Tke Siha

Long ago when Native American Indians roamed the plains of North America there was a tribe named the Lakota, meaning “friend”. They lived where we now call Dakota.  They Hunted Buffalo with bows and arrows. They traveled with the seasons and followed the great herds of buffalo.

Among there tribe lived a little girl of 9 winters. Her name was Tke Siha, or Heavy Feet. It was the Lakota tradition that the oldest relative named the children at birth; and when she was born her grandmother named Heavy Feet.

She had lived with this name her entire life of 9 winters. Kids teased her saying her feet were so chubby her family had no choice but to call her Heavy Feet.

But she had something to hope for. In the Lakota tradition at age 10 there was a ceremony where the young boy or girl was allowed to pick there own name. This name they would have forever. Heavy Feet had looked forward to this day most of her life.

But as the day approached she realized while she dreamed about the day she would change her name, she did not know what she wanted to be called. Most of her friends had already picked their names. Her best friend had picked Makawee Luyu, or Sweet Wild Dove. A boy the same age had picked Ezhno, or Solitary Bird. But there success of picking a name only frustrated her more.

Finally the day of the ceremony came. It was a beautiful spring day. The grass was tall and swayed with the wind and hills and sky seems to go forever. The entire tribe came to witness this important rite of passing. Each child stood before their parents wearing the family shawl across there shoulders. They were arranged in front of the entire tribe. The chief stood up and asked that each child step forward, turn and face their parents and announce the name they had for the last 10 winters. Then they were to cast their shawl off their shoulders and announce to the tribe the name they would have for ever more.

One by one each child performed this ritual. Moving from childhood to early adulthood. Taking the first step in control of their own destiny by choosing their own name.

When it came to Tke Siha she stood last in her group. She stepped forward and announced her name. She cast off her shawl. She then announced to the tribe from today forward she would always be known as Heavy Feet.

The tribe was shocked. It was no secret she did not like her name. No one could ever remember a time when a child had kept their given name, much less one like Heavy Feet.

The Chief stood up and crossed over to Tke Siha. He asked what all had wanted to know, why had she chosen this name?

She looked up at the chief and said, while she search for a name she found none. Final one day she asked her Grandmother, why did you name me Heavy Feet? Her Grandmother studied her for a moment then replied; when you were born, I loved you more than any other. I never wanted you to leave me so, I hoped in naming you heavy feet, you would live up to your name and never stray far from my side.

I choose Heavy Feet because above all I wish to be loyal to my Tribe and my family.