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Grandpa Joe worked in various departments on the University of South Dakota campus beginning in the 1960s. He served as mentor to many in the community, both students and faculty. He was a traditional man, English second-language speaker who was born on the Ihanktonwan Nakota Oyate homelands. After attending several different boarding schools, he found that his Indian ways were good but at the same time he had to learn how the toka lived. Knowing this, he learned how to succeed in their world too.
He grew into a man who had his feet firmly planted in both worlds. He was practiced in singing with the big drum, the peyote drum, and popular music. He was a crack rifle shot, his hunting successes are legendary as he brought meat to the table. He was an outstanding snooker and 8 ball pool player too. He learned this as he travelled around the country working at different jobs, whether on his own initiative or with the relocation program. Doing a stint with a Wild West show, his extensive travels gave him many stories that he shared with his relatives.
Many people who live in the community, and those who came here to attend
the University, benefitted from this man and his wife Grandma Nancy War
Rockboy. It must also be said that there were people in the community who
made them welcome here. With this mutual sharing attitude, Grandpa Charles
Kills Enemy with his wife Isabel Ten Fingers, Uncle Adam Sitting Crow and
his wife Germaine, Uncle Quentin Bruguier and Auntie Myrtle, Uncle Asa
Primeaux and Auntie Lorretta, Uncle Joe Shields, Sr., Neulan Dion, Reuben
Snake, and their wives became regular contributors. With their activities
and by invitation, many other elders from different Oyate came here
to Vermillion to share their knowledge. Practicing their Indian ways,
Grandpa Joe and his relatives were generous to everyone they met,
regardless of race, political, or religious persuasion. For Grandpa Joe,
by sharing his knowledge, he stood up for his ways, and he never forgot
what it is to be a good human being. In this way Grandpa Joe and his
relatives integrated the University to benefit all who come here to learn.
He is remembered by us. Ho, hecitu. Tahunska Tanka, he
miyedo.
