The Sacred Tree is 'Not Dead'

I wanted to share with anyone who has not already had a chance to read, an unedited excerpt from the original transcript of 'Black Elk Speaks' as recorded on stenograph.

I want to begin by stating the high regard I have for the achievement of this work. It has humble beginnings. A small group of people speaking & sharing together accomplished a great thing. It goes without saying, that 'Black Elk Speaks' is an important work, worthy not only of its place in the realms of literary art, but in the preservation of culture and a people's sacred vision.

Please indulge me as I share a little background for the writing of the book: In May 1931, Poet Laurete John Neihardt and his daughter, Enid sat outside of Black Elk's cabin. Nicholas Black Elk and a gathering of Oglala Elders sat for three weeks, while Black Elk spoke of his life and vision. Nicholas's son, Ben translated while Enid took rapid shorthand. Later the words were transcribed onto a typed record that was later edited and published in 1932. This was during the heart of the great depression. So few copies sold that no royalties could be paid out. It was not until the paperback edition released in 1971, did the book begin to sell. John Neihardt was 90 years old and Nicolas Black Elk had passed over in 1950.

'Comparison of the shorthand and typed transcription with the published version reveals the skill of John Neihardt in transforming the history of one Oglala man into the saga of a prophet - exactly what Nick Black Elk wanted.' - excerpt from 'The Ghost Dance' by Alice Beck Kehoe

In the original transcripts, Black Elk tells of his harrowing account of the Massacre at Wounded Knee, how afterwards he retreated to the camp of Kicking Bear on the fortified butte. When they arrived at Pine Ridge in January 1891 Neihardt ends the narrative of 'Black Elk Speaks' with a final conclusion,

"I did not know then how much was ended. When I look back now from this high hill of my old age, I can see the butchered women and children lying heaped and scattered all along the crooked gulch as plain as when I saw them with eyes still young. And I can see that something else died there in the bloody mud, and was buried in the blizzard. A people's dream died there. It was a beautiful dream.
And I, to whom so great a vision was given in my youth, - you see me now a pitiful old man who has done nothing, for the nation's hoop is broken and scattered. There is no center any longer, and the sacred tree is dead."

I believe the terrible event of Wounded Knee stands as an outrage in the consciousness of any person who has eyes to see and ears to hear. These words are poignant and express an important point of view, however, these are Neihardt's words - not the word of Nicolas Black Elk.

Nicolas Black Elk, true to his vision as a Holy Man, only spoke words of hope and shared his dream for the future of his people. What Black Elk said was later published in other sources. It is this excerpt from the original transcript that I would like to share;