rhmc24
Absent Comrade
As a kid in the 1930s I was very much aware of the then situation of Indians, my G-Father having responsibility for several "restricted" Indians, those who had not learned the handling of money. Some were wealthy, but most only got a US Gov't allotment. Certain reliable citizens were appointed to dole out from the allotments on a need basis to prevent the individual Indian being cheated or spending unwisely.
Me about 8 years old was often visited by one about 17 who was a talented artist who drew pictures for me of guns, cowboys, horses, etc., my G-Mother feeding him with me. My Dad told of visiting an Indian owner, finding him & family sitting on blankets on the front porch of his upscale home -- with living room furniture & a grand piano out in yard exposed to the elements. I don't know what happened to the restricted Indian thing, probably disappeared as age & experience eliminated the need.
Once with G-Father on the way out to a farm he owned, told me how this stretch of road had always been muddy & few years ago he slogging along in his Model T Ford saw an Indian approaching horseback. Stopped, talking, Indian woman afoot comes up. Asking "This your woman?" - nods Yes - 'How come you let woman walk?' --- "Woman no got horse."
The Indian society seemed stratified, those I went to school with no different from the rest of us. A girl who passed recently I kept in contact with over the years, our fathers were best of friends. Bottom stratum were the 'blanket' Indians, their world disappeared & now a misfit in a different one.
Here in Ardmore, Oklahoma few of us realize we are in the Chickasaw Nation which dates back into history long before OK became a state in 1907. OK was originally Indian Territory. Other tribes have their own Nations -- which are active with tribal gov't, police force, etc. The tribes have established casinos which fund many benefits for qualifying members.
Me about 8 years old was often visited by one about 17 who was a talented artist who drew pictures for me of guns, cowboys, horses, etc., my G-Mother feeding him with me. My Dad told of visiting an Indian owner, finding him & family sitting on blankets on the front porch of his upscale home -- with living room furniture & a grand piano out in yard exposed to the elements. I don't know what happened to the restricted Indian thing, probably disappeared as age & experience eliminated the need.
Once with G-Father on the way out to a farm he owned, told me how this stretch of road had always been muddy & few years ago he slogging along in his Model T Ford saw an Indian approaching horseback. Stopped, talking, Indian woman afoot comes up. Asking "This your woman?" - nods Yes - 'How come you let woman walk?' --- "Woman no got horse."
The Indian society seemed stratified, those I went to school with no different from the rest of us. A girl who passed recently I kept in contact with over the years, our fathers were best of friends. Bottom stratum were the 'blanket' Indians, their world disappeared & now a misfit in a different one.
Here in Ardmore, Oklahoma few of us realize we are in the Chickasaw Nation which dates back into history long before OK became a state in 1907. OK was originally Indian Territory. Other tribes have their own Nations -- which are active with tribal gov't, police force, etc. The tribes have established casinos which fund many benefits for qualifying members.
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