Little explains the role of the traditional tokala okolakiciye
Dr. Archie B. Beauvais, Correspondent
Lakota Country Times - September 2006
ST. FRANCIS, SD -
Sicangu elder,
Archie Little, has worked and traveled in his day and now enjoys having a schedule that is flexible so that he can assist people or institutions when called upon. His first language is Lakota and he says speaking English can often be risky if you do not fully understand some words.
He explained that in traditional Lakota society, the
'tokala okolaciye' or 'fox society' was in evidence way before the arrival of Columbus to our Native shores. He said, "
Le tokala okolakiciye ihani uelo before Columbus.
Hehan 'tokala' hena zuya ye wica ecakiyapi. Nahan 'tokala' eye ki ehankiye suta nahan otehike.' He added that in early times that the '
tokala' was regarded as a warrior and, in fact, would often attack the enemy before the rest would engage. "
Okicize eyap hantas tokala tokeya geyap. Cante' t'insiyapi." The '
tokala' was strong in tradition and in their hearts.
The life of a '
tokala' was that of sacrifice and watching over the people and their lodges. He explained in Lakota that, "
Hena in lila Lakoliye. Stu ste iciye unpi. Na hena wawokiye mani. Oyate awanciyankapi. Ti eyasna wawanciyapi."
As society members would monitor the needs of others, they might for example, check someone's wood supply. "
Wanji can nicap cansna icupi." A "
tokala" might have little supplies or a place to sleep, but he would put the needs of others before his and never take anything for his help.
Little explained, "
Oyate ki tokeya ewicayaglekte" which means putting the people before ones self.
The life of one in the '
tokala okolakiciye' begins with an initiation and a ceremony in which a mentor is assigned to watch over one for a year to see if they can prove worthy of being a '
tokala.' Little says that on the Pine Ridge, there is a fairly active society today that has many members. His mentors are Wilmer Mesteth and 'Chub' Thunder Hawk.
In today's world, the image of the '
tokala' as warrior has dramatically changed as the demands and needs are different. Now one might need assistance in approaching a bureaucracy or translating something into English. Or an elder might need assistance in making a request at the tribal building and that is where the 'tokala' can be of some assistance.
After a year a mentor might speak for a candidate and advocate for his membership or ask that he wait for a year. "
Le wicasa i gi pi, tokala heca telo." Or, when asked to advocate for one he might say, "
Nahankci wakanyeja. Waniyetu wanji apetkte."
Some '
tokala' might be regarded as too young and immature and may have to wait for another year.
In the days of old, a "
tokala' might be asked to make a trip outside of his homeland and he could not refuse. The trip could be dangerous as there were many enemy tribes and the 'wasicu of course, and one could get killed.
According to Little, there are four junctures in life at which time a '
tokala' would be given a talk by a leader. "
Wica itancan woyakapi." At each point there would be talk about expectations, conduct, hunting (
wakuliye) family life and mentoring, in turn, other young people who are also '
tokala.'
On the Pine Ridge, when the
'tokala okalakiciye' gathers, there is usually a bon fire all night long and 'tokala' songs are sung.
The elders talk to the young people and share the philosophy and insights of what it means to sacrifice for the good of others.
Little explained some of the advice and philosophy of the 'tokala' as told to him by his mentors. When one has consideration for others and walks in a helping way, it will come back to one so it is best not to be stingy. "
Waunsila nahan wawokiya mani. Toksa ake' luhakte. Takini tehkilasni yo."
One should not value things because when you die you will not take them with you. "Ni ta' hantas hena yuha nukinkte sni."
Also, it is best not to fool the people as they will not look upon one as a man again. "
Oyate ki wicagna sni yo. Hecanu hantas wicasa niya wastesni."
And, finally when a '
tokala' speaks he must tell the truth and tell it right. He must not add on or embellish the story. In Lakota it goes, "
Woaglaka hantas otunla woglakayo" and never embellish the story is said, "
Aju tonsniyo."
Archie Little possesses a wealth of knowledge in Lakota thought and philosophy and often consults with institutions who wish some assistance in translations, storytelling or a song. He once gave a graduation address all in Lakota and explained to the audience that Lakota was his primary language.
He was employed in the alcohol treatment field for 20 years in California and was a disc jockey on the Rosebud for one year and four years on the Pine Ridge.
He has also involved in several movies doing speaking parts. He was in the movies Lakota Woman, Crazy Horse, Broken Bottle, Broken Arrow, two commercials one in Paris and one in Spain, and a documentary done in the Black Hills with Tokyo film company. He has four daughters and four sons.