Tag: the branch

The Great White Chief Part 1

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 5 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted May 10, 2010

My Friends,
I’ve come across a rare book privately published in 1971 derived from an even rarer book published in 1960. It has no copyright notice so I believe it is in the public domain. This is one of those stories that makes you wonder how much is true and how much fiction. Thanks goes to Larry Woods for his final edit. Take a read and decide for yourselves.

I’ll post it in several sections. Here is part 1.

The Great White Chief and Indian Messiah

“THE CHOICE SEER”

By NORMAN C. PIERCE

“For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. ” (2Ne. 3:6) Behold, The Man Whose Name Is The BRANCH!

Foreword

This account of the Great White Chief, Echa Tah Echa Nah, was first published in 1960, in Los Angeles by Mother Mary, who says that she received it from an Indian. It appears to be a first person account of two explorers or archaeologists, who are brothers and who do not identify themselves any further than as “Paul and I, ” except to say that they are of Indian blood, and that their parents lived in Chinle, Arizona, in Navajo country.

We are impressed by the great similarity of this story to the one given us by Natoni Nezbah, also a Navajo, which received wide circulation in 1945, both in manuscript and printed form. We did not publish that story. It just went on its own by being copied and re-copied, until finally someone published it.

The events mentioned in the following account appear to have taken place during a three year period in the mid-thirties, and we accept it at its face value as a true account of their adventures and experiences among these White Indians in their sacred city located somewhere near the Guatemala-Yucatan border. We have sought their permission to reprint this part of their account, and purposely omitted the parts concerning their explorations in Peru, and also their discussions of tribal laws, beliefs, marriage laws, and laws of punishment among various North American tribes, as our main interest is in the Chigaraguans and their Great White Chief, Echa Tah Echa Nah, The Mighty and Wise One, whose name is Joseph, the same as his father before him. (From other Indian sources.) IV V

We believe that the Chigaraguans are, indeed, of true Josephite-Nephite lineage, preserved in the protective custody of the Lord from Book of Mormon times to the present, and that they most certainly possess original copies of the ancient Nephite records, also other sacred records and relics which are described herein. Is not all this specifically promised in the following words found in 2 Nephi, 25:21-22 ?

“Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me (Nephi) that these things which I write shall he kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph (my brother), that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand. Wherefore, these things shall go from generation to generation as long as the earth shall stand. . . . and the nations who shall possess them shall be judged of them according to the words which shall be written. “

Is it not logical that the name of Joseph, the brother of Nephi, should be passed along from father to son until this very day to give this people their identity as the descendents of Lehi’s son Joseph, as well as Joseph of Egypt, as premised by Father Lehi in the 3rd Chapter of 2nd Nephi? “For his name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be after the name of his father. “

Is it too much to believe that this Great White Chief received the Keys of the Kingdom in 1932, as set forth in my book, THE 3 1/2 YEARS? There are seven sections or chapters in that book about this Great Prophet, whose name is The BRANCH, that deserve your reviewing. When he comes should we not readily and whole heartedly accept him as rightly having authority over us, as promised in 3 Nephi, 16:12? Does it not clearly state that we “Believing Gentiles” shall not have power or authority over them? So it follows that they must have power or authority over us.

And let us not be disturbed over the apparent advanced age of this Great Prophet. If he is not already translated, he very soon will be, for it is his promise in The Testament of Levi that: (See also D&C, 8(4:33)

“After that the Lord bath sent vengeance upon them in the Priesthood, then God will raise up a new Priest unto whom all the Lord’s word shall be opened, and he shall execute true judgment upon the earth. . . As a king shall he . shed forth the Light of Knowledge. . . and he shall be magnified over all the world. . . The Heavens shall be opened, and out of the Temple of Glory shall sanctification (or translation) come with the Father’s voice. He shall give abundantly to his children in truth for ever more, and none shall succeed him to the end of the world. “

And what of the Indian Messiah? We know that the Prophet Joseph Smith twice prophesied that the Messiah would come about 1890. (See. D&C, 130:14-17, and also History of the Church, Vol. 2:182. ) Should not this then be a divine admonition to us to accept the Walker Lake event at its full face value? Where else do you find such a complete fulfillment?

One thing for sure, we will know the facts about all this and much more when the Indian’s DAY OF PURIFICATION comes; which they say is now at hand!

(Please note that the footnotes in the pages of THE GREAT WHITE CHIEF, are ours. We have also shortened some of the chapter titles and provided a few of the subtitles; otherwise the material comes as it was written by the Indian author. -NCP. ) It is our sincere hope The Great White Chief is here when you read this?

CHAPTER I

A FEW PARTING THOUGHTS

The Great White Chief

(The two archaeologists have just completed an account of their explorations of ancient cities in Peru, known as Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Chan Chan. And now they resume their story as they come into Central America.)

After passing through the Panama Canal, we soon were in the extreme southern part of Guatemala where we remained for a few days before crossing over into the extreme northern part of Nicaragua, where we heard of a lost city over in the Mesquite Indian country.

Soon we were on our way in search of these orphan-like lost cities. Consulting our relief maps, we failed to find the above mentioned cities, so we decided they were too small to chart, and decided to go in search of them.

After twelve days of hiking through swampy jungle country, we got our first glimpse of one of the smaller cities. We found twenty buildings almost completely covered by jungle growth at this one site. We remained at this place five days, and we knew that this had once been inhabited by the Toltecs.

Very little information could be gathered here so we decided to make ‘a large circle in a tour of the other cities, before retracing our steps hack to civilization. At no place did we find more than twelve buildings, and gained next to no data, so we finally abandoned the hope of finding anything worthwhile. We headed straight for the larger modern city known as Quetzal Uenango, and after eleven days of rough traveling, we arrived at our destination and went at once in search of a bathtub, hair cut with all the trimmings, and soma clean clothes. X

2

We heard of several larger cities in the northern part of Guatemala and some in Honduras. There were stories of one particular temple located in the central part of Honduras that sounded quite interesting. The explorer who had been very near this temple, informed us that he had come to within five miles of this site, and that this temple was truly in taboo country. Native members of his safari refused to go any closer than they were.

The data that he had received from various natives, made it a fact that this temple contained carvings and statues of monkeys. He was so interested in seeing this one great building that he pressed the safari to accompany him into it, but they steadfastly refused to do so and threatened, unless he took them away from this taboo country, they would rebel, leaving him alone to get out the best way he could. He then tried to get the services of other natives, but it seemed that all were superstitious of this taboo country.

He then informed us that we would need a month’s supply of food to carry us through. Paul and I at once got a safari together and started out to outfit It with supplies, and in telling the safari where we were going, they all left us flat, no further questions asked, so that was that. Searching about in our minds, Guatemala City seemed to be a place of opportunity and excitement, so we started out for there.

After arriving at Guatemala City, we loafed around, sightseeing and spending our time in a leisurely fashion, but finding nothing of particular interest. So we left there to go to the Playa of the Quiche. Here we visited some of the extremely old ruins, and took a few day s trip back into the jungle before returning to Guatemala City. We had heard of interesting places in Mexico, and decided to visit Mitla and Monte Alban.

CHAPTER II

Our First Visit

During our preliminary work at Mitla, we had heard so many stories or tales of the White or Chigaraguan Indians. Some of the stories seemed reasonable, while others were doubtful. The director of our expedition requested me to take the necessary supplies and go back to make a survey, if possible, of these White Indians.

Paul had agreed to remain at Mitla and interpret for the group. We talked for a while with the two guides, and made ready to leave. At daybreak the following day, we -left on horseback for the east. By noon we had left the lowlands and were gradual climbing. Jungle growth did not bother us until the late afternoon of our first day, are made camp by the river, and had to build several smudge fires to ward off the mosquitoes and other flying insects.

After a fitful night of tossing, sweating and, bug and insect interference, we pulled up camp before daylight and trekked toward the southeast. By ten o’clock we had made good time and decided to rest, but we had stopped only about an hour, when out of a clear sky a tropical storm broke. It rained off and on until noon. The heat became almost unbearable, so WI! pushed on.

We were slowly climbing again and the jungle growth became bad. After cutting our way C rough dense jungle foliage, we were able to go on until near sundown. Then we made camp. The King River was about a mile above us, so the insects were not so bad, but the day had been a grueling one and we were ready ‘to sleep. 4

Soon after moonrise our horses became frightened and were on the verge of stampeding. I got up to quiet them and soon found out what caused the trouble A young panther on his first raid was causing the commotion.

After five days of traveling through very rugged and mountainous terrain, I first saw the wall that surrounds the domain of the White Chigaraguan Indians! After descending a long slope, and then riding over a level valley, we came to a very large gate. Some of the Chigaraguan men were at the entrance, looking very stoical and remaining silent.

