Walking with Grandfather: The Wisdom of Lakota Elders

by Joseph M. Marshall III

"When we began our search for consultants for Into the West , we were looking for individuals with a deep knowledge of the culture and history of the Lakota people. In Joe Marshall, we found that person, but the happy surprise was that we also found a poet, a storyteller, and an educator who led us through challenging terrain with great patience and wisdom."
―Michael Wright, executive in charge of production, Into The West


Native American lineage holders have long been cautious about sharing their spiritual truths because the essence of this wisdom has been so often misunderstood. In Walking with Grandfather , authentic Lakota lineage holder and award-winning storyteller Joseph M. Marshall breaks this silence with the very best from a lifetime of lessons passed on to him by his grandfather. With him, you will gain access to the timeless teachings that until now remained largely unheard outside the culture of the Lakota people.

Part of an unbroken series of narratives dating back countless centuries, this rare new transmission includes Marshall's rendition of legendary stories such

"Follow Me"―why it is not authority but character, compassion, and experience that make a good leader
• "The Way of Wolves"―surprising lessons about the meaning of family
• "The Bow and the Arrow"―the intricate dynamics of spiritual partnership
• "The Shadow Man"―how to honor the sacred warrior in all of us
• "The Wisdom Within"―the passage of truly becoming an elder
• Plus many more stories

I ncludes digital access to audio tracks of stories in the author's own words.

Genres: Nonfiction, Native American, Philosophy, Spirituality, History, Memoir, Biography

Hardcover

First published November 1, 2005

About the author

Joseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and holds a PhD from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of ten books, including Hundred in the Hand, The Lakota Way, and The Journey of Crazy Horse, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts traditional Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. Marshall's work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard in the Turner Network Television and Dreamworks epic television miniseries Into the West. "

Reviews

[Courtney Smith Atkins]

A lovely book of traditional stories that provide cultural depth to Native people.

[Susan Rothenberg]

A lovely book about the traditions of the Lakota tribe, their admiration for and honor of their elders and how the wisdom of the elders is passed onto younger generations. One that I particularly liked was the circle of life, the lesson taught by throwing a stone into a shallow slough and watching the circles of waves push out. The author's grandfather then connected those circles to the shape of the sun and moon and onto the circle of life of all living things, animals, plants and humans,being part of the circle, none more important than the other. The circle continues even after death when decaying bodies nurture the soil so new life can grow.

[♏ Gina☽]

Historically, indigenous people hold their beliefs very close to their hearts, sharing them only within their people, and with good reason.

In this book, Joseph Marshall III shares the wisdom and knowledge passed down to him by his grandfather.

The Lakota elder shares with his grandson the truths of life, death, caring for Mother Earth, and tells him the stories and myths of their People.

As a person who is of mixed heritage (Italian and Native American), I greatly enjoyed reading this book. As an Oneida, our stories are different from those of the Lakota, but all of the stories speak to what is truly important in life and how to remember what is necessary and what is not.

[Zephyr Armstrong]

This was just the books I needed to walk me through tough times in life. I’ve been grieving the loss of one of my mentors for a few years now and this was her book. I like to think that when I connect to my own indigenousness and to her I can more clearly see that she’s just on her next journey as we all will be someday. Thank you Joseph Marshall III for taking *me* on a much needed walk with you and your grandfather.

[Mike]

A must read for new grandparents! The relationships between a child and their grandparents is special. It is sacred. This book is about that and the profound duty we should accept to seek wisdom and pass it on.

[Matt Sauder]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from front to back. It was sprinkled with many nuggets of wisdom the author had gleaned from his grandparents. I’m grateful for the wealth of wisdom he imparted to us as well. Having spent a little time on Lakota reservations, I’m always grateful, like his grandfather, for the subtle and gentle way stories can impart wisdom, understanding, comfort, and peace. What a great book!

[Deb M.]

The power of traditional stories is very evident in this book. Without the oral tradition of cultures they die away and the Native American culture has a strong and incredibly interesting oral culture. Read this one for the shear pleasure of it. Read this one to learn from it. Read this one to look at what happens when the youth and the elders spend time communicating, learning and enjoying the unique moments they have.

