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That's What the Old Ones Say
Chief Joseph RiverWind tells a tale of historical events, Christian theology and Native folklore to create a fascinating and thought-provoking treatise. Told in traditional storytelling fashion, Chief RiverWind weaves a captivating account of the Native American's relationship with Christianity and spirituality.
RiverWind felt compelled to write the book to help preserve some of the folklore and history that he had grown up with and to let people know that being Native and Christian were not exclusive of each other. “Betrayal, love, reconciliation, unity, sacrifice, joy, peace, history, the perseverance of the human spirit, and the longing for Creator to heal our land and broken hearts,” RiverWind says of his objective for the book. “The same longing is for our spirit to be uplifted from the only One who can give Hope in the face of utter defeat and despair. It is time for these stories to be shared with the world and for the prophecies to be listened to once again.”
RiverWind felt compelled to write the book to help preserve some of the folklore and history that he had grown up with and to let people know that being Native and Christian were not exclusive of each other. “Betrayal, love, reconciliation, unity, sacrifice, joy, peace, history, the perseverance of the human spirit, and the longing for Creator to heal our land and broken hearts,” RiverWind says of his objective for the book. “The same longing is for our spirit to be uplifted from the only One who can give Hope in the face of utter defeat and despair. It is time for these stories to be shared with the world and for the prophecies to be listened to once again.”
189 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2014
102 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 8, 2021
This one NEEDS to be read by everyone, especially Americans!! It's an important testament to foster reconciliation and forgiveness among Natives and whites.
Chief Joseph Riverwind, a Native American, Christian minister, veteran, and musician recounts tribal legends handed down through the generations that parallel Bible stories. You learn how much in common native culture, language and religion has with the Jewish/Hebrew culture. Some of these I was already aware of but I was surprised to find that the Cherokee name for God is YAHAWEH which is almost identical to YAHWEH. Not only this but many of their words, customs and celebrations parallel that of the Jews. He also talks about the meaning behind Native dances, music, and songs and how they relate to their worship of YAH.
You also read about the many atrocities that were committed against the natives by the whites. Of course you learn some in school, but they sweep the worse under the rug. I was shocked to learn that much of what was done to the natives by the settlers and conquistadors rival Nazi Germany. This book is very important to foster awareness of these atrocities, that they may not be repeated.
Chief Riverwind discusses how Christians can reconcile with the native brothers and sisters and how natives can learn to forgive. He recounts a little of his own personal struggle as a young man, bitter and full of hate against the Spanish for the genocide carried against his tribe and how he found peace and forgiveness in Christ.
I must say this book was an education for me on several levels and I'm so glad I read it and will recommend to others. If I could give this 10 stars I would!!
Chief Joseph Riverwind, a Native American, Christian minister, veteran, and musician recounts tribal legends handed down through the generations that parallel Bible stories. You learn how much in common native culture, language and religion has with the Jewish/Hebrew culture. Some of these I was already aware of but I was surprised to find that the Cherokee name for God is YAHAWEH which is almost identical to YAHWEH. Not only this but many of their words, customs and celebrations parallel that of the Jews. He also talks about the meaning behind Native dances, music, and songs and how they relate to their worship of YAH.
You also read about the many atrocities that were committed against the natives by the whites. Of course you learn some in school, but they sweep the worse under the rug. I was shocked to learn that much of what was done to the natives by the settlers and conquistadors rival Nazi Germany. This book is very important to foster awareness of these atrocities, that they may not be repeated.
Chief Riverwind discusses how Christians can reconcile with the native brothers and sisters and how natives can learn to forgive. He recounts a little of his own personal struggle as a young man, bitter and full of hate against the Spanish for the genocide carried against his tribe and how he found peace and forgiveness in Christ.
I must say this book was an education for me on several levels and I'm so glad I read it and will recommend to others. If I could give this 10 stars I would!!
June 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The author (an American Indian) writes of the old American Indian tales, and how so many of them align perfectly with the stories in The Bible. The tales were passed down for countless generations - long before the Europeans landed here in America.