After a preliminary talk by the two guides. I was introduced to the people at the gate. After talking to them in their native language, an Aztec dialect, for some time, I was informed that they had no hostile feelings for me, an outsider. After a short conversation with them I was introduced to their historian.

After a few sand writings and general talk in regard to myself and my people, I was permitted to come into the city. I was greatly impressed by their buildings and homes. All were in very light or white color, and were constructed of stone or wood. They were colored with a substance something like our whitewash. All of them were of one story structure, with two or three rooms approximately 12 x 14 feet, but there were also others that had six or eight rooms of the same size.

The most notable feature of the people was the clothes they wore. Instead of the customary shirt and trousers that most of the Indians of North America wear, the Chigaraguan clothing consisted of a robe made very similar to a bathrobe (with marks and symbols on it). The sleeves are very long and the robe ties in front with three tie strings. The length of 5

the robe is usually to the arch of the foot, or at least to the ankle. Also there is a cowl or hood. Everyone wears the same, men, women and children. All are made of homespun wool, very soft, and of a porous weave. They wear light, white boots of a soft, white leather. -Such is the dress of the Chigaraguans.

It was the smile and the serene greeting of the people that became so noticeable during the short time I was first among them. Shortly I was taken to their great leader, The Mighty and Wise One, Echa Tah Echa Nah.

At their most sacred Temple, the people gather for religious purposes only. It is here that the most sacred rites are administered, marriages, baptisms, blessings, and the last rites for the dead. Every thirteenth and twenty-sixth day are set aside for the gathering of the people to this most sacred Temple.

Always present at these meetings are his counselor, Yin Nah She, Aban Kar, his second counselor, his twelve council members, and the tribal historian. A complete record is kept of all proceedings for future reference.

A small room adjoining the sacred Temple is set aside for the library where both sacred and historical records are kept. They date back prior to 480 B. C. and have been written on parchment and skins, and some are on metal plates. There are records in many ancient languages. Many are written in hieroglyphics pictographs, and petroglyphs.

There is no disease, vice, crime or tension among these people. Theirs is a true Utopia, I was given a beautiful blessing in one of the temples, and saw many of their sacred records. 6

As the two guides and I made ready to depart, we were invited into the temple, blessed and given gifts from each of the sixteen council members. An invitation was extended for us to return anytime. Reluctantly, we took leave of the Chigaraguan people, and after five day’s travel, we returned to Mitla.

CHAPTER III

The Mitla Legend

MITLA, without a doubt, proved one of the most interesting cities of any we had the pleasure of working in during our entire three year expedition. We found the most beautiful stone work and mosaic of fine inlay patterns. The precision with which the city was laid out was remarkable. We found many interesting artifacts and secured a great deal of data by our daily contacts with the Indian people living nearby.

I had the pleasure of learning a very interesting legend of Natla during one of the ceremonies held by the Indian people. This was told us by one of the wise old men of the tribe. He started by saying:

“Many, many suns ago before the mountains had grown, a great city thrived where the ruins now stand. The people were happy and gay. There was harmony and peace, and abundance and industry. They reached a high degree of development and enjoyed an advanced civilization and culture because of their education and seeking after the higher truths.

“There were great teachers among them, white-robed ones who had come from afar, they knew not where. The wisdom and perfection gained from their teaching was far beyond the knowledge the inhabitants could have gleaned from their own efforts. Then pride and lust for power took hold of the people. The greed for wealth and the desire for domination over their brothers began to creep into their lives, 8

“They hearkened less and less to the teachings and truths of the noble, white-robed ones, who had brought them up to such a peak of perfection and civilization. The people were drunk with independence, wealth and power. Crime began to enter their lives, Then immorality and dissolute living turned them away forever from the high morals and righteous teachings of their white-robed mentors. They were warned to repent and cease their wickedness, but they had become hardened and turned deaf ears to all pleadings.

“Destruction descended upon them. One morning they who had arrived, awoke to behold a flat, barren earth before them. The beautiful city was gone. The white-robed beings had departed. Nothing but desolation stretched before them. Only the foundations of the beautiful buildings remained; and to this day it remains thus. One can see only the subterranean city of empty foundations, which is all that remains of the once beautiful city of culture and learning and high attainment. “

CHAPTER IV

Chi Chi Suma

After visiting several sights in the Quiche country, Paul and I Were guests of Chi Chi Suma, who was the leader of all the Quiche Indian people throughout Guatemala. The Quiche have a very peculiar law, A person from the outside world is not welcome among them until Chi Chi Suma accepts them and makes known to the people that the outsider is welcome among them. Anyone who breaks this law and accepts an outsider without the approval from the chief, has a mental curse put upon him. There have been many cases of this curse known. Infect, Chi Chi Suma put a curse upon his own daughter for breaking this secret law, and she dwindled away and died not long after.

The Quiche’s mode of living is somewhat similar to the Chigaraguans, but not to the same extent, owing to the fact that the Chigaraguans are in such an isolated place, having no contact with the outside world. Whereas the Quiches live near many of the thriving cities of Guatemala, and are in daily contact with the outside.

Living among the Quiches, for a short period, Paul and I were accepted and later on adopted by Chi Chi Suma, and accepted by all the people. We were taught many things pertaining to their laws, rituals and traditions, and were soon permitted to take an active part in all their daily activities.

Not long after this adoption, we were taken to one of the more remote villages where we were informed by Chi Chi Sutra that the people were preparing for the Fire Dance, which was to take place during the near future. After making ourselves comfortable to remain there, we started to take part in their preparations also, upon an invitation extended to us by Chi Chi Suma. 10 11

We busies. . ourselves for several days under the watchful eyes and instructions of one of the elder sages who had taught many of the Quiches their part in this magnificent, ceremonial Fire Dance. Each one taking part in this sacred ritual, must make his entire costume as described by the old sage, and we were no exception.

Working very diligently weaving the short skirts and the breast harness (made similar to a lady’s brassier), also a long cape of the color chosen by the instructor, to be worn over the entire costume, our regalia was completed when the time came to use it. The feather headdresses are made of exquisite bird plumage of one color. The white pad-boots are made similar to those worn by the Chigaraguan people.

Paul and I trained faithfully to take part in this magnificent spectacle. We had both taken part in many dances and ceremonials, but none so elaborate or more sacred that the Fire Dance. It was necessary to remain with this group of dancers until the part in the ceremonial was perfected. We practiced from four to six hours each day to the music of the tom toms, reeds and an instrument similar to that of the xylophone. They simply beat sticks together in the rhythm of the music, at times making a cymbal-like crash.

When the dance was mastered to the satisfaction of our tutor, information came that it was expected of us, not only to take part in the ceremonial dance, but to accept also the honor and distinction of marching in the grand procession, walking side by side with Chi Chi Suma and his great council circle, each bearing his firestick.

Three days before the celebration of this gala event, all dancers taking part were summoned before Chi Chi Suma, who gave a lengthy talk in regard to the significance of the Fire Dance, and he praised all who had practiced so faithfully. The second day prior to the dance was spent in giving thanks and praise to Itla, the Fire God. The last day prior to the dance, last minute inspections were made to be sure all things might be in readiness by dawn of the following day.

All during the night people from nearby villages and many from distant villages, made pilgrimages to the site to witness the ceremonial, which had not been portrayed for fifty-two years.

Next morning at daybreak, came the hour of prayer. Then all the dancers, dressed in the ceremonial costumes, met at the Playa of the Quiches. Chi Chi Suma and all of his councilmen were dressed in all of their ceremonial splendor to head the great procession.

The one who lights the firestick is the one who was born on the day of the last Fire Dance, fifty-two years ago. On this occasion there were three who were born on that day, two ladies and one man. Chi Chi Suma bade all three place their torches in the great firepot and light their torches. Then, to the beating of the tom toms and the music of the reed-blowers, this grand ceremonial parade started its trek to the great amphitheatre-like recess hidden away in the nearby mountains. The procession was led by the three torch bearers, followed by Chi Chi Suma, Paul and me. Immediately in the rear were his great council, followed by all the dancers, making one of the most colorful processions ever to be witnessed.

As the procession slowly wound its way toward the great amphitheatre, all the people reviewing this parade chanted in the rhythm of the reed-blowers and tom toms. Upon the arrival of this procession at the amphitheatre, Chi Chi Suma, with his council, and Paul and I were seated in respective places of dignity. 13 12

The three torch bearers entered into the arena followed by all the dancers who were to take part. Half the reed-blowers and drummers were seated on each side of the arena, while the remaining half of the musicians took their places among the spectators to relieve the others at a designated time during the dance.

Soon the great amphitheatre was filled with spectators. At a signal by Chi Chi Suma, the stick crackers gave a crash with their sticks and a hush fell over this tremendous crowd. Chi Chi Suma arose and addressed the people and gave a short prayer. Then upon a gesture from him the Fire Dance started.

