Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

May 3, 2003 - Issue 86

Three Indian Orators

Two of them are sons of Oshkosh
The other is Chief Justice of Menomonee Indian Court
A-co-ne-may, Ne-o-pet, and Wau-ta-chee-kee are men of Eminence on the Reservation in Shawano County - Findings of Court Rarely Over Ruled by the Government Agent

Shawano, Wisconsin, January 7, 1896 - In 1852 when the Menomonee Indians were moved on to their present reservation in Shawano County the head chief was known as 'Old Oshkosh.'

A-co-ne-may - Son of Oshkosh

On his death, about 12 years later, his eldest son - A-co-ne-may succeeded him as head chief and was known for his oratorical power, and was a leader among the young men of the Menomonee nation. He soon learned the white man's errors, and while under the influence of liquor was noted for his quarrels and brawls which resulted in his using a knife on his friend and neighbor, Augustus Grignon, in the year 1871. Grignon died of his wounds and A-co-ne-may was arrested for the murder, was tried in the Shawano County Court and convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to three years imprisonment at Waupun prison. While in prison he was a model prisoner, won the confidence and goodwill of all the officials, and after serving two years was pardoned and returned to the reservation a better man in every respect.

During his absence he was removed from his position as head chief, and since his return he had led the life of a farmer, and the respect and friendship of his white neighbors, and today no Menomonee Indian stands higher in the councils of the tribe than A-co-ne-may, who is now about 68 years of age.

Ne-o-pet - Son of Oshkosh

Ne-o-pet is the second son of Old Oshkosh, and succeeded A-co-ne-may as head chief. He too, has learned the lesson of temperance and obedience to authority, and today ranks high in the estimation of all business pertaining to the Menomonee nation. He is obeyed as head chief and also chief justice of the Indian court, and ranks among the best orators among the Menomonee Indians.

The Menomonee Indian court is composed of three Indians, who have power over all local Indian matters on the reservation. Their findings are subject to the approval or veto of the Indian Agent, and it is seldom the agent is called upon to veto, or modify, any of their findings. The Indian court at present consist of Ne-o-pet, chief justice; Nak-tah-wah-pamy and Chick-e-ny.  The first two named are pagan Indians and the latter is a Catholic.

Wau-ta-chee-kee

Wau-ta-chee-kee is a typical Menomonee Indian, who resides near Keshena. He belongs to the Pagans and takes great interest in all the Pagan ceremonies and dances. He is noted for strict integrity and his oratorical powers, ranking second to none in the tribe as an orator. He is about 65 years of age, a lover of good horseflesh and has the finest herd of Indian ponies on the reservation.

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