August 27, 2016
Absolutely amazing book. It weaved in Native American stories, legends, and truths... Yeshua... Facts about the Native Americans and the Hebrew, shining light on what my family and I have been seeing and finding as truth... This book touched on what we [my family and I] knew, and it was great to see someone with the same truth!
I loved to see how nowadays was tied in- it is all happening now. Again. And it will be different than Noah's timing... This book brought so much truth in one great story, I loved it.
Not only did I learn things about the Native Americans and my ancestry, I found tid bits I cannot wait to use for my story! :D
We found Chief Joseph through L.A. Marzulli, and the video (or episode...) was truly amazing! We knew right away that Chief Joseph had something to tell us... and he certainly did.
It was fascinating to see the history of the Europeans, coming and settling here- and just what happened....
Here's the thing for me... Chief Joseph's message (or one of them) was that FORGIVENESS and PEACE are important... And of course, fighting for what is right. But the forgiveness... In my life, I know that is something I need... To read this book reminded me and started me off on another journey with YHVH.... Life is a journey, but this stepping stone must be accomplished.
I loved to see how nowadays was tied in- it is all happening now. Again. And it will be different than Noah's timing... This book brought so much truth in one great story, I loved it.
Not only did I learn things about the Native Americans and my ancestry, I found tid bits I cannot wait to use for my story! :D
We found Chief Joseph through L.A. Marzulli, and the video (or episode...) was truly amazing! We knew right away that Chief Joseph had something to tell us... and he certainly did.
It was fascinating to see the history of the Europeans, coming and settling here- and just what happened....
Here's the thing for me... Chief Joseph's message (or one of them) was that FORGIVENESS and PEACE are important... And of course, fighting for what is right. But the forgiveness... In my life, I know that is something I need... To read this book reminded me and started me off on another journey with YHVH.... Life is a journey, but this stepping stone must be accomplished.
November 30, 2014
There's a saying I've oft heard repeated by elders that Chief Joseph RiverWind shares in his book: "Creator made us with two ears and one mouth, and we are to use them in that order." If only we as Christians would listen to our Native American brothers and sisters. Many tribes have legends similar to Old Testament accounts like the flood, as well as prophecies about Christ. RiverWind weaves those stories with his own testimony in a beautiful call for reconciliation and healing, especially between the church and Native America. This is a must-read book I have been recommending to friends from page one.
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October 28, 2019Great book
This book was eye opening and thought provoking. Some parts were hard to read because it was a dark part of history. I do believe everyone should read this native and non-native alike. You can apply some of the subject matter to other parts of life. It was a very healing book. The authors are incredible as well. They also have a heck of a testimony
This book was eye opening and thought provoking. Some parts were hard to read because it was a dark part of history. I do believe everyone should read this native and non-native alike. You can apply some of the subject matter to other parts of life. It was a very healing book. The authors are incredible as well. They also have a heck of a testimony
October 4, 2017
This was heartbreaking and beautiful. I loved learning about the beliefs of these people, and how similar they are to my own.
January 5, 2025
I first encountered Chief Joseph RiverWind when I heard him speak on a Podcast. I was intrigued with his stories and encounters with God and his knowledge of native traditions. I sought out his book and was not disappointed!! It’s a must read; I couldn’t put it down. Now I’m off to find his other book. 😆
November 20, 2018
As a Christian -- and just as a citizen of this earth -- I have long wanted to know better about how I can respect and honor Native Americans. I grew up in an area with a large Native American (Waccamaw Siouan) community, and it wasn't until I got older and moved away from that community that I saw the lack of understanding in the non-Native community. Once I saw this disconnect, I hoped to find ways to bridge it. 25 years later, this book has done so much to give me hope that the disconnect can be remedied and reconciled.
I will be interested in reading anything else the RiverWinds offer as I continue to study and pray for this reconciliation and for chances for myself to offer peace and honor to the indigenous people of this country.
