"Leaders are people in charge, organizers, people who make decisions for the best of those they lead. If they are good leaders, they take the needs and wants of those they lead into consideration trying to make a whole from fragments. Good leaders are revered and remembered for their leadership under all types of circumstances. Good leaders serve, not dominate.

We revere the words of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Patrick Henry and others who are part of our historical heritage. They all take an undisputable place in our lineup of heroes and leaders of the past whose wisdom shines out in the words they left behind.

But, when we look back at our history, some of the words of our Native Americans should stand out as well. They should take their place of honor, even though at the time, they were maligned, ignored and seldom respected for the leadership of their own nations. Revered by their own people, most have been forgotten by a tide of Europeans who came and conquered with little respect for their culture."

Get the Story:
Jeannine Roediger: Wisdom found in Native American history (The Van Wert Times Bulletin 11/13)