The three torch bearers touched their torches to a large fire bowl filled with a pitch-like substance and a great flame shot upward. Surrounding this bowl were thirteen young ladies, each having two sticks in her hand. They thrust these into the flames and withdrew the burning sticks. Then, turning from the bowl, they faced a great circle of male dancers. The length of these sticks was about eighteen inches.

With a quick, underhand motion, each girl in her turn, threw the lighted firestick to the male dancer opposite her, who caught it as it made the second complete turn in the air. Then the action went to the dancer next to the first. After all the firesticks had been lighted, and each dancer held his stick aloft in his right hand to the music of the reeds and tom lams and sticks, they marched twice around the arena each dancer taking his respective position.

Immediately the drums and the sticks ceased making any sound, and to the music of the reeds, started one of the most beautiful and precise juggling acts that one could ever hope to see. These many torches were exchanged between the dancers, each being tossed high into the air with perfect timing and precision, in many different patterns. All the while the reed- blowers were playing shrill, plaintive music. During this time, all the lady dancers gradually withdrew, leaving only the male dancers in the arena. This, we consider one of the greatest displays of juggling ever to be accomplished. At a certain pitch from the reed-blowers, the tom toms gradually broke in. The act of juggling decreased and soon each torch bearer was holding his lighted firestick aloft in his right hand.

The music abruptly stopped and the chanting of praise from the spectators was under way. Upon a signal from the drummers, all the male dancers slowly marched out of the arena, leaving only the great flaming fire bowl in the center. The first part of the dance was over.

Many of the spectators remained in their seats while others walked about to stretch their legs and to discuss current events. Paul and I excused ourselves from Chi Chi Suma and went among the people, chatting here and there, and winding up at the huge food center to help ourselves to the many delicacies spread before us. Here the people discussed the dance they had just witnessed or, on the other hand, if this was the first dance they had witnessed, excitement ran high in their eloquence of its enjoyment. All spectators were arrayed in the very finest raiment.

Paul and I returned to Chi Chi Suma and his councilmen, and described to him how highly we had enjoyed the event thus far. Chi Chi Suma signaled to the drummers, and they in turn started a slow muffled beat on the tom toms, calling the people to assemble again for the last part of the dance.

As the people gathered to their respective places, Chi Chi Suma called one of the ladies holding the sacred firestick, and bade her bring it to him. He and his chief adviser arose, turning to Paul and me, he placed the burning firestick in my hand and informed 15

me that I was to take his place as leader of the people, and Paul would be my chief counselor during this part of the dance, while Chi Chi Suma and his chief counselor went fo; a much needed rest.

Soon the tom toms stopped beating, Chi Chi Suma bade Paul and me stand up, and while I was still holding the lighted firestick, Chi Chi Suma removed my cape, while his chief counselor removed Paul’s cape. Then Chi Chi Suma placed his cape around my shoulders, and his counselor did likewise for Paul. Chi Chi Suma then removed my feathered headdress and placed his own special headdress upon my head. His counselor did the same for Paul.

Chi Chi Soma called to his people and said, “My son shall. be your leader, and his brother shall be his adviser until this part of the Fire Dance is over. I ask your approval. ” Immediately a cry of approval arose From the people, who rose to their feet, shouting, “Chek Ta! Chek Ta!” (approval).

Chi Chi Some very rapidly described to me what I should do, and he and his counselor quietly retired from the tribunal box. Immediately after Chi Chi Suma’s departure, I rose to my feet, which was the signal for the reed-blowers, tom toms and stick clackers to begin the music. I motioned to one of the three ladies who carried the firesticks, to come to me. ‘often she approached, I stooped from the tribunal box and touched my lighted firestick to the one she held, lighting it. She then turned and walked away. Another of the three came to the tribunal box and in the same manner her firestick was lighted. The third lady who approached me, had no firestick in her hand, so I leaned down from the tribunal box and placed my lighted firestick in her band.

On each side of the great, burning fire bowl stood two rows of lady dancers, twenty-five on one side and twenty four on the other side, with unlighted fire-sticks in their right hands. The one to whom I had given my firestick headed the line of twenty-four, she making the twenty-fifth dancer in that line. The other two ladies who carried the lighted firesticks, walked down the lines on opposite sides of the fire bowl and lighted the firesticks of each dancer.

The costumes of the women were made of a sieve-less, form-fitting blouse of about a Chinese-red color. The skirt, of the same material and color, reached just below the knees and was very full. Around the waist they wore a three-inch blue sash. A head-band to match was worn over their shoulder length hair. All wore white pack-boots, reaching to about three inches below the kneecap,

As soon as all the firesticks were lighted, and the fifty-two dancers started to chant, the music at once changed. The drummers and stick-clackers ceased and only the reed-blowers produced music for this part of the dance. As soon as the tom toms and sticks ceased to play, the ladies marched to the huge fire-bowl to the music of the reeds, first in single file, then each one touching her left hand to the right hand of the firestick bearer behind her. Breaking from this pattern, they formed pairs and marched around the firebowl. From this they broke into single file again, intertwining as they marched around the fire-bowl.

This part of the dance is quite slow, but the pattern of the dance changes rapidly and it lasts for apparently thirty minutes. Just before time for the dance to end, the tom toms and sticks took up the rhythm, indicating that this part of the dance was ended; upon which the ladies marched in single file to the exits of the arena amid the wild applause of the spectators. IV , 16

A recess of several hours was in progress until late afternoon, when the third and final part of the dance was to begin. Everyone again partook of food and chatted with each other and played with the children. Chi Chi Suma and his counselor mingled with the people, and Paul and I enjoyed this close contact with the people on a day set aside for so sacred an occasion.

Chi Chi Suma pointed to a shadow on the rocks and reminded the people that it was time for everyone to assemble in the arena for the last part of the dance. Slowly the great arena began to fill. The reed-blowers started to make music. When the shadow reached a certain mark on the stone marker, Chi Chi Suma signaled for the final part of the dance to begin.

Turning to Paul and me he said, “My son, you and your brother will go to the arena and take your part in the ceremony that you have been taught. ” We adjusted our own headdresses and went down the runway and entered into the arena by the same way all the other dancers had entered. We looked about for our instructor, and soon found him conversing with some of the other dancers. He saw us and beckoned us to come to him. After a few final hasty words of instruction, he gave Paul and me an unlighted firestick each and told us to take our respective places among the dancers.

The stick-clackers, upon a signal from Chi Chi Suma, started the slow rhythmic beat, and a silence fell over the entire arena. When all was quiet, Chi Chi Suma and his council members all arose and Chi Chi Suma immediately began to pray. Upon conclusion of the prayer, he signaled for the reed-blowers and the drummers along with the stick-clackers to begin and the final part of the Fire Dance was under way.

Paul took a very brief part and immediately left the arena. Upon completion of my part I left the arena, too, and together Paul and I joined Chi Chi Suma and the council members, to witness the final part of the grand spectacle.

All the fifty-two men and fifty-two women appeared in this final part- Each dancer marched by the fire-bowl and lighted his firestick at the beginning of the dance. This is the most sacred part of the dance, and was very quietly and precisely carried out. There was no wild scampering or twirling of the firesticks here. The dancers marched and entwined in twos and fours to perfection.

Near the close of the dance, two members entered the arena while the dance was still in progress, and on the left side of the firebowl from the council members, set a huge drum upon a low pedestal. At the same time two members entered carrying a large pottery jar of water which they set on the right side of the firebowl. The clackers and drummers ceased their rhythmic beating, leaving only the plaintive music of the reeds to be heard.

There came a very brief pause and the two who had brought in the big drum started to beat out deep, intonating sounds which signaled the reed-blowers to cease their playing. The drummers beat upon the huge drum for about three minutes and immediately came to a pause. Chi Chi Suma arose at this brief pause and announced to the people that the sacred ceremonial dance had been danced in honor of Itla the Fire God, whom he knew was well pleased and would bestow his blessings upon the earth people. In a very humble and reverent voice he said that fifty-two years would pass before another dance would be held, and he knew he would not be there to see the third one. He gave his blessing to the people and a special blessing to Paul and me; and to the music of the reed-blowers and the tom tom beaters, all the people returned to their homes. 18

That night Paul and I sat and talked with Chi Chi Suma and he related many incidents that had happened in the long, dead past, as well as many things that had happened during his life. We stayed among the Quiches and made ready to go up into Mexico or Yucatan.

On our day of departure, we had a lengthy visit with Chi Chi Suma and his counselors. As we left the Quiche people, Chi Chi Suma rode a short distance with us, and gave Paul and me a very beautiful blessing. Then he turned slowly to return to the land of the Quiches, and Paul and I went on our way, always remembering Chi Chi Suma as a great man, both in intelligence and in spirituality.

