Mountain Wolf Woman, Sister of Crashing Thunder: The Autobiography of a Winnebago Indian

by Nancy Oestreich Lurie (Editor), Ruth M. Underhill (Foreword)

From pony to airplane, from medicine dance to Christian worship, Mountain Wolf Woman, Sister of Crashing Thunder is the life story of a Winnebago woman, told in her own words to her adopted kinswoman, Nancy Lurie. This retelling of more than seventy-five years of Native American life is both a candid and compelling account of how one woman lived through a period of cultural crisis. Mountain Wolf Woman tells of her childhood in Wisconsin, her brief stay at a mission school, her marriage to "Bad Soldier," and her religious experiences with peyote. Her struggle to maintain her family against many hardships---odds that would have defeated a less vigorous and self-confident person---underscores her perseverance and tenacity. Whether she is describing her wanderings as a child or her misfortunes later in life, Mountain Wolf Woman sets forth her views in honest and perceptive terms, adding all the more power to her narrative. This book is a valuable companion to the story of Mountain Wolf Woman's brother, immortalized by Paul Radin in Crashing Thunder , a classic of anthropological literature. It will also be of interest to those interested in ethnographic records, the role of women in native cultures, and Midwestern Native Americans, in general. " . . . a superb human document."
--- Chicago Sun-Times " . . . one of those rare books . . . ."
--- Saturday Review ". . . a notable contribution to the literature of culture change and culture and personality."
--- American Anthropologist Nancy O. Lurie has written extensively on Native American culture over her long career. She is now retired from her former position as head curator of anthropology, Milwaukee Public Museum.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Native American, Indigenous, Autobiography, Biography

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1961

Reviews

[Marie Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of only two autobiographies written by earlier Native women that I have read (there are a few modern ones) This was a joy to read. Mountain Wolf Woman was a strong, intelligent, resourceful woman. She agreed to work on this memoir at the request of her niece, otherwise as an Indian, she would have felt such an act would bring unwarranted attention to herself. Her everyday life was so fascinating, and it's wonderful that in her old age, she had such a great memory. One thing that struck me was the comparison to almost anyone else as far as attitudes about norms of daily life. Marriage was arranged, but divorce not really uncommon. She says about her first husband "I left that man." In the early years of the twentieth century, you see an easy collaboration between Indian and White, which I really didn't expect. One thing I loved was when some Indians came on horseback and in full dress, she called them "real Indians," with a tone of awe and respect. This is a lovely book that everyone should read.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful account of a remarkable woman's life. I'm grateful I was able to read it.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This edition I read had so many side notes that I wish had been edited into the narrative or included as a foot/side-note in some way to incorporate on the same page for ease of reading rather than needing to refer back to the chapter notes so often. Interesting history overall but so much of the notes are needed for context they should have been on the same page that it's hard to give an objective review since it was not at all smooth to read.

[Judith Staponkus · Rating 4 out of 5]

My four-star rating usually means I really liked the book. Although that isn’t the case with Mountain Wolf Woman, I felt the book deserved such a rating because it was an original, firsthand look at a life that was experienced by a select few people. The organization of the book was cumbersome but necessary in order for the narrative to be told in its entirety without being interrupted by notations and explanations by the editor. The amazing life story of Mountain Wolf Woman is part of the history of our country which deserves recognition.

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long ago they used to live wherever the elders stayed. They got along together harmoniously. None of them was at odds with another. In the beginning people loved each other. They even would all live in one house, never disagreeing. 87

This is a remarkable autobiography and invaluable gift of Wisconsin Native American history. How fortunate we have this resource. I would have enjoyed reading a book such as this in school. Mountain Wolf Woman passed in 1960, so the history is not terribly old; however, a great deal has changed since then. Reading this gives a feeling of grief and nostalgia over how rapidly this history and way of life has passed. Of course, I always wish for more information, and this is very brief. Nancy Lurie, the editor, states Mountain Wolf Woman held back, frequently, for not wanting to sound boastful.
The link between Nebraska and Wisconsin Winnebago territory is explained. The history of the Winnebago peyote ceremony was fascinating to learn as well as how easily Mountain Wolf Woman combined the peyote ceremony with Christian beliefs and faith. I didn't realize this ceremony was brought to Wisconsin, by the Winnebago returning from Nebraska, and is still practiced in areas of Wisconsin, today.
An included section of photos, of Mountain Wolf Woman and other Winnebago, was entrancing to peruse. Her brother, Crashing Thunder, also completed an autobiography which I'm excited to read. Until then, some words from Mountain Wolf Woman...
"It is good. You will prescribe Indian medicines. I used to do this; now you will do it. The power will all be yours. You are not yet holy, but these medicines are holy." -I did not know what he meant by that, but he said--, "These medicines are going to talk to you. If someone sets his mind on you, that is, he is going to buy medicines from you, you will know it before they come to you. And when they come to you, say to them, 'You will be cured.' If you put your mind to it intensely, that is where you will have your power. Then you will give them Indian medicines. You are going to be a medicine woman. You are going to cure sickness. This redounds to your honor, my granddaughter." This is what my grandfather said to me. 65

[Ryan Dent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my Native American History college course and it was really interesting! If you're interested in different cultures, this gives a great insight into Wisconsin Natives. The entire book feels like I've sat with my grandma and she's telling me stories about her life. It's really wholesome and genuine.

[Carley Windorff · Rating 5 out of 5]

For having been written and published several decades ago, the editor of this book is respectful to the subject/author in an everlasting, non-colonial manner. Truly an honor to read.

[Eliana Calamiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 e mezzo

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found some of the descriptions difficult to understand but overall I liked the book. I wish I could have experienced a childhood like hers, hunting and foraging and living in nature.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adapted from the back cover: This is the life story of a Winnebago Indian woman as told in her own words to her adopted kinswoman, Nancy Lurie. Most Native American ethnographic biographies/autobiographies focus on men; this is therefore a unique account. Mountain Wolf Woman tells of her childhood in Wisconsin, her brief stay at a mission school, her marriages (the first to a man to whom her brother—Crashing Thunder—owed a drinking debt), and her religious experiences with peyote.

[Janelle V. Dvorak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in west central Wisconsin and went to school with a number of Ho Chunk friends. I went on to read this when I took a Native American literature class at college. It opened up a whole new understanding of my friends and the background of the other life they led when they weren't "in the white world".

[Serena]

As I think of my great interest in wolves yeap :)