I will be interested in reading anything else the RiverWinds offer as I continue to study and pray for this reconciliation and for chances for myself to offer peace and honor to the indigenous people of this country.
July 30, 2017
Opened my eyes to things I knew little of.
This book is so well written, it tells of things I had no idea of, yet the writer doesn't condemn . His message is reconciliation. The take away for me, is if we give respect and honor to others and listen to what they say, trying to understand their perspective, we can live together in peace and harmony. Respecting the different cultures and traditions. I Highly recommend this book, I have a different perspective after reading it.
This book is so well written, it tells of things I had no idea of, yet the writer doesn't condemn . His message is reconciliation. The take away for me, is if we give respect and honor to others and listen to what they say, trying to understand their perspective, we can live together in peace and harmony. Respecting the different cultures and traditions. I Highly recommend this book, I have a different perspective after reading it.
September 15, 2019
The ancient stories must live on.
I enjoyed reading about how first nations people knew about messiah before any missionaries came to preach. I could envision Joseph and Pipe carrier around the fire as Joseph described his time with his friend speaking of the stories of his people. It's informative and has giving me a glimpse into the hurt the native people have endured. Joseph speaks though of a hope only found in Messiah Yeshua. I would recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading about how first nations people knew about messiah before any missionaries came to preach. I could envision Joseph and Pipe carrier around the fire as Joseph described his time with his friend speaking of the stories of his people. It's informative and has giving me a glimpse into the hurt the native people have endured. Joseph speaks though of a hope only found in Messiah Yeshua. I would recommend this book.
November 16, 2023
An inside perspective you won't find in the history books! Chief RiverWind is uniquely positioned to share truths about a grossly misunderstood yet awesome people. In an amazing spirit of humility and love, he tears down the veil of errancy, bringing powerful words of hope, understanding, healing, and unity. This fascinating book is a treasure trove of never before heard stories from a Native Americans that will change you forever...a must read!
October 14, 2016
Indian mysteries I always wanted to know
Dear Joseph , Please have someone else read your book for clarity of meaning and grammar and it will be a 5 star book if you correct the errors! This book answers so many things that I wondered about! My heart ALWAYS grieved for our American Indians, since I came to the age of understanding! ~ Sherry ~ See you both in Heaven!
Dear Joseph , Please have someone else read your book for clarity of meaning and grammar and it will be a 5 star book if you correct the errors! This book answers so many things that I wondered about! My heart ALWAYS grieved for our American Indians, since I came to the age of understanding! ~ Sherry ~ See you both in Heaven!
July 8, 2017
What interested me about this book is that it investigated the connections between Native American prophecies and Christianity. It shared some interesting stories and also helped to educate me about the pain that the Native Americans still feel about what has been done to their people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2018
Beautiful, enlightening, and healing
This book educates, heals, and guides. The parallel understanding of some first nation tribes and the biblical way is amazing. Please read and gain new understanding of how our amazing creator works. Beautiful <3
This book educates, heals, and guides. The parallel understanding of some first nation tribes and the biblical way is amazing. Please read and gain new understanding of how our amazing creator works. Beautiful <3
July 17, 2018
Good read
Nice book. Pretty easy read. Kept my attention throughout. Puts the native American people and their culture in a new and clear view.
Nice book. Pretty easy read. Kept my attention throughout. Puts the native American people and their culture in a new and clear view.
March 13, 2020
Wow! So interesting! Learning about the history of America from a native American is the best. Love his testimony.
August 8, 2024
The first half of this book had me weeping- so beautiful and honest, a great testimony to the power of Jesus breaking through cultural strongholds. A really interesting chapter on Native stories and how they align with stories in scripture, and a few chapters at the end that lean political.
June 22, 2022
It's absolute garbage, another cult leader conman making up fake history to make money off of Native Americans, him and his wife were exposed as frauds a long time ago
June 16, 2023
A few years ago, I became aware of the fallen angels, Nephilim, and giants of the Bible. Having a strong curiosity and thirst for knowledge, I've attempted to dig deeper and learn all I can about other religions, legends, and the Bible. In this journey, my faith has strengthened immensely and I pray to God daily that he would continue to give me wisdom and strength in my journey.