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The Great White Chief Part 4

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 8 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted May 13, 2010
CHAPTER XVI
A FUTURE CRUSADE OF PROPHETS

And the legions of all crusaders shall be called. And four and twenty shall be led by Him. And the four and twenty shall be : Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Elijah, John, the Twelve Disciples, the Three Living Prophets who shall never die; the Prophet Onandagus, Echa Tah Echa Nah, and the Old Man of the Mountain.

And their banners shall bear the Sign of the Cross; for the Light from the Cross shall obliterate all darkness from the world, and the Sign of the Cross shall lead the way into the New World of everlasting Peace and Eternity.

ECHA TAH ECHA NAH CLOSES FROM THE GREEK

Hear me and listen, for I am the Alpha and the Omega. I was there in the beginning, and I shall be there at the ending. And I shall be there at the beginning again. And then there shall be no ending, for I am the Alpha and the Omega.

These are God’s words. . . For I have spoken. . . It is finished. He (the Great White Chief) closed the large, white book, tied the doeskin strings, held his hands on it, reached for his pitch torch and doubted it, and looked out and up into the moon.

Words of Echa Tah Echa Nah

Take heed of this warning- Foster thine own soul, for in thine own hands lies thy fate and destiny. Is there among you a man, a woman, or a child, who dares come forth and say: There is no need of prayer?

When you have slept the brief sleep of death, when your spirit shall leave your temple of clay forever, and you shall step off into eternity, you shall find yourself in a land of glorious opportunities and joys which await you forever. And through all aeons, flowers, rare and imperishable, shall bloom for you. Birds of exquisite form and beauty, shall sing for you. Angels shall be your companions: for there you shall love, and there you shall be loved.

There it shall be a pleasure to want, and in wanting, it shall be a pleasure to ask. For no favor shall be too small or too great, and none shall ever be displeasing to Him.

THE MIGHTY AND WISE ONE INSTRUCTS

HIS ADOPTED SON

And now, my son, after the destructions of the earth have ceased and the skies are blue again, then shall I go forth among the people to seek one to carry on my work with me. For many days shall I look for him. And Chi Chi Suma shall be on my left and you, my son, shall be on my right. And together we shall place our hands upon his head, and I will speak, and Chi Chi Suma shall speak, and you shall speak also. And then we shall go forth together to reclaim the lost teachings and laws and commandments. For they shall start at the ending, and shall also start at the beginning. ?or then, all evils and wickedness will be past, and a new world shall begin. 66 67

Then he, whom we have blessed, shall bless two others, and one shall be on his right, and one on his left. And they shall go forth among the people -his people.

And Chi Chi Sutra shall stay on my left, and you shall stay on my right, and we shall go to the east; and there shall establish the Great Temple with the

and there shall we stay and teach. And we shall receive many others to teach. Yea, many others, and they shall go forth and teach until four generations have passed. And then shall we enter into a new beginning. For all then shall be past, and a new world shall be born.

Hear well as I speak, my son. For you shall be the voice, and you shall speak to them, as I read to you. For what I read, you know not, and only as I read and speak to you, my son, so shall you be my voice. And soon you will receive the light, so as you read, so can you speak. -But you must pray for wisdom and light.

I have spoken. . .

It is finished.

Echa Tah Echa Nah.

WARNS OF FALSE BELIEVERS

Remember, my son, remember well. Many people whose minds are in darkness, and who are false believers, will seek to cause you many troubles. Heed not their words, but deceive them not, and let them deceive you not. Hearken not unto their words and their pleadings. Let their voices fall upon deaf ears, for their tongues shall speak many lies and falsehoods, and their writings shall be as poison to you.

Those whom you love, and they who love you, shall doubt you also. For those who do not believe as you believe, shall seek to destroy you. But, my son, you shall find others, and not seek after the old ones. You shall feed their hungry hearts and minds, as I have filled your heart and mind. But remember, the ones whose minds are in darkness, and who are false believers, you shall shun them, and let them seek you not.

There shall be a space of time when all that I have read to you, you shall not remember. But it shall return to your mind, and to the one who is nearest and dearest to you. Those who have placed their fate, their future, their happiness, sorrows and joys in your care. You shall tell them all things which I have read and said unto you, as they return to your memory. For they are a part of you, and you cannot deny the knowledge which you alone possess. But never shall the memory of my words to you be lost to you forever. For I place within your mind these teachings, and they shall be given to the one whom you love and whom you trust. But they shall not be given to the world until the time of the beginning of the end shall approach. And then they who are worthy, shall know of them also I have spoken. . . It is finished.

Echa Tah Echa Nah.

ECHA TAH ECHA NAH’S COMFORTING COUNSEL

When darkness surrounds you and your heart is heavy, and your mind is weary, and by your own power you see no relief for the great worry which possesses you, then you shall seek the one you love most and who is nearest to you; and together you shall kneel and ask Him to help you to conquer all fear and to strengthen you. For He is willing to help you, if you ask; and He will carry you through all darkness into light again. 69

CHAPTER XVII

Our Visit Must End

Not long after the blood ritual of my adoption to the Great White Chief, Paul and I progressed in knowledge of the people and their sacred rituals to the degree of being permitted to take part in the most sacred rituals in the Most Sacred Temple.

Of these things I am not free to speak, but they were inspiring and have given me closer contact with the Source of all living things. These great spiritual experiences have carried me through many trying and hazardous times, even to the present day. Nowhere will there be mention or description of any rituals Paul and I took part in, other than the form of baptism we received. At this baptism we were submerged, each of us, three times, and then had bestowed upon us the most sacred of the Chigaraguan blessings.

As the expiration of our visas was drawing close, we knew that we would soon have to leave the land of the Chigaraguans. We had become one of them, and they had become near and dear to us. It was with pangs of regret that thoughts of our departure intruded upon our minds, but leave we must.

A few days prior to our departure, Echa Tah Echa Nah, The Mighty and Wise One, invited us to come to the sanctuary, where we discussed many things that had taken place during our sojourn there. After extensively reviewing and discussing the laws and rituals of the Chigaraguans to his satisfaction, and that the knowledge, given us by him, was truly deeply embedded in our minds and hearts, he bade us when we returned to our country to follow these instructions:

“My sons, you shall seek and find the people whose laws, traditions, and rituals, and beliefs are the same as ours. You shall tell them about us, then they will know of us; and you will then send us knowledge of your finding them. “

Following the two nights and two days farewell ceremonial, we again visited the Temple where all of the high council members bestowed upon us every touching and inspiring blessing. At the close of the second day, the moon had risen, and all the people had gathered around the fires. Accompanied by the reeds and tom toms, they were singing and chanting as we slowly rode through the gates in company with the mighty Echa Tah Echa Nah, who rode with us a short distance beyond them. Again he reminded us of our mission, speaking very gently and briefly.

As the light of the moon fell upon his face, the serenity and nobility of his features were beautiful beyond words to express. We were still sitting on our horses when he raised his hand in a farewell gesture, and turning from us, rode slowly toward the gates and back to the warmth of the bonfires that we had but a few moments ago shared with him. Lingering in our minds was the beautiful prayer he had often spoken:

MAY MY THOUGHTS THAT ARE WITHIN ME BE LIKE SUNLIGHT AROUND ME. MAY THE SONG THAT’S IN MY HEART, BE LIKE BIRDS AND WINDS AROUND ME. MAY HE ALWAYS SMILE UPON ME FOR THE DEEDS I DO EACH DAY. MAY THE LIGHT HE GAVE WITHIN ME, BRIGHTEN UP THE DARKENED WAY. MAY THE LIGHT WITHIN MY SPIRIT, BE LIKE SUNSHINE EVERY DAY.

WE RETURN HOME AND BACK TO WORK

Paul and I. reluctantly wended our way up the gentle incline toward the northwest, not daring to 70 71

look back toward those who had become so dear to us. As the distance between us and the village grew, the sounds of the tom toms, reeds, and voices raised in song, faded with the light of the fires into the moonlight night, leaving us silent upon the rough mountain trail. We did not stop until the summit was reached, which was just before dawn. Then the horses were fed and watered, and we had breakfast and slept.

Five days after our departure from the Chigaraguan people, we arrived in Orizaba, Mexico, and from there we went to Mexico City, where we renewed our acquaintance with the luxuries of a modern city.

Shortly after that, we returned to our home in Chinle, Arizona after first visiting with friends for a couple of days as we came through El Paso. However, we knew that our association with the Chigaraguan people would always be a living part of us, although we were far removed from them and our beloved leader in distance only.

At the culmination of several days’ visit with our parents in Chinle, Arizona, we returned to the East to resume our archaeological work. Many interesting artifacts were unearthed during our field work in the State of Missouri, which are now on display in various museums.

During our time off from digging, we gave brief lectures of our experiences to especially interested groups, lodges, clubs, and various religious organizations, always seeking out the people we were required to find by The Mighty and Wise One.

