Our ancestors were exemplary public servants. It was truly an honor for an Indian his to serve his people in what every capacity was needed. Our ancestors did it for their own sense of honor and would not think of asking for any type of payment.
Big Soldier made this statement at a time when he was being pressured by an army general to follow the white man's ways.
“I see and admire your manner of living, your good warm houses; your extensive fields of corn, your gardens, your cows, oxen, workhouses, wagons and a thousands machines, that I know not the use of. I see that you are able to clothe yourselves, even from weeds and grass. In short you can do almost what you choose. You whites possess the power of subduing almost every animal to your use. You are surrounded by slaves. Every thing about you is in chains and you are slaves yourselves. I fear if I should exchange my pursuits for yours, I too should become a slave” (Vine de loria, 2002)
Have we become slaves to the lack of law and order, the lack of ethical behavior, the lack of good leaders, on the reservations?