I first saw Chief RiverWind speaking in a TikTok video a few months ago. I have been blown away by how similar cultures and religions around the world are and how they can be correlated to the Bible. I saw that Chief RiverWind had written a book and I intended to read it. I was not disappointed by the knowledge mentioned in this book and I am appreciative of Chief RiverWind for sharing it! I think many Christians today are quick to judge others before listening to them. I find it so amazing how Native cultures have a strong love and faith for God and Jesus just as we do!
I've been told by family that it's possible we have Native blood, however this I don't know for certain, so I don't claim to be. Nonetheless, I have always felt an admiration and appreciation for Native culture, and I find most cultures around the world intriguing.
Reading this book and hearing person accounts of how Native Americans were treated made me sick to my stomach. It is truly sickening that the Spainards came to the Americas and proclaimed themselves as Christians, calling Natives savages, yet treated them worse than animals! In America, the government and people are so concerned with righting the wrongs of African American slaves, and while this is another disgusting and atrocious part of American history, I ask myself, "What about the Native Americans? Why are they never talked about?"
I feel that as Americans, it's important for us to recognize how we have made mistakes in the past and come together as "one nation under God". We aren't white, black, red, or yellow. We are all Gods children, made beautifully in his image. Every Nation in history has been attacked and persecuted in some way and we must learn from these mistakes. I too have been feeling the "urgency" that Chief RiverWind mentions as the world progresses and shows a sign of the times. I pray that we Christians stay strong against the enemy.
I was also brought to tears by Chief RiverWinds stories of people accepting Christ as their savior! God is good! The First Nations are such a strong and amazing people.
I first saw Chief RiverWind speaking in a TikTok video a few months ago. I have been blown away by how similar cultures and religions around the world are and how they can be correlated to the Bible. I saw that Chief RiverWind had written a book and I intended to read it. I was not disappointed by the knowledge mentioned in this book and I am appreciative of Chief RiverWind for sharing it! I think many Christians today are quick to judge others before listening to them. I find it so amazing how Native cultures have a strong love and faith for God and Jesus just as we do!
I've been told by family that it's possible we have Native blood, however this I don't know for certain, so I don't claim to be. Nonetheless, I have always felt an admiration and appreciation for Native culture, and I find most cultures around the world intriguing.
Reading this book and hearing person accounts of how Native Americans were treated made me sick to my stomach. It is truly sickening that the Spainards came to the Americas and proclaimed themselves as Christians, calling Natives savages, yet treated them worse than animals! In America, the government and people are so concerned with righting the wrongs of African American slaves, and while this is another disgusting and atrocious part of American history, I ask myself, "What about the Native Americans? Why are they never talked about?"
I feel that as Americans, it's important for us to recognize how we have made mistakes in the past and come together as "one nation under God". We aren't white, black, red, or yellow. We are all Gods children, made beautifully in his image. Every Nation in history has been attacked and persecuted in some way and we must learn from these mistakes. I too have been feeling the "urgency" that Chief RiverWind mentions as the world progresses and shows a sign of the times. I pray that we Christians stay strong against the enemy.
I was also brought to tears by Chief RiverWinds stories of people accepting Christ as their savior! God is good! The First Nations are such a strong and amazing people.
March 24, 2022
This book challenged my knowledge, broke my heart for the Native Americans, and put perspective to why, when, and how things went so wrong for people we should see as fellow Americans with rights that were ripped from them. To find out their Christian Faith is was as strong and lively as my own fills my heart with joy, but to then learn how it was taken from them by religious groups that are more hellish than the worst sinner on Earth with what they did and how they still try to strip away their culture and beautiful worship of the Almighty God of Creation! I’m now praying for a Native revival of Christian Faith too since Chief Joseph is right… Christianity is NOT the white man’s religion and Jesus IS Tribal so play the DRUMS and STRINGS like the Old Testament proclaimed, dance before the Lord like David did, and SHOUT out loud in triumph! My Dad’s grandmother or great-grandmother had Native blood, possibly Sioux, so I’m thankful to have a heritage in name that now means more to me than it did before. BLESSINGS WISHED TO ALL WHO WORSHIP GREAT MORNING STAR YESHUA JESUS! TK ✝️
July 6, 2019
Wow!
