Over 100 years ago, a young 9 year-old, Native American boy, named Black Elk, lived with his family and villagers on the plains of North America. At that time there were not houses, stores or cars like we have now. instead they lived in tepees, rode horses and depended on the buffalo for their food, clothing and tepees. It was a very difficult time for Black Elk and his family because many other people wanted to have their land. These people began to destroy the Indian villages, their land the the buffalo that the Indians depended on for food, clothing and shelter. Many of Black elk's friends and family were also killed. Black Elk chose sadness and wished for peace.
When Black Elk was 9 years old he became very ill and his family was afraid that he would survive the illness. He eventually recovered and grew and when he became an adult he shared a vision of peace that he had when he was so sick.
Black Elk felt as if he was floating and his body was being raised into the air on a cloud. As he looked down he saw a great circle. In this circle he saw all of life's creations. He saw the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, the earth, the water, the air and the soil. He saw all of the plants and animals including the four legged, the two legged, the fish, the birds, and even the creepy crawlies. He saw that everything was good and everything was important.
Then he looked and saw four directions: West, North, East, South.
Black Elk looked at the circle again and saw a black road running from West to East. He saw that this was the Road of Difficulties or Life's Lessons. He saw that all people sometimes walk this road.
Black Elk then saw a yellow road running from North to South. He saw that this was the Road of Peace or thoughtful action. He saw that all people sometimes walk this road.
Finally, Black Elk look at the center of the circle where the two roads crossed and there he saw a sacred tree. He saw that when the people walked the Road of Peace by taking care of themselves, others and the gifts of the Earth, the tree flowered and birds came to sing.