Digging in Indian mounds soon became boresome to us, so we decided to give up any further field work and return west. Paul visited the old folks in Chinle, Arinona, while I made a hasty trip to

Bruneau Desert, which borders southern Idaho with Nevada. After brief research work there, an invitation came to visit northern Idaho, and investigate some Indian ruins there. This brought to light some interesting and valuable artifacts, which were properly disposed of.

THE SPECIAL PEOPLE ARE FOUND

Lectures were carried on here in northern Idaho, the same as in Missouri. While covering the western states, the people were found, whom my father bade me seek, and my father, The Great White Chief, was notified of their whereabouts. Each knows of the existence of the other; and my mission had now been fulfilled. 73

CHAPTER XVIII

“Calling All Chiefs”

(See full page article by this title in the magazine section of The Salt Lake Tribune, Mar. 31, 1940. )

-NCP.

Not long after finding the people whom my father had urged me to locate, Thad word from him that at the beginning of the Indian New Year in April, he would call a meeting of all representatives of the Indian tribes of all the western hemisphere, North South, and Central America. It would be held at Lake Pitzcuaro, in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. The Great White Chief would preside over it.

I gathered from the information that he had sent runners bearing messages in regard to the great meet, to other Indian tribes. Each runner being instructed to notify the chief of the tribe he visited that this chief should, in turn, send runners to other tribes nearby with the same message, tobe relayed to all other tribes as Tar as a bird could fly to the south and to the north.

THE SPEECH OF ECHA TAH ECHA NAH

The following April (1939) was when the great mass of Indian people gathered to Lake Pitzcuaro for this conference of good will. The opening speech on the first day of the gathering is given here in Echa Tah Echa Nah’s own words:

“Oh, my brothers, today begins the New Year, for the past is gone, and everywhere new life begins. The Great Spirit, the Creator of all living things, plants, flowers, birds, trees, reptiles, and fish, and you and me, speaks to me and what He speaks to me, so shall I say to you. As He bade me call you here now, so will I speak to you as He whispers in my ear. I will say in His name all the words which I now speak to you.

“My people, today we have come here together. Many have come from far places, as far as the birds fly north, and as far as the birds fly south. Many of you are sick and ailing, but to you, my people, what I say will ease your minds, and help to heal your sick bodies.

“I have called you here to give you a great message of patience, understanding, tolerance, good thoughts and love to all. Today we are happy-or are we? Are our minds and hearts heavy with the misunderstandings of the long dead past? Think wisely as I say to you, ‘Have you tried to get help and peace from Him who created us?’ No, for you have fallen away from your prayers, rituals, ceremonials and dances, for the Gods see everywhere. Should He who created us silently send for Nasi Bii Yaksey, the Death God, to speak and silently tell you to come? Are you ready to return- to where you first were, or do you fear?

“I say unto you, my brothers, fear not for what must be, for He has sent us here to this world, so will He call us back. We must stay near to Him in our hearts and minds now more than ever before, for He has spoken unto me saying, ‘Great things in the future time are soon to be upon you. ‘ Already He has started to act upon the plans He promised in the beginning.

“We must make ourselves ready and good enough to accept all things. We must cease the killing of our brothers amongst us. We must keep hatred and evil from our hearts and minds. We must be patient and respond to the things we ask of each other. We must be patient and try to understand; but above all we must take care of the needs of each other, no matter how small or how large. We must have love in our hearts. We all have love in our hearts, but we must make it greater, stronger, more beautiful. Where there has been hatred and evil, now must there he patience and understanding. All bad things must pass from us.

“To Chi Chi Suma on my left, and my son on my right, I say to them, as I say to you. They shall listen and do as you shall do. I ask all of you to hear well as I speak of how my people, the Chigaraguans, do in regard to all ways of right living. You are asked to take my message back to your people, and ask them to try hard to do as my people do, and have done always. I know of your trials and suffering, of what you have seen in the past; but by your greater efforts to live by the laws and commandments that He has given you to live by, you will all know greater happiness. And by greater happiness you will have greater understanding and tolerance, and by your faithfully keeping these laws and commandments in your hearts and minds, there can be no limit to the future for you and your sons and their sons.

“Pray faithfully and you shall soon see the reward it pays. Think well of all my people, and forget not soon the things I say here. May His everlasting smile enter into your hearts, and may the light from His golden body (the sun) be the light to keep the flame in your hearts burning. -For as He has spoken to me, so I have spoken to you.

“Remember, my brothers and sisters, always what you were once, and what you might have been, but what you are now, and what you intend to be. May He hear and answer our prayers always. Remember 75

this, my people, I beg you to remember. I have spoken. It is finished. The voice speaks no more. “

Those assembled remained here for several days, during which time he described to them the mode of living of the Chigaraguan people, urging them to try to live and follow the same example, and to create better understanding and good will among their neighboring tribes, regardless of what part of the country they lived in. He brought to mind many incidents which had caused the downfall of the Indian people, -their drifting away from the laws and commandments, their warlike ways, instead of peaceful means of dealing with each other.

Owing to the tremendous response to his call he had to speak several times a day to as many as could assemble in the great amphitheatre. He urged them to be tolerant of each other, to have more understanding, and to quit their slovenly ways and to be more progressive, resort to prayer and gain a better understanding with the Heavenly Father, Who would assist them in their efforts.

Newspaper reports estimated approximately one hundred-twenty-five-thousand representatives assembled from all parts north of the Mexican border as far as Canada and Alaska. It is impossible to say exactly how many were there, but about two-hundred-fifty-thousand would be a fair estimate.

At the close of this international conference, he invited all representatives who were present, to return again the following year to discuss their problems and the progress made under the outline he had given them. On the last night, the huge bonfires of farewell were lighted, and soon the representatives were on their way back to the reservations they had represented to inform their people of what they had learned at this great meeting. 76

Immediately after the representatives had returned home, there was a noticeable difference in the relationships among the tribes. A better understanding and a feeling of good will existed that had never been there before. By the time of the second meeting in Mexico, all the tribes had outstanding progress to report. The uniting of the Indian people has been gradually getting stronger since that time.

CHAPTER XIX

Gathering Repeated in 1940

In the course of time the tribes made preparations to send their tribal spokesmen again to the site where the first notable meeting was held, to discuss their problems and to report the progress that had been made during the year. At the same time Echa Tah Echa Nah and his council members were making preparations to leave their Utopia to bring the message of good will again to those who were to return to Lake Pitzcuaro. incidentally, Lake Michoacan is within sight of Lake Pitzcuaro, and together they are often referred to as “The Twin Lakes. “

On the day set aside by all the Indian people as the birth of the New Year, E. cha Tah Echa Nah and his council arrived at the designated spot, and were greeted heartily by all representatives from the outside. Each group was eager to discuss the progress that had been made. After four days of hearing reports from the various spokesmen, Echa Tah Echa Nah stressed the importance of continuing as they had in the past year.

WARNS AGAIN OF WORLD WAR II

He also told them of great events that were to take place in the future. He prophesied in minute detail of World War II, the havoc, destruction, and hardships that would be brought upon the people. The Indians were urged to fill their storehouses in preparation against the time when this war would affect them, and he told them of the shortage of food and other materials they would be forced to suffer. f 78 79

Many of the people hearkened to his prophetic warning, and were prepared when this catastrophe came, which lessened their hardships during this trying period. He stressed the restlessness of the world after the war would come, and the hatred, scorn and contempt of man for his fellowman that would be universal. He urged the Indian people to remember his teachings and not be led astray by the disunity that would engulf the world. He admonished them to cling to the good force in a world of evil.

THE GREAT WHITE CHIEF ACCLAIMED SUPER CHIEF

On the fifth day, the representatives of many of the leading tribes, expressed their feelings and discussed among themselves the possibility of getting Echa Tah Echa Nah to accept the position of Grand Leader of All The Indian People of The Western Hemisphere. Due to his knowledge and divine inspiration, they felt that he would be the ideal leader of the Indian people. Word rapidly spread among all the outside representatives, and by mutual consent they bestowed upon him this honor.

The throng that had gathered at this great meet, was one of the oddest groups one would ever have the pleasure of seeing assembled at one time. Of this greatest assembly ever to be recorded, the most striking feature was the display of the tremendous variety in their dress, variety in material designs, colors and manner of wearing. Representatives of every Indian tribe in the western hemisphere were dressed in their finest regalia.

Canadian and Alaskan Indians in their peculiar cold country costumes made of seal, bear and rabbit fur that would serve best in a cold country, were seated next to tribal representatives from the Dakotas, who were wearing their finest white or tan buckskin raiment with huge eagle feather bonnets.

Next to these two were seated three or four tribesmen from the Brazilian jungle, dressed only in breach cloths and moccasins, each carrying the staff of authority and tribal emblem, bearing his rank in the tribe and conducting themselves with dignity and humbleness.

