Today I embark on a journey that has been years in the planning. I am amazed that my 50 year journey has brought me to this point. I am the descendant of Glory of the Morning. A daughter of a principal chief of the Ho Chunk Nation during the late 1600's, who married a French voyageur and together they had two sons and a daughter. How many times have I heard my grandfather or Choka say these very words? Too many to count. He recounted the same story over and over again. I wish I had paid more attention.
At first I wanted to write a historical fiction book about her, but as with all of my writings I needed to do some research. As I started to gather my information that I have collected over the years, it became apparent to me that if I could conduct this research and get credit for it, that would be awesome. I have never been conventional. One of my degrees was self designed- Physiology at UMD. So it was not surprising to me that I am now a graduate student at Lesley University in their self design master of arts program and will begin my studies in Native American Women's Historical Writing.
Glory of the Morning: Ho Chunk woman or Chieftess? Quite a beginning.
In this blog I will relate my findings and feelings surrounding my study of Glory of the Morning. I would welcome feedback of any kind, preferably nice feedback. Or rather, I hate to say it, but here it goes, constructive feedback. GAK!
Some of my early discoveries thus far are pluralism. I am a member of the Ho Chunk Nation, a registered nurse, a mother, and a Christian yearning to learn more about my heritage through a master's degree program at a private university. Striking really. Through this study of Glory of the Morning, I am learning that not all published research is entirely accurate regarding Ho Chunk history, let alone the events surrounding Glory of the Morning and her French voyageur. When I broached this subject with George Garvin, a respected Ho Chunk historian, he said that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Very gracious. He taught me that recorded history can be seen in various lights and though they may differ, differences (or points of contention) can be explained. Wow!
Glory of the Morning was not a conventional Ho Chunk woman either. Obviously this runs deep in my family. She married outside of her tribe and continued to guide, stand with, intervene in behalf of, and associate with her people. I am very fortunate to have this time to study her contribution to Ho Chunk history.
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