdom and facts you won't get out
of main stream textbooks or history books. This is a wonderful
window into another culture and belief system that you should
not miss!
This book is for everyone, from young to old, from curious to
students, those who have an interest in history, culture, and
their fellow humans... this has something that speaks to
everyone and gives you so much more when you are finished with
it ....
--Amazon.com Reviewer
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