Vine Deloria, Jr. renowned author, scholar and Indian lawyer journeyed on into the Spirit World on November 13, 2005.  

Suzan Shown Harjo shared this song with all who attended his services on Friday, November 18th in Golden,
Colorado. 

His presence and words will be missed by the multiple lives he touched during his time on Earth.  Vine Deloria Jr., published more than 20 books including Custer Died for Your Sins (1969) and Spirit and Reason (1999). 

Jennifer Easton, FPF board member/founder and filmmaker Darrell Kipp (Blackfeet) have been working closely with Vine documenting his life and works on film.

Sing Your Song for Vine
(For the Celebration of the Life of Vine Deloria, Jr., 11/18/05)

 Vine was our sacred mountain and raging river and gentle rain
            Healing sage after Sun Dance sacrifice
            Cool, calm waters after a hard day’s work

 He was that wicked funny thought at the least appropriate time
            Whip smart and Coyote clever
            Tossing banana peels beneath the feet of the pompous

 He was our Atticus Fitch
            Who defended us to the death
            He was our teasing cousin
            Who never let us get away with pretension

Our kind grandpa
            Who wanted us to love each other
            Our warrior leader
            Who lifted us up for counting coup

Our stern teacher
            Who made us sit up straight

Our good-time uncle
            Who took us to old-timey movies

Our kid brother
            Who always wanted to play another game

He filled our horizons and now we see him as a mirage
            But, sing your song for Vine and call him to your side
            A Yanktonai song for the longest journey
            An honor song of praise and thanksgiving
            A traveling song by the Sons of the Pioneers

Then, he will be there
            As a shadow of an eagle overhead
            As the glint of silver medicine flying from the corner of your eye
            As a distant sound that commands your attention
            As a sudden realization you might think is an original idea
            As the turning aspen leaves in the peace and glory of the dying moment
            As a gentle voice telling you things will be better when you know they never will be
            As, maybe, just a sigh

                        Ah, hello, my dear friend
                        I have a song for you