Sprinkled here and there, appeared Southwest Indians clad in their lush velveteens of gay hues, silver belts, strings of turquoise beads and hand wrought bracelets and rings of silver and turquoise. Of this group the Navajo and Hopi were sent as representatives.

Seminoles from the Florida everglades in their brilliantly colored skirts and headdresses were scattered among Indian representatives from California, who were dressed in the finest modern American clothes. The Mexican Indians with their large straw hats, serapes draped around their shoulders, brilliantly hued raffia sandals, were seated next to the Oyichua with their peculiar hats made of willow twigs tightly woven, similar to the early American’s beaver hat, or to the stovepipe hat, and with white cotton trousers and sandals.

Standing nearby some of the North American Indians who were dressed in their modern up-to-date fashionable clothes, were the small Suyas and Javaros, dressed only in breach cloths, and a small animal skin draped around their shoulders, armed with their tiny blow guns. Close by were the large Ladones from Columbia and Venezuela, whose dress was similar to that of the RoNan toga, made from brilliantly hued cotton and wool materials. The wool comes from the vicuna. Many others from Columbia were dressed very similar to those of Venezuela. And seated nearby were the Incas from Peru with their short robe-like garments and trousers made from the wool of the llama, and hats very high

THE DAY OF PURIFICATION

81 80

and pointed, almost like those of the Coushea. All in all, this was one of the most colorful assemblies of true natives of the western hemisphere, and it certainly was one never to be forgotten.

ECHA TAH ECHA NAH SPEAKS OF THE GREAT TEMPLE

On the sixth day of the meeting, our beloved leader delivered his most divinely inspired speech to the people. During this speech, many of them looked upon him with awe, as he described the greatest of all events that would come upon the Indian people in the future. He prophesied of the time to come when a Great Temple or Kiva would be built at some distant place by the Indian people and by others who believe in all the laws and commandments which the Messiah left with them in the beginning; but this would not be until after the cleansing of the earth. ‘

1) The Prophet Zechariah speaks of the special mission of this BRANCH Prophet to build the Great Temple. He calls us to witness the word of the Lord as follows: “Thus speaketh the Lord of Hosts saying, Behold the man whose name is the BRANCH;, and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the Temple of the Lord. Even he shall build the Temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and he shall sit and rule upon his throne. ” (See Zecharia, 6:12-13. ) Note that Echa Tah Echa Nah grew up in Central America, but his place will be in The New Jerusalem.

The Prophet Lehi, in blessing his son Joseph, also refers to this future Indian Prophet as the BRANCH, as he tells young Joseph that- “his seed shall not be utterly destroyed, but, . . that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous BRANCH to the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off

(Footnote continued next page. )

The cleansing process was described as a mammoth catastrophe or holocaust that would engulf the earth, ridding it of all evil forces, and only those who believed in and abided by these laws would survive. Then, after the earth would cease to shake and the storms subsided, the survivors would go forth and bury the dead, and also care for the sick and wounded. 2

nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord, that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter days, in the Spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light. ” (2 Nephi, 3:5. See also 2 Nephi, 21:1. ) A footnote in the Books of Mormon from 1900 to 1920, refers to this Choice BRANCH Seer as “a future Indian Prophet. “

2) THE DAY OF PURIFICATION, or holocaust that engulfs the earth is undoubtedly the solar flash mentioned in Isaiah, 30:26, where the moon becomes as bright as the sun, “and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days. ” This would increase the temperature on earth to about 7000, or as the Apostle Peter declares, “the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved and the elements melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless, we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwellest righteousness. ” (See 2 Peter, 3:12-13. ) This is the day that the faithful will be forewarned to take refuge in caves and tunnels until this indignation of the Lord be over past.

Isaiah, 24:1-6, speaks of our transgressing the laws, changing the ordinances and breaking the everlasting covenant (of marriage). . . “therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned and few men left. He also speaks of the earth being turned upside down, which would give us “a new heaven and a new earth. ” You would look north and see the Southern Cross instead of the Big Dipper.

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The Great White Chief Part 6

Joseph Dewey
This entry is part 10 of 34 in the series 2010B

Posted May 15, 2010
THE JOSEPH SMITH PROPHECY

The Mormons regard the Indians as a remnant of Israel, as related in the Book of Mormon, and believe that the Messiah has a special work to accomplish with these people; all of which is in agreement with the teachings of the Indian Messiah.

They were also especially concerned about this reported appearance of the Indian Messiah because their own Prophet Joseph Smith had twice predicted 100 101

that Christ would come about 1890, probably as a preliminary coming to His final coming in glory for His Millennial Reign.

The first prediction appears in the LDS Church History, Vol. 2182, under date of Feb. 14, 1835, and states that “. . . the coming of the Lord, which is nigh—even fifty-six years should wind up the scene. ” This comes out to Feb. 14, 1891.

The other prediction was made eight years later under the date of April 2, 1843, and is found in the LDS Doctrine and Covenants, 130:14-16. In it the Lord says that if he (Joseph) “should live to be eighty-five years of age, he should see the face of the Son of Man. ” The Prophet Joseph admits that this coming could refer to one prior to the Millennium, or even to his death at age eighty-five. But his death came at age thirty-nine, so the Lord did not have that in mind. Joseph Smith was born on Dec. 23, 1805, so this comes out to Dec. 23, 1890!

Needless to say, there was some disappointment among the Mormons that Christ had elected to appear to the lowly Indians at Walker Lake, Nevada, instead of to the good Latter-day Saints, awaiting Him in Utah. But sad to say, by 1890, the LDS had already rejected the practice of Christ’s major doctrines such as United Order, Plural Marriage, and the Adam-God doctrine, and others, because they felt that persecution was too intense, and the general opposition was too strong. Many of the Indians, however, have for generations lived their manner of United Order and Plural Marriage regardless of opposition.

THE TESTIMONY OF APOSTLE PORCUPINE

There were many other articles in the nation’s press in the year 1890, about this Indian Messiah, but by far the best and most impressive account comes from the eye-witness testimony given by one of the twelve Indian apostles, appointed by the Indian Messiah, a Cheyenne by the name of Porcupine. Porcupine delivered a sermon at Ft. Custer, Montana. before an audience of some forty civilian and military personnel, with a few Indians present also. Fortunately, there was a newspaper reporter present from “The Boston Journal, ” by the name of F. K. Upham, and his paper published the story in their issue of July 5, 1890.

It tells how a righteous young Indian by the name of Porcupine from the Cheyennes, was, like certain wise men of the East, inspired to make this long arduous pilgrimage to Walker Lake, Nevada, to see the Messiah. He was accompanied by his wife and two other Indians; and, like the wise men of the East, they were very content with the high reward of their journey, for they, in truth, had seen the Messiah.

According to a report in “The Chicago Dispatch” and reprinted in “The Deseret News” for Nov. 18, 1890, Porcupine was also interviewed by Lt. Robinson of Ft. Custer, Montana, “General Miles had assigned Lt. Robinson to make a careful investigation of this new religion, and his principal interviews were with Apostle Porcupine, and with Big Beaver, who had accompanied Porcupine on his visit to see the Messiah.

“Porcupine told Lt. Robinson that there were several hundred Indians at Walker Lake at the time, including representatives of the Cheyenne, Sioux, Arapahoes, Gros-Ventres, Utes, Navajos, Bannocks, and other strange tribes. –Some were White Indians from a far distance the he did not know. “

However, the story by F. K. Upham in “The Boston Journal” gives the most detailed account of 103 102

Apostle Porcupine’s experience, and it is, indeed, an inspiring one, and one that clearly eliminates the lowly Wovoka, who spoke only Piute, as this most gifted Messiah. We will give Porcupine’s account here as Mr. Upham reports it.

“Before commencing his talk, Porcupine gave an almost inaudible prayer, that lasted fully five minutes, during which the other Indians with him sat with heads bowed. Porcupine stood erect, his hands extended upwards, Then he alternately placed his hands across his breast, and dropped them to his sides, as if following a sacred ritual.

“It was in the vicinity of Walker Lake, Nevada, and it was in the mountains where Porcupine found himself with many strange Indians whose language he could not speak, and who, like himself, had come from far off -but all had come to see the Messiah.

“At sundown the Indians collected in large numbers, and after it became dark, He appeared to them -a large fire being built to throw the light upon Dim. He was not as dark as an Indian nor as light as a white man, and His dress was partly like each. He sat for a long time in perfect silence with His head bowed, during which time the Indians neither moved nor spoke. They were told that if they even whispered, the Christ would know it and be displeased.

“After a time He raised His head, and then Porcupine saw that He was fair to look upon, that His face bad no beard, and was youthful, and that His bright hair extended to His waist. (This may be an error in reporting, because in another news article Sitting Bull describes the Indian Messiah as having a beard. –NCP. ) he was able to see the scars of the nails in the hands of the Indian Christ when He raised them. In His feet he could not see the marks of the nails by reason of the moccasins, but he was told they were there, and that in His side were spear marks which were concealed by the shirt He wore.

