Archie Fire Lame Deer facts for kids
Archie Fire Lame Deer (1935–2001), also known by his Lakota name Tȟáȟča Hušté, was an important spiritual leader. He was a Wicasa Wakan, which means a Lakota Medicine Man. He also shared his knowledge about the Lakota people, their traditions, and their religion.
Archie grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. Later, he worked as a Hollywood stuntman and a translator. With writer Richard Erdoes, he wrote a book called Gift of Power: The Life and Teachings of a Lakota Medicine Man. Archie was the son of John Fire Lame Deer, another famous Lakota Medicine Man.
Who Was Archie Fire Lame Deer?
Archie Fire Lame Deer was born on April 10, 1935. His full birth name was Archie Percy Let Them Have Enough. He was born in Corn Creek, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. His father was John Fire Lame Deer, a well-known Lakota holy man. His mother was Josephine Quick Bear.
Archie learned many things from his grandfather, Henry Quick Bear. He went to the St. Francis Indian School. He left school when he was 14 years old. He joined the army two times. He was a soldier in the Korean War and was part of the Special Forces. He was also a prisoner of war (P.O.W.). This means he was captured by the enemy during the war.
His Work and Travels
Archie Fire Lame Deer had many different jobs. He worked on ranches in South Dakota. He also worked as a rattlesnake exterminator. He was a Hollywood stuntman and a rodeo rider. He even managed a ranch in Hollywood.
He helped Native American people who were in prison. He started a program at the Los Angeles Indian Center. This program helped bring Lakota purification ceremonies into prisons across the United States. He also helped create the Santa Barbara Indian Center.
For the last 20 years of his life, Archie traveled around the world. He taught people about Lakota spiritual beliefs and their way of life. He met with many spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama and the Pope. In 1980, he spoke in Rotterdam about the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Carrying on Traditions
For many years, Chief Lame Deer led the annual Crow Dog's Sundance. This important ceremony takes place on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. His father, John Fire Lame Deer, had led it before him.
When Archie passed away in 2001, his son John took his place. John now serves as a Chief and a medicine man. He continues the important traditions of the Lame Deer family.
Archie Fire Lame Deer's life and teachings are shared in his book. He wrote Gift of Power: The Life and Teachings of a Lakota Medicine Man with Richard Erdoes in 1992.
