Youths Get Real Lesson on Native Americans

Children at Santiago Elementary School received a real-life lesson about Native American culture Tuesday, and also learned something about giving.

The visit by Black Buffalo, a Hemet resident who also goes by the name Ray Wilson, was meant to commemorate national American Indian Heritage month.

Students also used the visit to get into the Thanksgiving spirit, donating canned food for Black Buffalo to bring to needy Native Americans and others in Hemet and Mexico during the holiday season.

“It’s a great idea,” said Araceli Ramos, 9, who donated a can of mushroom soup.

During his presentation on Native American culture, Black Buffalo, 68, beat a drum, explaining to children that it was used as signal to call people to meetings.

He talked about the baskets, pots and other items Native Americans made with their hands, explaining there were “no Wal-Marts in those days.”

Wearing a feathered headdress, Black Buffalo was greeted with a flurry of questions. Yes, he said, his children carry on Native American traditions, but no, he does not wear his headdress everywhere he goes.

Black Buffalo, who spoke to 160 students, most in the fourth grade, said he hoped the children walked away with some important lessons.

“I want the children to know about our people,” he said, “to learn that our people are real--not just the Hollywood version.”