This was very impactful. It very much dispels the understandings we grew up with learning the history of America. It opens the doors to how Indians feel but more importantly how God has revealed to them Himself and His Son.
To see through their eyes the wrongs and cruel treatment even to this day has caused me to ask God's forgiveness for any wrongs done to them by my ancestors.
The parallel ancient stories passed down through their oral stories and the Bible is amazing.
It is a very honorable snapshot of very honorable people. You cannot help but be affected to the very core of your being.
This should be a must read for anyone who is an American. It can change how you look at God, His creation, and all peoples.
This was very impactful. It very much dispels the understandings we grew up with learning the history of America. It opens the doors to how Indians feel but more importantly how God has revealed to them Himself and His Son.
To see through their eyes the wrongs and cruel treatment even to this day has caused me to ask God's forgiveness for any wrongs done to them by my ancestors.
The parallel ancient stories passed down through their oral stories and the Bible is amazing.
It is a very honorable snapshot of very honorable people. You cannot help but be affected to the very core of your being.
This should be a must read for anyone who is an American. It can change how you look at God, His creation, and all peoples.
January 18, 2021
Thank You!
This book laid the suffering of Native Americans on my heart. I have always felt a kinship with my Indian brothers and sisters. As children, all children in our county went to school together. I felt honored to sit next to my class mates and know their history. I love the writing in this book. The love and forgiveness passed on made my heart rejoice in the Lord! May many more read your words and beg God's blessing on the Indian Nations and that their pain and suffering end.
This book laid the suffering of Native Americans on my heart. I have always felt a kinship with my Indian brothers and sisters. As children, all children in our county went to school together. I felt honored to sit next to my class mates and know their history. I love the writing in this book. The love and forgiveness passed on made my heart rejoice in the Lord! May many more read your words and beg God's blessing on the Indian Nations and that their pain and suffering end.
September 13, 2020
A great book to learn from.
If you have wondered about First Nations history, and stories this is a good place to start. I was, and still am, ignorant of many of the traditions of the First Nations, but reading this has helped me see past the stero - types I was used to seeing. Thank for opening my eyes to the need for reconciliation. God Bless.
If you have wondered about First Nations history, and stories this is a good place to start. I was, and still am, ignorant of many of the traditions of the First Nations, but reading this has helped me see past the stero - types I was used to seeing. Thank for opening my eyes to the need for reconciliation. God Bless.
October 26, 2022
Such a thought provoking, eye opening read; I learned so much! Chief Joseph writes a beautiful account of traditional Indigenous stories and beliefs with how they line up with biblical stories, characters and lessons. Definitely recommend this if you are interested in both Indigenous beliefs and reconciling them with the Bible.
July 14, 2021
Loved this book rich in meaning.
This is one of the best books I've ever read. I did research on the way we treated them. This is so well written as to the injustice that occurred. A page turner, made me cry. Excellent read.
This is one of the best books I've ever read. I did research on the way we treated them. This is so well written as to the injustice that occurred. A page turner, made me cry. Excellent read.
January 6, 2022
This book contains some awesome stories passed down through the generations of Native Americans. Many of them connect to Christianity and Judaism in surprising ways. I really enjoy the openness of the author's spiritual journey.
January 21, 2022
Noah’s believing descendants glorify God
I appreciate the revelation that we have a witness regarding God’s Word being carried down through the generations by people whose reverence for Abba in heaven stayed the course for the Truth!
I appreciate the revelation that we have a witness regarding God’s Word being carried down through the generations by people whose reverence for Abba in heaven stayed the course for the Truth!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews