| We have the Blackfoot Indians here in Idaho. Some of | | | | known that. |
| them live in the Blackfoot reservation. The Blackfoot | | | | Paul: We know all that? |
| are not just in Idaho. They are a large nation that | | | | Hack: It sure seems so. |
| covers a lot of territory. | | | | Paul: Could you write that down for me? |
| I went to have a chat with Long Standing Bear, a | | | | Hack: Sure, Paul. What about the dreams Indians |
| Blackfoot Chief. I drove up to the reservation and | | | | have? What do they mean? What about the White |
| stopped in the Museum across from the casino. I | | | | Buffalo? |
| asked to see Long Standing Bear. I was told that he | | | | Paul: Help others realize that life is a beautiful dream. |
| did not live in Idaho but that I might be able to find a | | | | Dreamers are the butterflies of life and help others to |
| chief in the little town below the casino. I went into a | | | | realize their dreams. You can look up the other stuff |
| curio shop and talked to Paul. I said, "Are you a chief | | | | on the Internet. |
| of the Blackfoot Nation?" | | | | Hack: Well, have you seen the White Buffalo? |
| Paul: Who is asking? | | | | Paul: I got up there too late. It had changed color. |
| Hack: Taylor Jones, the hack writer. | | | | Hack: Does that matter? |
| Paul: I'm a chief then. | | | | Paul: No. Be humorous and help others to enjoy life |
| Hack: I understand that you don't believe in original sin. | | | | and the life of others. Humor makes you attractive. |
| Paul: We believe in the beauty and strength of our | | | | The humorous person has many guests and the one |
| own being. Forget the foolish belief that you and your | | | | who is invited everywhere because of the joy they |
| fellow human beings were born evil. Those who would | | | | bring to the gathering. |
| control you all the days of your life on earth | | | | Hack: Here's a joke. A salesman chased a fast-running |
| perpetuate the belief. | | | | chicken into a farm yard. He asked the farmer why |
| Hack: That sounds similar to what is on your official | | | | the chicken could run so fast. The farmer said he had |
| web site, | | | | a lot of fast-running chickens and it was because they |
| Paul: I'll be darned. | | | | had three legs. The salesman asked if they were |
| Hack: Anything on truth and honesty? | | | | good eating. The farmer said, "Don't know. Haven't |
| Paul: Live a life of truth and honesty. This makes you a | | | | been able to catch one." |
| person of quality and dignity. Truth and honesty are the | | | | Paul: Hear about the three Indian squaws that couldn't |
| kind of leadership qualities that attracts others. | | | | get pregnant? They went to the medicine man. He told |
| Hack: That sounds verbatim to me. | | | | the first to sleep on a deer hide, the second to sleep |
| Paul: Is that a swear word? | | | | on an elk hide, and the third to sleep on a moose hide. |
| Hack: No, Paul. It means it's exactly what is on your | | | | After nine months the squaw that slept on the deer |
| official web site. | | | | hide told the medicine man that she had a fine new |
| Paul: Oh, okay. | | | | son, the squaw that slept on the elk side said the |
| Hack: What do you have to say about respect to the | | | | same. The third squaw, who slept on the moose hide |
| elderly? | | | | was about to report when the Medicine man said, |
| Paul: Give honor and respect to others regardless of | | | | "You had twin sons!" They were amazed and asked |
| age and situation in life. This quality makes you and | | | | how he knew that. The Chief said, "The sum of the |
| others worthy of honor and respect, which makes | | | | squaw on the moose hide is equal to the sum of the |
| others, feel worthwhile and fulfilled. Honor and respect | | | | squaws on the other two hides." |
| empowers others so they can win the day. They will | | | | Hack: I saw at that there are two current Blackfoot |
| return it to you fourfold. | | | | languages, the old and the new. |
| Hack: Paul! Is that a card you have under the counter? | | | | Paul: The gift of language is a miracle and it is meant |
| Are you reading from a card? | | | | to be used to live a life of harmony, joy, love, and |
| Paul: We have to be ready for tourist. Do you expect | | | | respect. Never be afraid to talk matters over with |
| us to memorize everything? | | | | those you disagree with or those you love. Use it well |
| Hack: I guess you have a point, Paul. What about the | | | | and use it often. |
| good earth? | | | | Hack: Well? |
| Paul: Honor the earth and all that exists. Be strong in | | | | Paul: What was your question again, White Man? |
| this belief and practice it throughout your life because it | | | | Hack: It seems that the qualities you describe are |
| makes for a world of kindness that binds all the good | | | | worthwhile for everyone. |
| things of life together in a circle of harmony. | | | | Paul: What is described here is leadership and |
| Hack: You make me feel so humble, Paul. | | | | happiness in the broadest sense. These are the |
| Paul: Be humble but not timid. To be humble is to | | | | qualities that make for a great father, grandmother, |
| connect yourself to the stars and the entire universe | | | | mother, teacher, grandfather, lover, traditional leader, |
| and makes you aware there is something unique | | | | friend and a great human being. Best of all you can |
| about life that is to be enjoyed without fear. We are | | | | add to this list. |
| people from the stars and because of it we are | | | | Hack: Would you put that card away. How about |
| sacred. | | | | some lunch? |
| Hack: I wonder how the Blackfoot people learned that | | | | Paul: How about buying a deer or elk hide? |
| they were from the stars. We know now that there | | | | Hack: Okay. What have you got for $20.00? |
| was no life until stars went supernova and spread the | | | | Paul: Well, I guess I'll take the lunch. How about a wind |
| heavier elements around to collect as planets. We are | | | | chime for your squaw and bracelets for those 32 |
| literally made of the elements from dead stars. It's | | | | grandkids of yours? |
| amazing that you Blackfoot people have always | | | | Including lunch the total was $185.48. |