Indian Scout Craft and Lore

by Charles Alexander Eastman

The life of the Indian boy — living close to nature, learning the ways of the wild animals, playing games and learning stories that developed the strength of body and spirit — has long been noted for its ability to develop character. In this book Charles Eastman ("Ohiyesa"), a full-blooded Sioux Indian raised as a young warrior in the 1870's and 80's, describes that life — the lessons he learned, games he played, and feelings about life that he developed as he worked to become a young Indian scout.
Among the many areas of craft and lore described are the physical training of young boys, making friends with the wild animals, learning the language of footprints, hunting with slingshot and bow and arrow, trapping and fishing, making canoes, setting up camp, building wigwams and other shelters, making fire without matches and cooking without pots, blazing a trail, using Indian signals, gesture language and picture-writing, reading the signs of nature and storytelling, as well as information on winter and summer sports of the Indian boys, names and ceremonies of Indian boys and Indian girls, and the etiquette of the wigwam. Throughout, not only the practices but the reasons and feelings behind them are described. Twenty seven illustrations show many of the crafts and signs described.
Scouts and others who enjoy camping and learning the lessons of outdoor life will find in this book not only new ideas but a feeling of life as it was lived by young Indian boys and girls nearly a century ago. In learning the lessons described in this book you will make new discoveries — about nature, about outdoor life, and about yourself.

Genres: Biography

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1914

About the author

Charles Alexander Eastman is unique among Indian writers, whether storytellers or oral historians. He was raised traditionally, as a Woodland Sioux, by his grandmother, from 1858 - 1874, until he was 15. He thus gained a thorough first-hand knowledge of the lifeways, language, culture, and oral history.

His father (thought to have been hanged at Mankato, Minnesota) reappeared and insisted he receive the white man's education. Educated at Dartmouth and Boston University medical school, Eastman became a highly literate physician, who was the only doctor available to the victims of the Wounded Knee massacre in 1890 -- a major historical event, often described as "ending the Indian wars".

Other Indian writers of this period were either entirely acculturated -- had never lived the traditional life of their people or been educated out of their native knowledge -- or were not literate, and were able to provide only "as told to" materials, through the filters of interpreters and non-Indian writers. Eastman had the lifeways and historical events experiences, and he did not need the literary filters of translators and white anthropologists or collectors.

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Reviews

[Edward Gwynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account written over 100 years ago by a Native American. Some great information here.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic and Useful

Written by an Indian Scout in 1914, just after both organizations were founded, the Native American seeks to impart his knowledge on boys and girls who are making the effort to commune with nature and learn more about surviving and thriving in the wilderness. He writes in a way that makes it clear his hope is that the children will grow to be adults who understand nature is something to be understood and loved and respected, not destroyed or mutilated. The author shares his belief that becoming active in natural surroundings will only benefit the children, and make them more equipped for the challenges of becoming an adult. He also gives training on important wilderness skills such as tracking, building camp sites, blazing trails, and more.

Well-written, this seems like it would have been a handy guide for the budding scouting troops when it was published. I'm sure many of the techniques described are still useful today. In addition, it's also a wonderful look back at the culture and beliefs that the Native Americans held about the wilderness and their experience in it. This includes their knowledge about the patterns of wildlife behavior, their techniques in dealing with survival in primitive conditions, and the reasons behind many of their traditions in regards to animals and nature. "It is a fact that both voluntary and involuntary actions of the body tell truly the mind's purpose, and this is why the Indian studies so assiduouslly every record of the comings and goings of his fellow creatures, both animal and human." (p 11)

Though it is a guidebook, the writing is a flowing narrative and many of the skills are shared as stories. The experiences shared by the author are fascinating. The book is written in a conversational tone that is welcoming and encourages trust that you are being guided in the right direction. I recommend this as much for history as for useful skills for wilderness outings.

[William Hubbartt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohiyesa tells stories, describes Indian youth activities, and describes significant elements of Native American culture. As a former Boy Scout, I was drawn to this, and now as a writer of western fiction, a good understanding of the Native American way of life is critical in presenting a vivid and fair description of the interactions between natives and settlers in the 1800s. This book offers valuable insights in a fast-easy read format.

[Steve Koozer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative. Gives insight to a natural way of life. Respecting those around you, family and friends, and the natural world we inhabit.

I was a boy scout growing up and it was pleasant to read this book by the man who helped foster the Boy Scouts of America. This book is more simplified, a basis if you will, of how the Indians conducted their day to day life. I enjoyed learning this.

[Lafcadio · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, 1914.

This book reads like a white man translating what the Indian says in a way that will be palatable to the white youth of 1914.

I do love that the chapter on sports for girls includes field hockey and water lacrosse.

[Jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used this in my scout years