Wolfkiller: Wisdom from a Nineteenth-Century Navajo Shepherd

by Louisa Wade Wetherill (Compiler), Harvey Leake (Compiler)

Fascinating history and compelling storytelling make Wolfkiller, the memoir of a Navajo shepherd man who lived in the Monument Valley region of the Southwest, a page-turning epic. In these stories compiled by Harvey Leake, Wolfkiller shares the ancient wisdom of the Navajo elders that was passed to him while a boy growing up near the Utah/Arizona border. Wolfkiller's story was recorded and translated by pioneer trader Louisa Wade Wetherill, an unlikely pairing that came together when she moved to this remote area of southern Utah in 1906. Wetherill recognized that Wolfkiller was a man of exceptional character, with lessons and wisdom of the Navajo that deserved to be recorded and preserved for the benefit of future generations. Over the course of many years, Wolfkiller told his stories to Wetherill who translated them into English. When the manuscript was completed in 1932, modern society was simply not ready for it. Rejected by publishers, the document languished in the family archives until today, long after Wolfkiller and Mrs. Wetherill were gone, it can now be recognized as a unique and profound book that speaks to modern culture's compulsive rush away from nature. Included are photographs of Wolfkiller and the Wetherills, all taken from about 1906 to 1926. More than forty other historical photographs are also included. "If Mrs. Wetherill could be persuaded to write on the mythology of the Navajos, and also on their present-day psychology-by which somewhat magniloquent term I mean their present ways and habits of thought-she would render an invaluable service. She not only knows their language; she knows their minds. . . ." Theodore Roosevelt, after visiting the Wetherill trading post in 1913

Genres: Native American, Indigenous, Spirituality, Short Stories, Biography

160 pages, Hardcover

First published February 13, 2007

Reviews

[Joseph Gendron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising little book which provides a compelling insight into a native culture, the Navajo, during the late 19th and early 20th century. Obscure, but so human, I really related to how, in their culture, negative or unpleasant things were not given energy and evil thoughts were recognized as preventing any chance of a peaceful life. There is a lot of quiet wisdom in this book in addition to the historical accounts of life in a remote region of Navajo country. Photographs sprinkled throughout the book are quite remarkable as well .

[Rosalinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Now you go on your way alone; What you are now, we know not; To what clan you now belong we know not; From now on, you are not of this earth."

[Jerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting (a bit)

[Sam Portelance]

I'm going to skip giving a star rating as this is an edited version of transcribed conversations and as such isn't in the refined form typical of autobiographies. It's an assembly of anecdotes from Wolfkiller's life that contain great insight both into what life was like for a Navajo man in the 1800s and in general. I like learning about indigenous customs and how colonialism disrupted native ways of life and this provides an important perspective in that story.

I would have deleted all the photo captions. While I get that the editors thought it was important to let us know that most of the photos aren't of the actual people being described, the unsubtle and clumsy way they go about doing that is often laughable. I assumed the photo wasn't of the actual flood in 1870 Wolfkiller is talking about.

While the third hand telling diminishes the anthropological value somewhat, it's still a fantastic portrait that I'm very happy has been preserved so well.

[Alyssa Sherman]

Wetherill remains true to the voice of her narrator, Wolfkiller, whom she transcribes for throughout, and herein lies the simple beauty of the life of this Navajo shepherd. It reads like you're sitting around the dinner table, listening to family stories, and letting the details of the life of one who's gone before you help to shape the way you'll make decisions for your own life from here on out. Highly recommend for an intimate portrait into the life of this indigenous elder, and the path of light that guides him.

[Debra R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story told from a boys memory of his grandfather. There is so much depth to their beliefs and practices, you can just feel the desire to live free and peaceably. Enjoyed this book tremendously.

[Sunny Chumack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a nice slice of life vibe to it. All the joys and sorrows a life can offer.

[Robin Boyle-Laisure]

Excellent nonfiction.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wolfkiller was published this year by the great grandson of a woman who employed and interviewed Wolfkiller, a Navajo shepherd who was born around 1855 and died in 1926. This book is easy to read and includes Wolfkiller's recollections of his education by his grandfather, a Navajo healer, and some of his experiences as an adult. It includes many stories with lessons on how to live a good, peaceful life. It is filled with many photos (it worth your time just to see the photos). Some stories in the book include his clan's having to move from their land for four years, raids by the Utes, how Wolfkiller got his name, how what we think determines what happens to us, and many more. I think this is a remarkable book that teaches us a little more about American history than what any of us was ever taught in school. But more so, it offers lessons on how to be a good person.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read the Alchemist, you'll enjoy reading this book. This is a good follow up read to the Alchemist. Wolfkiller tells of stories and lessons brought to surface by the teachings of his grandfather. What makes this book great is the original intentions were intact. In the beginning, the author explains how her editor wanted her to change material to make the read more "realistic", because the editor felt some content was based on myth. To have an anglo author deny the request of her editor was encouraging and left the original intent intact, as it should be.
Each story leads to an underlying message of how to be a good person. Very Dine' centric. I recommend this book, especially for those who hail from Western Agency as this Wolfkillers' story originated from Oljato.

[Edward Wright]

Walk in beauty

So far I have only read 18 percent of this wonderful book and I think it is one of the best books I've read. I have loved reading since I was 13, I am now 59. I've read both fiction and non-fiction, I am also a Buddhist and have read many books by some truly inspiring teachings by some very enlightened teachers.
When I first read Tony Hillerman's books I noticed that Navajo spirituality was very similar to Buddhism. This book is full of wisdom and I think the author and her grandson did an excellent job of presenting Wolfkiller's life and teachings.
I would recommend this book to anyone and it is told in such a way that it would be understandable to children.
Please enjoy this book and learn from Wolfkiller's life and teachings.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book, but by the end I rate it with 5 stars. it's full of life lessons and wisdom from the Navajo perspective, which I should read every couple of years to remember. I will save this for my daughter and read it to her as she gets older!

[Vladivostok · Rating 3 out of 5]

Navajo mythology and a first hand account of the tribe's hunting techniques, burial ceremonies, medical practices, and even their captivity at Fort Sumner in Bosque Redondo. Fantastic photos accompany this brief collection of amiable wisdom.

[Fernanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in learning about the Navajo culture this is a wonderful book. Wetherill spent hours with Wolfkiller writing down his family stories and Indian wisdom.

[Nilsson Yazzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful book filled with a beautiful multiple stories.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting history book. Louisa Wade Wetherill recorded and translated Wolfkiller's story's and Harvey Leake compiled them for the book.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Wonderful wisdom that everyone should know!!

[Rebecca Lesue · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A thought, whether spoken or not, is a real thing. I would never have thought anything about the sorrows an evil thought can cause if my grandfather had not taught me as he did.”

[Eilene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically, that all things are just existing.. There really is wisdom in the words of the stories.