 |
 |
 
Paul Eddy's grandparents called him Hapana, which means second son. The oral tradition of
the Sioux people is continued by the storyteller. This was his place. The elders shared with
him the legends, and he used his own experience in life to bring these into the lifestyle of today. Whether humorous, historical, or gaining moral attitudes, the stories are for all the people. The history, teachings, ceremonies, and meanings of life are found in the legends and stories. Many of these are as old as time and some are as young as today.
Paul was raised on the Yankton Sioux reservation in South Dakota and attended the government boarding schools.
He was part of the relocation program of the BIA, and saw many things that are not in our history books. The historical accounts
presented during our programs tell of life from the Native American perception, not in bitterness or defiance, but as a way of showing that we continue on as a people. When a program is presented, it is attuned to the age and interest of the audience. The legends of the animals, where the stars come from, the meaning of being a warrior, are told in a way that all can benefit from their teachings.
 Let us journey to that long ago time, and learn from the stories that we are actually more alike than different. The path of all the people is very similar. We need only to close our eyes and open our hearts and minds. The stories will take you on this path.
Some photographs courtesy of Betty Frady, local photographer at Festival.
|
 |
 |
