Normandy High School - Saga Yearbook (Normandy, MO)

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The Origin of indian Names r Bear Chief, a YVinnebago chief of the tribe living in Wisrrorlsin, tells this story of names and their meaning. f'First,7' he says, uthere are birth names. These are the same in all families of the Winnebago tribe. The first male child is called Ku-nu, the second He-nu, the third Ha-ga, and the fourth Nan-Xi. These names are listed in a group of four be- cause to us four is a sacred number. The Hfth child is called the fourth oneis little brother, that is Little Nan-Xi. The fifth would be Little, Little Nan-Xi, the sixth would have yet another Little added to his name and on and on. MThe girls, names are also of the sacred number.. They are: Hi-nu, Wi-ha, Ak-sia-ga, and Hi-nunha. The fifth girl is named in the same manner as the fifth boy. ln other words she would be Little Hi-nunka. ln the same way are the others named, another Little being added as the number advances. uThe ser-ond system of naming is by clans or groups of families. It was be- lieved by our forefathers that when the Great Spirit created the earth and all things on it, he also created the people. Because it was hard to distinguish between one another, we were told to choose a name. And so, each is named after some color or habit. HThe clans which are named after the things of the earth or the water are known as the lower clans. Those named after the birds or the thunder are of the upper clans. Each clan has its own work to perform. Some are Warriors, some runners, some chiefs, some medicine men. But not one is better than the other in name. HA name may also bc earned for bravery or some other great deed. If the enemy comes and one man shows himself to be outstanding in fighting against them, he may choose any name appropriate for the deed which he has done. The people of the tribe will show their respect by calling him by this name. HThere is yet a fourth way to gain a name. Should one be worthless or lazy, with no ambition in life, or should one be a thief or a liar. he will be named accord- ingly by the people. To his birthname will be added the word for the bad habit, such as fKu-nu, the Cowardi, or worse. Even though the bad habit is corrected, the name will stay forever. So, always, one must avoid such disgracefj -By Marcella Kalzm. Quill Club Member. .,. l 1-r v Page Twenty-eight

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AS the Indian youth was trained For liie's iourney by performing the taslcs ol: daily living, so is the student of today trained to meet the future by creative learning .....