“Porcupine was told that HIS OWN COMING, HAD, WITH ELEVEN OTHERS, BEEN FORETOLD BY THE CHRIST, WHO HAD SENT FOR THEM, and that is why he had involuntarily taken the long journey. (The other eleven were the White Indians from Mexico. -NCP. )

“The Christ spoke to them, and took Porcupine by the hand and told them they were all His children. He talked to them until it was day, telling them that He had made them, and all things around them; that in the beginning God had made the earth, and after a time had sent Him on the earth to teach the people what was right; but the people were afraid of Him, and ‘this is what they did to Me, ‘ showing the scars.

“He said, when He found that the children were so bad, He went back above, and promised to return after many hundred years. Now the time was up and God had told Him the earth was old and worn out, and sent Him again to renew it, and make things better. He Said all the dead were to be resurrected and brought back to life on this earth, which was now too small to hold them all; but He would do away with heaven and make the earth large enough to hold them all.

“He spoke about fighting, that it was bad, and that Indians must not do it anymore, that the earth hereafter was to be all good and everybody must love one another.

“Porcupine had heard that the Christ of the white man had been nailed to the cross, and looking “He said He would send among them those who could heal wounds, and cure the sick by the laying on of the hands, and that the good would live here forever, and the buffalo would come back.

“He said it was wrong to kill men of any kind, that if any man disobeyed these teachings, he would be banished from the face of the earth; that the Indians must believe all that He now told them, and not say that Belied, for He would know their thoughts, no matter what part of the world they were in, and they could not expect to deceive Him.

“Among those whom Porcupine saw, were some who appeared like white men, (the White Indians from far South) but they all seemed good -and all listened and believed what the Christ told them.

“During Porcupine’s stay of many days, the Christ appeared several times and repeated these talks and told the Indians that when they returned to their people, they must tell them all these things. But He was not all the time visible, and could disappear at will. ‘He is here among us tonight and knows all that we are talking about. ‘ said Porcupine. . . ‘When you have seen the Christ once, you can see Him in your sleep, that is, if you have shaken His hand. and through Him you c6n go to heaven and see your friends who are dead. I see Him often in my sleep and He told me there was trouble for the Cheyennes. The next night He came to me and told me that all would be well in the end. ‘

“Of Porcupine’s sincerity, there can be no doubt. As he says of himself, he is no medicine man, ‘ and he seems to have no wish to become one. That he has seen the Person Whom he describes as the Christ, there seems to be no question. ” (Note: This article was also reprinted in the LDS “Millennial Star” for Aug. 18, 1890, Vol. 52;532-535. ) Also Deseret Weekly Aug 2, 1890, Page 180

OTHER INDIAN TESTIMONIES

A story in “The Deseret Weekly, ” published by “The Deseret News, ” dated Dec. 27th, 1890, tells about Sitting Bull, or Short Bull, the Arapahoe, and Porcupine, concerning their testimonies of the Indian Messiah. This evidence should remove all remaining doubt that this most unusual Personage could have been Wovoka, the Piute. “The Deseret Weekly” quotes a story taken from the current “Illustrated American, ” of the time as follows:

“Just when and where the present Messiah craze arose is uncertain. The evidence at present obtainable indicates that it has resulted more from a process of evolution than from the preaching of any one man. The first Indian who preached the coming of the Red Christ in a manner that attracted attention was Short Bull, or Sitting Bull, an Arapahoe, who must not be confused with Sitting Bull, the Sioux chief who took part in the Custer massacre. This Sitting Bull, or Short Bull, arrived at the Shoshone agency at Fort Washakie in Wyoming, about a year ago and announced that he had seen the Christ. The new Messiah, he said, told of His previous life upon the earth 1900 years ago, , and how the people refused to accept Him and showed the scars in Ella hands and feet where He had been nailed to the cross. He promised that the buffalo and other game should return in their former abundance. Then the Messiah gave the Indian buffalo meat to eat, and Sitting Bull fell asleep. When he awoke he found that he had been transported a long distance in his sleep.

“Indians do not communicate with one another by letter, but send their messages by runners. By word of mouth, Sitting Bull’s story was made known to many tribes, and a year ago a sort of council was held at a place supposed to be on the shores of Walker Lake, in western Nevada. At this council, the Messiah showed Himself. Representatives of sixteen tribes are said to have been present. Near the camp, the sage brush and rose bushes had been cut off close to the ground over a circle perhaps 100 feet in diameter. Here is one of the accounts of the appearance of Christ.

“The next day, as the sun was setting low, the people all assembled about this circle, and presently a Man was seen walking into it. The people stood about until He had reached the middle of the circle and then they went to meet Him. He stood in their midst and talked to them, appearing to be able to talk all languages and to make Himself understood by all the tribes present. He told the people that things were going to be changed; that the buffalo and the game would be brought back; that they should have again their own country, and that the world would be turned upside down.

“Be closed His speech by saying that in the night He would go up to Heaven to see God. Next morning about nine or ten o’clock the people again gathered about the circle and presently the Messiah walked in among them. He told them He had just returned from Heaven where He had seen God.

“Among the Indians present at the council was Porcupine, a northern Cheyenne, who has since been one of the foremost prophets of the new Messiah. His story is as follows:

“‘What I am going to say is the truth. The two men sitting near me were with me, and will bear witness that I speak the truth. All the Indians and white people are brothers and sisters, I was told there. I never knew this before. The fish-eaters near Pyramid Lake, Nevada, told me that the Christ had appeared on earth again. They said that Christ knew that he (Porcupine)was coming, and that 107

eleven of His children were coming from a far land. (The White Indians from Mexico. -NCP. ) It appeared that Christ had sent for me to go there, and that was why, unconsciously, I took my journey. It had been foreordained. They told me when I got there that my Great Father was there also, but I did not know who He was.

“The people assembled, called a council and the chief’s son went to see the Great Father, who sent word for us to remain 14 days in that camp, and that He would come and see us. At the end of two days, on the third morning, hundreds of people gathered at this place. They cleared a place near the agency in the form of a circus ring, and we all went there. Just before sundown, I saw a great many people, mostly Indians, coming dressed in white man’s clothes. The Christ was with them. They all formed in this ring and around it; and they put up sheets all around the circle, as they had no tents.

“‘Just after dark, some of the Indians told me that Christ’s Father had arrived. I looked around to find Him and finally saw Him sitting on one side of the ring. He was dressed in a white robe. The next morning He told us He was going away for that day, but would be back the next morning and talk to us. I heard that Christ had been crucified, and I looked to see, and I saw a scar on His wrist and one on His face, and He seemed to be the man. I could not see His feet. He would talk to us all day. That evening we all assembled again to see Him depart. The following morning the Christ was back with us and wanted to talk with us. He said I am the man who made everything you see around you. I am not lying to you, my children. I made this earth and everything on it. I have been to Heaven and have seen your dead friends, and have seen my own Father and Mother. 108

“‘He spoke to us about fighting and said that it was bad, and that we must keep from it. The earth was to be all good hereafter, and that we must be friends with one another. He said that if any man disobeyed what He ordered, his tribe would be wiped from the face of the earth. Ever since the Christ talked to me, I have thought what He said was good. I have seen nothing bad in it. When I got back, I knew my people were bad and had heard nothing of this, so I got them together and warned them to listen to it for their own good. I told them just what has been told to you here today. ‘

“Porcupine’s tale met with belief wherever he told it. It will be observed that Porcupine’s account of the Red Christ’s message makes it one of peace.

“The next development of the belief was furnished by Kicking Horse, whose visit to Heaven had been compared with that of Tecumseh’s brother, the prophet. Kicking Horse is a Sioux. To him are accredited the feature of the craze involved in the belief of the resurrection of all dead Indians, and of the over-whelming of the whites.

“His story is that he was taken to Heaven through a hole in the clouds, and talked to the Great Spirit, who told him that His children, the Indians, have suffered enough, and the time would come when they should occupy the earth again. They must not kill nor molest the whites, the Great Spirit said, for He Himself, would wipe the wicked people from off the face of the earth by sending a wave of mud 20 feet or more in depth, over the country. The dead Indians would be restored to life, and there would be buffalo and horses aplenty.

The following is an account given in The American, ” of the experience which Sitting Bull, or Short 109

Bull, claims to have passed through.

“While hunting alone near the Shoshone Mountain, he became lost, and for a long time wandered about aimlessly. Finally a strange feeling came over him, and he involuntarily began to follow a certain star, which moved before him and led him many miles up into the mountains. Just at daybreak, the star became stationary over a beautiful mountain valley, and he sank to rest on a couch of moss.

