Black Elk lives: conversations with the Black Elk family

Abstract

Nicholas Elk (1863-1950) is arguably the best known and most influential Native American of the twentieth century. His story and teachings, first recorded by John G. Neihardt in Black Elk Speaks, have played a critical role in shaping the way in which Native Americans and others view the past, present, and future of Native America. What has happened to Elk's world and family since the Lakota holy man spoke to Neihardt? Here, for the first time, the descendants of Elk tell us about their lives and their people and how the legacy of Elk affects them today. These conversations offer an intimate look at life on the Pine Ridge Reservation and fresh perspectives on the religious, economic, and political opportunities and challenges facing the Lakota people in the twenty-first century. In addition to learning more about Elk the healer, the family also provides glimpses of Elk as a family man, teacher, and influential ancestor. These insightful conversations make clear that the legacy of Elk is very much alive today. Esther Elk DeSersa and Olivia Elk Pourier are the granddaughters of Nicholas Elk. Aaron DeSersa Jr. and Clifton DeSersa are the great-grandsons of Elk. Hilda Neihardt is the daughter of John G. Neihardt and chairman of the board of the John G. Neihardt Foundation. She is the author of Black Elk and Flaming Rainbow: (Nebraska 1995). Lori Utecht is a former executive director of the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, and Charles Trimble is current executive director of the site and president of the John G. Neihardt Foundation.