A Little Bit of Wisdom: Conversations With a Nez Perce Elder

I purchased this book because I had the privilege of seeing Horace Axtell on several occasions, and because I am a firm believer in the need to record oral traditions. (I have done so through the Montana Historical Society, obtaining an interview for them with my friend, mentor, and former chair of the Native American Studies Departments at the University of Montana and Montana State University.) As with all oral history, to really "learn" one must "listen," not read, the stories and recollections. Perhaps co-author Margo Aragon, or the Idaho Historical Society, have the recordings and can some day make them available. In the mean time we have the transcript that we can "read." Let me be clear, "A Little Bit of Wisdom: Conversations With a Nez Perce Elder" will not appeal to many readers for several reasons. One, the book retains the "English as a second language" syntax (sentence structure) that Horace Axtell uses. Second, the "deep meaning" of what is being told can easily be missed and/or lost in the stories repetitiveness inherent to Native American speech. Third, while one learns much about Horace Axtell, a Nez Perce elder that I personally respect, the reader does not garner much "cultural" or "historical" information about the Nez Perce from the book. Granted, the reader can sense the sincere reverence Horace Axtell has for his Nez Perce traditions, but details are politely left unsaid. Fourth, Horace Axtell tells it as he sees it--which I personally like--which may be offensive or "boring" to some readers. Keep in mind, this is not a biography, a history, an ethnography, or a novel. If you can do that, then "A Little Bit of Wisdom: Conversations With a Nez Perce Elder" may be something to look into. I have rated the book four stars because I feel the book, by the very nature of it's content, cannot adequately convey in words that which must be oral. Moreover, if I did not have two advanced degrees in Native American Studies, if I had not taught Native American Studies, if I had not spent years studying the Nez Perce, and if I did not have what I hope is a fairly reasonable understanding of various Native American cultural ways, I am unsure if I would have enjoyed the book. Then, again, I may be overly jaded in my perspectives, having encountered so many individuals who either think they "know" everything about Native Americans or hold overt and/or covert prejudices--many to the point of oblivious bigotry. On the other hand, if you love listening to your "grandparents" or elders tell stories and their own recollections, "A Little Bit of Wisdom: Conversations With a Nez Perce Elder" well could be your "cup of tea." And, there is in deed wisdom to be uncovered. As I think Horace Axtell would put it, we all can learn if something is told us in the right way; and what each person learns may be different from another person. AND, each time we read "A Little Bit of Wisdom: Conversations With a Nez Perce Elder," we may learn or

Horace Axtell speaks in simple and straightforward language about his Nez Perce heritage and cultural teachings, in a manner that is both humble and powerful. One learns of the relevance for life that he has attained only through experience, and sometimes hardship, in his many years and roles. Of particular importance to me was his time spent in Japan shortly after the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima in 1945 -- to see the mass destruction from the eyes of a Native American and learn of the compassion that can surface even in the midst of ruin and death was a compellling chapter. But there are lighter moments too, as Axtell speaks of his grandmother and her sense of humor. Unlike other "spiritual guidance" books, this work does not judge, beguile, or confront the reader. It's a friendly and open invitation to learn how the trail of one's life can shape a person's soul. And despite challenges such as racism, ignorance, and family conflicts, dignity and courage can still be earned.