Native American Studies by Kidwell and Velie--Chapter 2

In Chapter 2 of Clara Sue Kidwell and Alan Velie's Native American Studies, the idea of the Native American relationship between the land and their identity is explored. The chapter traces several different tribes and their legends and myths pertaining to the creation of the Earth, the establishment of dominant species, and even the effects of certain celestial movements on activities, such as farming. I found the Lakota story about the creation of the Black Hills very fascinating. Not only does the story explore the creation of a rare and different part of the land, but it also explores the idea of predator and prey and the rights and respect afforded to and for hunting. The myth relates the story of the "two leggeds," such as birds and humans, and the "four leggeds," such as buffalo (p. 27). The two groups decide to race to determine who will be the dominant, hunting group and who will be the prey. They race around for such a long time that the Black Hills are formed. In the end, a bird, who had been riding on the back of a buffalo, lifts off and reaches the finish line first (p. 27). I found this story so interesting because it reveals the Lakota's tribes relations to the land and the animals in it. It's an attempt to understand and live symbiotically with nature. The Black Hills, whose trees and rises differ greatly from the rolling prairies surrounding it, become less foreign and odd when its creation is encompassed in a myth. Also, the tribe who feels a a strong connection to the land and the animals within it still needs to grasp its survival traits. They need to hunt to survive, killing the animals they may feel a certain bond or brotherhood with. This myth allows for the tribe to hunt the animals in a respectful and agreed upon manner. The "four leggeds" had agreed to the race and accepted the terms of losing, thus allowing the tribe the right to hunt them (p. 27).

By exploring the myths and legends of different tribes and peoples, allows for outside viewers to better understand their ways of thinking and living. While the ceremonies or preparations for a hunt may seem strange to someone of different background, the myths and legends allow a peek into the meaning behind it all. The Black Hills story reveals the Lakota's responsibility for the land and the animals around them, assigning them their care and keep. The story also presents another view of the world. It removes the idea of fixed or even real domination. In the beginning, all were equal. The ending could have varied, had the buffalo won the race. It can alter the blind-eyed view of man as the "divine form" and therefore handed the right to dominate all other species. The Lakota story offers the hunted species, as well as man, a sense of respect and dignity. Man earned his right to hunt the "four legged" species by racing and winning against them (p. 27). The man agreed to the same terms as the buffalo and therefore has earned his rights to hunt them.