Replies

1. 
   Eef | Mar 30, 2009 09:41pm | #1

   hey will,

   when my friend passed away five years ago he left me a great many native american "things".  baskets, beadwork,arrowheads and many old photos from the 19th century.  each item is beautiful and each has a story.  there are websites that are "indian-owned and operated".  maybe your quest to do a kindness towards your neighbors will find some guidance from these sites.  you're pretty good at internet searches, will.

   eef

   
   

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   Edited 3/30/2009 2:42 pm ET by Eef

2. 
   Jammersix | Mar 31, 2009 12:02am | #2

   Ask them.

   Ask them what they'd carve into a plaque instead of the lord's prayer.

   Listen carefully to the answer, then run for your computer, and google any words you haven't heard before.

   If you can't get it done, then I suggest you come out and tell them what you're doing, and ask them what you should carve, just as if the were Mormons, Jewish, or any other religion you happen not to be familiar with.

   The value of what you're giving isn't in the surprise.

1. 
   Eef | Mar 31, 2009 03:58am | #4

   jam,
   "the value of what you are giving isn't in the surprise..."oh the intent with which we do what we do, say what we say.
   eef

1. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 31, 2009 04:24am | #5

   All that replied THANKS.

   I still want it to be a suprise. I was thinking of some Ho Chunk words from the 'People of the Big Voice' 'in a few words' (Is that possible) that described the family. I have looked long and hard.. I have found nothing that the native Americans described as family.. At least with the Ho Chunk that are the originators of the northern planes Indian language..

   All I can say they are great folks to live next to and their children are beautiful and unlike me. Respectful of us older folks! A wonderful family I could live up to if I started over my life time...

   Maybe I'll contact the tribal community for the Midwest and ask.. This is a carving project and hate to mess it up.. Me and carving do NOT get along!

1. 
   stantheman | Mar 31, 2009 05:15am | #6

   WG

   have worked with them some.  Realize that whatever words you would carve are latinized alphabet approximations of the language, and not necessarily as authentic as you might wish.  Perhaps look for a symbolic figure to carve.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Mar 31, 2009 06:38am | #7

   Perhaps look for a symbolic figure to carve. And it woulde be just a common heart from this old man. I am not sure the meaning would be the same.. I think I may try to contact some of the elders of the tribe..

   Thanks...

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Mar 31, 2009 06:54am | #8

   think I may try to contact some of the elders of the tribe..

   Exactly what I was thinking as the elders are highly respected and can give you excellent advice. BTW... the Native Americans I have worked with in Vietnam and here in the U.S. tend to lean on the "Great Spirit" as the ultimate supreme. I would check with the elders and mentioned as that should tell the real story.

   Good luck and may the Great Spirit be with you...

   Sarge..

3. 
   Shoemaker1 | Apr 01, 2009 03:09am | #9

   Well you sound like a man with a big heart! and the child respect thing don't get me going>I have many First Nations friends, where I live up here in Canada.The buffalo is a common link. Also there are many traditional motif's, google, plains indian's Cree/ etc Images you can find some god sites. If you meet with an elder a small gift of tobacco , tea or sugar is, (up here anyways) is a sign of respect.
   Post a few pic's when done.

3. 
   hammerelbow1 | Mar 31, 2009 01:20am | #3

   Go here.

   http://www.native-languages.org/hochunk.htm

   Wayne