To Become a Human Being: The Message of Tadodaho Chief Leon Shenandoah

by Steve Wall

Our ancestors lived in physical and spiritual communion with Mother Earth. The Native American way of life has kept its people close to their living roots. To Become a Human Being --to rise to an expanded level of consciousness by living on the Earth as it was intended for us to live--captures the essence of Native American wisdom, in the words of Tadodaho Chief Leon Shenandoah, high chief among the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy, and revered spiritual leader. Using tapes of conversations made over a thirteen-year period, Wall recreates Chief Shenandoah's message in a unique free-flowing voice. What's more, Wall enhances the message with the dramatic photographs that have made each of his creations, including the bestselling Wisdomkeepers , not just books, but treasures.

Genres: Spirituality, Native American, Indigenous

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jessaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't grow up in the seat of the Cherokee Nation, but I did retire here. Both of my Great Grandmothers had been on the Trail of Tears, during the Indian removal act. But I liked what my sister said, “You are coming back to your roots.”

I made friends with a Native American woman here just a few years ago, and because I have recently shown an interest in Native American spirituality, she began bringing me books and explained that not all books on the Native people are what really happened or what her people believe. So, I got a list of books from her in which I can enjoy reading.

This is a book of Leon Shenandoah's spiritual teachings.

"I never call on the Creator for anything. I don't have to. Nobody else does either. The Creator gives you all we need in this life. He gave us a good mind to think clearly. He instructed Mother Earth to provide all the necessities to sustain our live. She's still doing that. She's doing her duty. She gives us our food and she replenishes the water. She causes the plants to grow for our medicines. So our lives are taken care of."


"People want to know who our medicine men and women are.
They call them the holy ones.
We are all holy and so are you.
We are all the Creator's people.”
“We still have our ceremonies to honor the Creator.
You once had yours, too.
I tell everybody who asks as much as I know.
I say they can find their ceremony if they use the good mind.
The Creator still speaks to very people on Mother Earth.
He'll speak to you, You've got to listen."

"The thing wrong with the world
is that people don't have instructions.
We were told almost three hundred years ago
that people would be coming to us and asking for our instructions."

Note:
Leon Shenandoah was the chief of Onondaga Nation, and Tadodaho ("Firekeeper") of the Six Nations Confederacy [or "Iroquois"], whose symbol is The Tree of Peace, passed over into spirit Monday July 22, 1996, at 7:20 a.m. EST, at age 81.



Leon Shenandoah

[Ziggi Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sat down to begin this book after boarding a flight in NY to NC which spans over lands of the Iroquois, and the many other tribes of Appalachia passing below me as I type this. On p 2 of Wall's preface, he tells of his first meeting of Tadodaho, and I immediately felt a presence. I said a prayer of welcoming, and invited the spirit [Tadodaho?] to travel with me. The pilot announced at this very moment we would be taking off. What a powerful Spirit this elder has, to know immediately when he is called to touch another of Creator’s children.

This book was incredible. Every word speaks in relation to today even decades after his passing. So much wisdom contained in such a small book. I will definitely revisit this often. I could feel Chief Tadodaho Leon Shenandoah traveling with me the entire time I was reading this book, and was honored to hear his wisdom and guidance. Let it be shared far and wide.

[Corinne Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps one of the most profound books I have ever read. Leon Shenandoah was chosen as Tadodaho , or spiritual leader, of the six tribes in 1968, and held that position for 25 years. The book is a transcription of his beliefs and spiritual teachings spoken in simplistic but deeply moving and meaningful terms. So incredibly powerful and speaking truth to our current situation.

[R. Cane]

Beautiful. Poetic in its simple truth. Should be required reading.

[Rah~ri · Rating 4 out of 5]

am
still
trying

... apologies to all life, don't think I'll get there for a bit.

Book is good, written with heart.

Not to be over analyzed.
Or to debate beliefs.
But to read and let the words touch you gently,
to watch and see what your heart responds to,
what makes your spirit long to sing.
What stories memories return to you?
Good book.
Not to read.
No not for that.
But to feal.

hope you enjoy it!

Shon

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing read :-)
Tadodaho Chief Leon Shenandoah message is clear and strong. He's giving advice from his own perspective about how to find your own (spiritual) path in life and encourages one to take on that journey through giving examples from within his understanding, his experience and that of his ancestors.
Respecting the earth, for the creation (and the creator) and for yourself is a message which can be easily understood and practiced.

Travel well!

[Gamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While it may only take a few hours to read from cover to cover, the wisdom contained within, will take years to digest. The Haudonosaunee confederacy lost one of the great Tadodahos, but thankfully Steve Wall was able to record and share teachings that don't usually leave the community.

[Jeannine Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a beautiful book with so much gentle wisdom. Chief Leon does not communicate with stilted language; rather he speaks to the heart with humility and reverence toward all of creation and our Creator. It is a book I purchased in order to read every now and again as I walk my journey.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has much to offer about how to live in a good way.
I probably need to read it all over again.
It is not often that a person has the opportunity to hear words from an Elder.