"How to get by in Indian Country"

Observer Staff

7/5/2005 12:00:00 AM

(Editor's note: The following information was wrote by Chief Little Elk, also known as Eli Thomas, on July 3, 1975 as a "how-to get by in Indian Country" pamphlet prepared for visitors, guests and friends. It was brought to the attention of the Tribal Observer by his granddaughter, Brenda (Chamberlain) Champlin. Chief Little Elk carried with him a vast knowledge of traditional, spiritual and medicinal practices. He died at the age of 92, shortly after attending the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe's sixth annual powwow in 1990. Chief Little Elk was selected as Michigan's "Senior Citizen of the Year for Service" in 1975 and was presented the award during the Michigan State Fair in Detroit.)

When you arrive in Ojibway country and visit us in our "Wigwams,"(homes) as is the custom you will rap on our door. From inside and in a loud voice, you will hear "Peen-de'-gaw," which means (come in). No one will open the door for you. For once you knocked, Indian hospitality made you a friend, so you are expected to just walk in. Your first greeting will be "how-po-sho" (hello). The "how" adds depth and sincerity to the greeting, there are no such things as hollow, meaningless exchanges.

Next is an invitation to "nin-nee-bin" (please sit down). Then, the inquiry, "ah-nah-pee'-ain'syhee-bah'yin," (where do you live? or where do you come from?). If you were to ask us or when you return home and someone should ask you, your answer would be "Ojibway Lee-bing" (Chippewa River), Indians in the Great Lakes country would know you meant Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

A sincere greeting is what you get in Ojibway country, so what follows is the inevitable inquiry about, and wish, for your well being "ah-neesh-nah" (how are you?).

As everywhere among all people, one usually comments on the weather; it's usually "nuh-geshik-gut" (a nice day) no matter the conditions. If you are vacationing and your visit is on a very hot summer day, we would say "git-che' shah'-teh" (it's very hot), you would probably say it's hotter �n h-."

In Indian hospitality a visit is not complete without a hearty meal, the invitation "wees-nik" (let's eat) is as much a part of Indian hospitality as "po-sho," goodbye or hello; it depends if you are coming or going.