“While he rested, estrange vision appeared to him. He saw a great spirit dance, and the participants were dead Arapahoe warriors, led by the dead chiefs of the past. Suddenly he was awakened by a voice, and he saw before him a strange being dressed in a blanket of pure white. The strange being said that He was the same Christ who was upon the earth 1900 years ago to save the white men; and that He would soon return to save the red men. The people who have so long persecuted and robbed the Indian would be driven out of the land and across the sea, never to return again. All day the Messiah conversed with Sitting Bull, revealing to him many things, and also showing him the scars of nails in His hands and feet, and wounds in His side. When night came the Messiah disappeared. “

It appears that Porcupine was the only one of the Twelve Indian Apostles to carry the Messiah’s message among the North American Indians. The other eleven White Indians retired to their sacred city in the far south of Mexico. Apparently they were under covenant not to promulgate their gospel to the rest of the world until they were so commanded by the Messiah. 110 111

NATONI NEZBAH, THE NAVAJO

Back in 1945, this writer interviewed a Navajo Indian by the name of Natoni Nezbah, who claimed that he had visited the sacred city of White Indians in the far south of Mexico, and that he had met and received teachings from their Great White Chief, Echa Tah Echa Nah, The Mighty and Wise One, whose name is Joseph, which was also the name of his father before him.

Toni, as we called him, also asserted that Echa Tah Echa Nah had been acclaimed as the Super Chief of all other Indian chiefs at a great conference of leading Indians from North, South and Central America, which was held at Lake Pitzcuaro in the Mexican state of Michoacan, in April of 1940. Toni told a lengthy, detailed story about these White Indians, and their beliefs, culture and Utopian society that seemed to be ideal. And bow it was their plan to soon make a massive migration to the North, and how they would amalgamate with the Mormons. But he was presenting a time table that was far ahead of the actual event, which must come after the 3i years of unprecedented tribulation.

Needless to say, I was fascinated with the story and soon put it into manuscript form, being very faithful to the detail. * as he related them to me. However, one copy of this manuscript got out of my hands, and soon it received a wide circulation by being copied and re-copied, mimeographed and printed. Infect, one of the general authorities of the Church, who should know, informed me that if he had a dime for every copy of it, he would be a rich man.

Chief Howard L. LaHurreau of the Pottawattomie Indians, when interviewed by Milton R. Hunter and others at or near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, June 15, 1951, verified that Natoni Nezbah had been taught in this “Star City” of the White Indians, but that he had broken his Indian vows by contacting the Mormons and offering to take any of them to this Sacred City.

Once more 1955, this same story received wide circulation again in a booklet published by The New Age Publishing Company, operated by Dorothy Thomas of Glendale, California. Strangely enough Mrs. Thomas soon received an invitation from Chief Dan Kat chongva of the Hopi Indians to come and visit him on this matter.

THE HOPI TESTIMONY

The venerable old chief, who is said to be now 110 years old, verified the story, although he declared that Natoni Nezbah was not a true authorized messenger of Echa Tah Echa Nah. Nevertheless, he asserted that the story was basically true, and that the Hopi Indians were looking forward to the coming of The Great White Chief, together with The True White Brother. The True White Brother had led them to their present homeland, and had given them some sacred tablets to keep until He returns with other tablets that will match them, and the sacred inscriptions thereon can then be revealed.

These powerful leaders, he said, will be able to unite all the North American Indians together as one nation, and gather them to Hopi Land to escape THE DAY OF PURIFICATION, or Judgment Day, that is about to come upon the world. This is the time according to Indian prophecies, that evil doers will be swept off from the face of the earth, and mostly Indians will be left to inherit the land of America. A well known Indian prophecy states that the White-man’s money will soon become worthless; then they will almost destroy themselves by fighting among themselves and the Negroes. Then after further judgments 112

are visited upon the land, the Indian will be left to inherit his own land once again.

THE HOPI PROPHECY

The Hopi version of the prophecy about the Day of Purification, was recently published on the front page of “The Prescott Courier, ” for August 9, 1970, when old Chief Dan Katchongva visited there to witness a series of foretold UFO sightings. He was seeking a long awaited sign from them. These UFO sightings were witnessed by hundreds of people, and were also photographed and the pictures published on the front page of the Courier, along with the Hopi story. Infect, the UFO stories were featured for three days. (See also FATE Magazine for April, 1971. )

The Hopi prophecy from the front page of “The Prescott Courier” follows:

“The Hopi believe that the human race will pass through three stages of life since its origin. Three being a sacred number. At the end of each stage, human life has to be purified or punished by certain acts of the Great Spirit, due mainly to corruption, greed and turning away from the Great Spirit’s teachings. The last great destruction was by flood, which destroyed all but a few faithful ones.

“The Hopi now await the next Purification Day, at which time all wicked or wrong doers shall be punished or destroyed, after which real peace, brotherhood and everlasting life will be brought about.

“They believe that a big fire and explosion will signal the coming of the True White Brother. This, they believe, will be a sign for an Indian migration from Mexico, Central and South America to begin.

“The Hopi believe that their True White Brother, when he comes, will be all powerful and he will wear a red cap or a red cloak. He will be (with)a large population, and belong to no religion but his very own. He will bring with him the Sacred Stone Tablets. Great will be his coming. None will be able to stand against him. All power in this world will be placed in his hands, and he will come swiftly and in one day get control of this whole continent. The Hopi have been warned never to take up arms. “

HOPI GET PROPHECY SIGN FROM UFO’s

This event was again reported in “The Albuquerque Journal” for Oct. 10, 1970, where a feature article carried these headlines: HOPI GET PROPHECY SIGN FROM UFO’s, and a five column story follows.

“We have seen the flying saucers and have heard their message to us, ” said Chief Dan Katchongva, declaring that the Day of Purification was near at hand. Chief Dan Katchongva was the leader of a delegation of Hopis who went to the United Nations in 1959, to warn the assembled world leaders of the impending Day of Purification, and to warn them also of the great need for them to repent and establish and maintain peace in the world, or suffer the consequence of the Day of Purification. “

The article concludes with the old Chief’s words: “We know the faithful are to be gathered to escape Purification Day. Therefore, when the great fire and explosion takes place, it will be seen all over North, South end Central America, and the earth shall shake. Therefore, when the True White Brother comes, listen to him and gather when the power comes from the South.

“We give you our testimony, and all that we tell you is true, ” the Chief said, “So you have no excuse that you were not told. “

Can we deny it? Truly the day of the Indian is about to dawn, while the day of the white man is already in twilight, and rapidly approaching darkness. 115

A Few Parting Thoughts

Your attention is called to Isaiah, 30:26, where it speaks of the moon becoming “as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days. ” This could be the light signal, visible a1 over the Americas, that is to mark the start of the great Indian migration from the south.

The True White Brother appears to be Christ, whose own presence will be in this great migration, according to the Doctrine and Covenants, 103:19-20: “Therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say unto you as I said unto your fathers: Mine angel shall go up before you, but not my presence, But I say unto you: Mine angels shall go up before you, and also my presence, and in time ye shall possess the goodly land. “

The red cape and cap of the True White Brother is clarified in the Doctrine and Covenants, 133:50-51: “And his voice shall be heard: I have trodden the wine press alone, and have brought judgment upon all people; and none were with me. And I have trampled them in my fury, and I did tread upon them in mine anger, and their blood have I sprinkled upon my garments, and stained all my raiment; for this was the day of vengeance which was in my heart. “

As to the great gathering of the Indians to escape the Day of Purification, we call attention to the promise of Christ in the Book of Mormon, in 3 Nephi, 20:13-16, where He promises “to gather the remnants (or Indians) from the north, south, east, and west, to bring them to a knowledge of the Lord their God, who hath redeemed them. And the Father bath commanded me that I SHOULD GIVE UNTO YOU (the Nephites and Lamanites, etc. ) THIS LAND FOR YOUR INHERITANCE. “

President John Taylor indicated that only 10% to 25% of the LDS would survive the tests that we must face during the setting-in-order and judgment period.

Isaiah also indicated that a tenth would be spared when he asked the Lord about it: “Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, and the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

“But yet in it shall be a TENTH, and it (the Tenth) shall return, —the holy seed shall be the substance thereof. ” (The holy seed for the millennial population. ) -See Isaiah, 6:11-13.

Let us not suppose that because the White Indians of necessity, had to limit their population growth inside their small, hidden valley, that this situation will prevail once they migrate to the New Jerusalem. Infect, Isaiah speaks of this very situation concerning those who survive the judgments in the days of The BRANCH Prophet: (Isa. 4:1-3)

“In that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach. (of barrenness. )

“In that day shall The BRANCH of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. And it shall come to pass that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone that is written among the living in Jerusalem. “

Yes, stand on your own two feet, like a tub on its own bottom, and work out your own salvation!

The End