Chapter 3: Blackbird Bend Farm

12/23/2019

Our family farm was our gathering place. As my feet walked the sacred land that extended down to the Missouri River, I connected to the wisdom of the Native American Indians. The Omaha Indian Reservation had lands adjacent to our farmland.
Chief Blackbird was known for his magical powers. He was buried on a live horse, on the top of a bluff, overlooking the Missouri River. During his life he traded with the French Trappers, acquiring arsenic, that he used to poison enemies. He was believed to possess magical powers because of his ability to discretely kill his rivals.
I remember sitting around the campfire with family friends on the land, listening to legends told by my father and his friends. Those were memorable times!
Chief Black Elk, was another important Native American Indian Chief in the region. He was a Holy Man. His story was told by John G. Neihardt in “Black Elk Speaks”, first published in 1932. Today, the Catholic Church is considering Chief Black Elk’s canonization.

Here is the overlook on US highway 75 that was connected to our farmland.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbird_(Omaha_leader)#/media/File:US75_Blackbird_Overlook_3.JPG

Here is a link that tells the history of the Omaha tribe:
https://nebraskaeducationonlocation.org/native-tribes/omaha-tribe-nebraska/

Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKHSTLoNveY

In the New Yorker article, “Another Vision of Black Elk”, the author reveals how the holy man’s life may receive even more recognition through what might be the first canonization of a Native American.
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/another-vision-of-black-elk

Here is a chapter that explains Black Elk’s spiritual legacy:
http://www.worldwisdom.com/public/viewpdf/default.aspx?article-title=New_Light_on_Black_Elk_and_the_Sacred_Pipe.pdf

Chief Blackbird, Seven Arrows, and a Medicine Shield

Seven Arrows, a book teaching Native American traditions. Seven Arrows begins by saying, “The story of these People has at its center and all around it the story of the Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is the very Way of Life of the People. It is an understanding of the Universe. It is the way given to the Peace Chiefs, our Teachers, and by them to us”.

Here is the picture in Seven Arrows that inspired our stained glass window.

This is a Medicine Shield from Seven Arrows. I used this image as an inspiration for a stained glass window in our home.

Thomas L. Kronen 1975

This is a painting of Chief Blackbird.

5 Comments

Debbie Siegel link

11/5/2023 11:40:42 am

Hi Susan,

I am a decedent of Elisha Crowell who lived on the Blackbird in the 1800's. I just bought this book, Decent from John Crowe of Yarmouth to Charles Crowell and Susan Ploof Pioneers of the Blackbird, Thurston County, Nebraska written by Clayton Lee Crowell and Barbara Crowell Filbin.

My grandfather, Virgil Crowell, talked about his father, Henry Crowell, who lived in harmony with the Winnebago + Omaha Tribes and he was a translator.

Since my 20's I had a reoccurring dream over and over of a grandfather who I was always so happy to see and so sad that they were going to leave. He would always tell me he’s always been there, and he will always be there with me. I would try to figure out in this dream how our bloodlines are connected to the Native Americans. Upon waking I would always wonder what this is about. I have shared this dream with others because it felt so very real.

Side note: I listen to an audio taped conversation with my grandfather, Virgil Crowell (son of Henry Crowell), intently in this past year, and taking notes. It was in that one time that I listen to it with detail that I realized we had this connection to the Omaha in the Winnebago tribes. That Henry was a translator for the Native American Indians. That to me was a very special moment. I’ve always had a very strong connection with the Native American culture and spirituality.

It is number one on my list to go to the Blackbird Farm. I have joined quite a few groups of the Omaha and Winnebago tribes to learn more and make a connection.

The Blackbird Farm took its name from a leader of the Omaha tribe, Chief Blackbird. There is so much more I want to learn. I have had these books you mention in my collection and now seeing this connection.

I would love to stay connected. All the best,

Debbie Siegel 707.529.6699

(Geraldine Crowell, my mother and Virgil Crowell is her father).

Barbara Crowell Filbin

3/26/2024 07:29:43 am

I was interested to find an article about "Blackbird Hill"
I am writing my childhood stories for my family and one of my memories was the story my Father would tell me about Blackbird Hill. When I was 9 years old we took a trip from California to Nebraska and I couldn't wait to see the spot where the Chief would ride down the hill at midnight. Well it wasn't what I thought it would be. Just all overgrown but my Dad would tell a great story about it.
Glad you enjoyed the Crowell book.

3/30/2024 12:25:49 pm

Hi Barbara,

We are related. I would love to connect with you!

All the best,

Debbie
[email protected]

7/17/2024 07:30:36 pm

Would love to visit. Email me.
I have written many history books in my area.

Debbie Siegel

7/18/2024 02:10:32 pm

Hi Barbara,

I’m unable to find your email. I’ve looked on the Internet as well as your phone number and I would definitely come and see you very soon. My email/ [email protected]/phone/707.529.6699.

Thank you so much and I look forward to talking to you!

Chapter 3: Blackbird Bend Farm

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