b'THE OLD STORYTELLER Many of the questions we have pondered aboutMany of the questions we life and death, church and government have already been addressed by our long since departed ancestors. For example, the concept of reincarnationhave pondered about life has been bantered about for centuries. The Hidatsa tells this story to reinforce his belief in thatand death, church and direction. The storyteller related how the dressed bones of slain buffalo reinvested themselves withgovernment have already flesh and came back to life. There is a myth that is told this way: been addressed by our long When a local boy failed to return to camp after asince departed ancestors. hunt, Hidatsa warriors, believing that he had been slain by warring Sioux, assembled a martial party and struck out to avenge his murder. En route, they stopped to kill a buffalo for food. When they opened up the carcass they were astonished to find the longstrenuously. But, the facts are the facts, and it doesnt lost boy inside. As soon as the boy was releasedmatter how they get shuffled around, they just dont from his imprisonment, he recounted the tale of his change. The story finishes this way:strange incarceration.One day there will be a great house cleaning by One rainy evening, while seeking shelter fromGrandfather. He will take all the good Indians, white the storm, he had come upon the dead carcassmen, and animals up into his domain. The rest of the of the buffalo. Thoroughly soaked, and desperatesinners shall perish. There will be fire and all sorts for protection from the rain, he eviscerated theThis is but one example of the many reincarnationof other misery and despair that will occur. Mother carcass and crawled into the rib cage. Comfortablystories, but it is typical. So, we know that the IndianEarth shall then be clean and Grandfather will return ensconced in his makeshift quarters, he soon planned, or at least, believed that he would return toall those he saved to a perfect world.fell asleep. Mother Earth one way or another.The metates that had been so carefully hidden will During the night, however, the flesh reformed aboutI have related the Twelve Shields story for many yearscome back into service with the women preparing the abdomen, and the animal returned to life again.and have been criticized and accused of being crazyfood and the petrographs will direct the warriors to Thus imprisoned, the boy remained inside the buffalofor doing so. I assure each and all that such is not thewater and game. The twelve shields will come together for a year, until his avengers had a chance to slay thecase. Personally, I believe most folks just dont likeonce again and form one large society of people who beast for food. to have their apple carts upset in any way, shape, orwill live together in harmony with nature. Then, form, and therefore, do not pursue these issues tooGrandfather will be smiling. For the remaining results, please visit www.arizonajuniorrodeo.comArizonaRealCountry.com April 2019 9'