Greengrass Pipe Dancers: Crazy Horse's Pipe Bag and a Search for Healing

Crazy Horse's Pipe Bag is the inspiration for this true story. It was given to Dr. H. A Brown in 1895 after he saved the son of a Lakota chief from pneumonia. The chief said, "I had a dream in which I was to give the pipe bag to the first white man who did something kind for my family, and it would bring good to my people in the future". Dr. Brown quietly kept the pipe bag for 53 years, but on his death in 1948 his son, Vinson Brown, became its ardent promoter for 40 years in helping revive the old Indian Spirit. In 1988 he passed the responsibility on to the author.

This is Lionel Little Eagle's touching story, written as if he were talking, with intense sincerity from the heart of the spiritual powers of the pipe bag. He beautifully expresses deep love for his wife dying of cancer. Traveling to South Dakota in search of healing they make lasting friendships fostered among some remarkably warmhearted Indian people. Guidance sought for the pipe bag's future, is spiced by uncanny experiences with very powerful medicine men and startling events. The rigors of the sun dance held at Greengrass are almost unbelievable.

Greengrass is a small Indian community located about the center of South Dakota. Even in its apparent isolation, it is considered one of the most holy and sacred places on this good earth, the place where the White Buffalo Calf Maiden Pipe is kept. The pipe carriers represent their families, tribes, communities and nations. Their duties require much of the individuals; they pray for healing, for peace, and live a life of honor. The Greengrass Pipe Dancers were the chosen ones to witness and assist with the honoring of the Most Holy Pipe.