Cedric Red Feather is preserving and transmitting his spiritual legacy — and the stories, songs and fourteen prophecies of the Mandans — from one generation to the next in his new book, Mandan Dreams (Galde Press), edited by Cynthia Colvin.
Enrolled in the Mandan Nation at Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in western North Dakota, Cedric Red Feather is a combat-wounded Vietnam veteran who was decorated with the Purple Heart. He is a tribal okipa maker. In traditional Mandan culture, the okipa was a four-day event where young men demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice for the community.
Cedric Red Feather, a Mandan Turtle Priest by birth, is known as Nueta Waxikena. He will speak to with Cathryn Taylor at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, on her program “Edge Inner Views” on Edge Talk Radio. Listen at http://tinyurl.com/9vxuwmp or call 714.364.4750.
While employed as a tour guide at the Chucalissa Archeological Museum and Indian Village, a Spirit Man who had been a Holy Man in life came to Cedric and told him, “You’re not here to paint — you’re here to do the work.” The reference was to work in the spiritual realm — and that has been Cedric’s unwavering pursuit ever since.
Included in this new book is Cedric’s family tree, family photos, and a never-before-published photo of his great-great-grandfather, which came from the trunk of General George Custer, authenticated by a letter from Dr. Lawrence Frost to Chester Nelson, a North Dakota historian and lobbyist. The photo was originally given to General Custer to help him recognize the prominent chiefs of the Dakotas.
Mandan Dreams is available from Galde Press at 952.891.5991 or visit www.galdepress.com.
