Children's Book by Joe Medicine Crow

[Diane Merkel]

Then there are memoirs. A couple of years ago, National Geographic scored a hit with Facing the Lion, Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton's beguiling account of his Kenyan Maasai childhood. It may do it again with Joseph Medicine Crow's Counting Coup ($15.95; ages 8-12). Medicine Crow, now 92, was raised on the Crow reservation in Montana, where he still lives. He became a Baptist, went to college, fought with the U.S. Army in Germany and earned a PhD and a reputation as a lecturer and historian, but he is also the last traditional Crow chief. "In a way," he writes, "I have walked in two worlds my entire life." This blunt, often funny autobiography serves as a bridge -- and it's a thrillingly long one. As a boy, Medicine Crow interpreted for his grandfather, White Man Runs Him, when white people showed up asking questions about a certain bloody day at Little Bighorn in 1876. The old man had been one of Custer's scouts.

For the entire article: www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/23/AR2006022301723.html

[crzhrs]

I have seen Medicine Crow on numerous documentaries and of course in LBH/Custer publications. How amazing that he actually talked to WMRH and several other participants of the LBH and is still alive! A direct link to the past, which are becoming very rare.

[George Armstrong Custer]

That sounds a really great kids book Diane - although I'd also like a read of it myself! And What a pity we can't get old Joe Medicine Crow on our current Crow's Nest thread to discuss his first-hand knowledge of his grandfather's knowledge of the LBH country and the veracity of his location of the Crow's Nest in particular! And wouldn't it just be great to talk to someone who had spoken first hand with a man who was with Custer on the Crow's Nest on the morning of June 25? Incredible!

Ciao,
GAC

[Diane Merkel]

I heard him speak at the Battlefield in the 90s, but I had no idea he was in his 80s at that point. It was almost sad to hear him because he said he didn't fully understand why the Crow sided with the government. It was as if he wanted to apologize for it. I agree that it would be great to discuss the Crow's Nest with him and hear his memories of White Man Runs Him (I have always loved that name!).

He's had an incredible life, and I wish him well.

[crzhrs]

I was re-reading THE CUSTER MYTH regarding the Crows' version of the LBH and I saw that WMRH was also called something else . . . I cant remember right now . . . but I will go back and try to find out what he was called.

[Jim]

crzhrs,

Now that's impressive!!! You have more STARS below your name than there are in Hollywood!?!?

Jim

[crzhrs]

Jim:

Wow . . . I just noticed. Thanks for pointing that out. AND they are a different color! The pressure is on. I better live up to all the hoopla. I'm sure there are others "gunning" for me.

[stevewilk]

crzhrs said:

I was re-reading THE CUSTER MYTH regarding the Crows' version of the LBH and I saw that WMRH was also called something else . . . I cant remember right now . . . but I will go back and try to find out what he was called.

"Crow Who Talks Gros Ventre"; early name was White Buffalo That Turns Around.

Hammer, p. 374

[crzhrs]

Any idea where White Man Runs Him comes from? (if we take it literally it means the white man bosses him around) but from experience we know there is more to it than that.

[crzhrs]

Here's a great story from Joe when his grandfather told him what Custer did when he saw the village:

Custer "turned whiter than ever" when he saw how many Lakota had gathered at Sitting Bull's camp.

[George Armstrong Custer]

crzhrs said:

I was re-reading THE CUSTER MYTH regarding the Crows' version of the LBH and I saw that WMRH was also called something else . . . I cant remember right now . . . but I will go back and try to find out what he was called.

The Rees called WMRH 'Big Belly' Crzhrs. Just to confuse future researchers, however, they also applied the name to Half Yellow Face!

Ciao,
GAC