[Autumn Kearney]

The definition of wisdom is this: the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. The author's ancestors passed down the wisdom they had gained throughout their lives, and Mr. Marshall was kind enough to share that knowledge and the sweet memories of his grandfather with readers.

[Bevin A. Beaudet]

Wonderful and Inspiring read

This book reveals the beautiful spirituality and deep family connection of our Native Americans. Thank God, in spite of our efforts to convert them to our less spiritual world, it still exists.

[Daniel Johnson]

An excellent look at the thoughts and wisdom of the Lakota elders. Great start to understanding the Lakota.

[Jan]

Lakota people had words of wisdom that was passed down generation to generation through stories and talks. Lots of great advice given by their elders.

[Kady]

I want to deep dive more into Lakota beliefs and wisdom and this was just the kind of starter book I was looking for.

[Cindy]

Once again Joseph Marshall III takes the stories from his youth and applies them to our day. So much can be learned listening to our elders. The idea of death at the end of our journey being the beginning of another journey is something we need to teach and embrace. The last chapter speaks of wisdom. He writes, "My grandfather was giving back the gift that life had given him. Wisdom is life's gift. Everything that has happened to us, and is happening, is life's way of giving us wisdom. Wisdom doesn't come from the amount of material gain we have accumulated; rather it comes from the effort we expended to gain it. Wisdom doesn't come from the lowest depths we may descend to or the darkest moments we have and will know; it comes from the fall. And when we can look on ourselves and act without arrogance, no matter our material gain, we can be wise. If we can look past the disappointment and the failures and understand why and how they happened, we can be wise. Then we can, and will, give back life's gift."

[Diana_Nikolova]

I learnt alot from this book... a lot of things that hadn't crossed my mind like the value and importance of the Elders. The true meaning of being a leader. That every event and person that we encounter in our life has meaning and has the potential to give us a lesson. This and many more wisdoms are shared in this book... it needs re- and rereading to undersand it fully.
Good book, and I think though it is good for all ages, it is especially useful for adolescents and would teach them how to be more humble and listen to those with more experience and wisdom.

[Karen Okamoto]

This book was a disappointment to me. It had large print, ...blank pages, and drawing to almost try to stretch the book out. The ideas that he learned from his grandfather seem almost like copies of other authors I've read, but quite simplistic. It am not sure I really trust the sincerity of the author. There was little substance to the vast majority of the book.

[Kathryn]

My Mom gave this book to us for Christmas from Grandpa Elder, since he could no longer physically be with us. It is perfect for reading to elementary age kiddos. I would not have found it nearly as interesting, if it weren't used as a teaching tool for the little ones. Great for exposing them to Native Americans and their culture.

[Theleem]

This was probably the first book I have ever read on Native American spirituality/traditions, and I loved it. Great insights into the Lakota's reasons behind their reverence for elders, and just plain good advice on how to live a little more simply.

[Elior Sterling]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an easy read, comfortable and story-like. There were a few choice quotes I'm going to have to go back and highlight in the ebook. Things like the metaphor of the bow and arrow for a husband and wife or like his words about wisdom and what it is.

[Alysha]

I loved this book. It helped me when I needed to just listen to life again and had forgotten how.

[Momma Fish]

really intresting. I enjoyed it alot.

[Rena Jane]

This book is so beautiful, I really don't want it to end. What a wealth of wisdom and courage in this small book. Now I'm reading it to my students. I hope some few parts of it touch them.

[The Blaxpat]

Short, but sweet - very, very sweet.

[Joann Hyden]

great read

[Shawn]

I enjoyed the stories and beliefs shared within this book. Often things were repeated that didn't need to be but for the most part, I think this book would benefit everyone to read.

[Mance]

Perhaps I've read too much of this in a short time. There are good lessons to be had, nonetheless.

[Ralphe Wiggins]

A fond memorial to the author's grandfather.

[Mary Piper]

Love this book. It's worth reading more than once.