WARDS OF A NATION, THE

The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: Wise men and camel looking at bright star - Indian chief looking at star. “Waawanyaka Mitawa Kin, Itancan Kin Hee, Wimakakijin Kte Sni.” “The Lord is my shepherd therefore can I lack nothing.” Indian chief looking out over valley. “The encampment. It’s customary to pitch the tents in a great circle, with the booth for the service in the center.” Pitched tents, parked cars, horses, buckboards. “Sons of the great out-doors marching by reservation to service.” Indian men, women, and children walking to church services - clergyman walks by in robes. “Choir, catechists and clergy enter the convocation booth for evening service.” Procession to church. “Each year delegates from 100 churches gather and spend 4 days in council and services.” Group posing. “Unscrupulous white men made a difficult task for the disciples of God to overcome, but the voice of the Maker has been heard and the red man is happy.” “Sunset service. Whenever they are traveling in groups they observe this devout practice. Old warriors now kneel with their white brethren in Christian worship.” Indians kneeling. “Tent life.” Indians standing outside of tent. “Morning ablutions.” Children washing outside of tent. “Dining room and kitchen.” Woman making camp fire. “A hungry little red man.” Child eating beside tree. “An out-door feast.” Men sitting around in circle eating. “Soloman Pawnee Leggings, who saw the Indians make their last resistance against the white man at Wounded Knee.” Close-up of Indian. “A pageant representing incidents in Indian religious history was given in honor of the 50th gathering of the Convocation.” Women holding flag, singing. “A council of Ghost Dancers during the Messiah craze.” Indians sitting in circle smoking. “School days.” Children playing on platform, greet clergyman in carriage, he sits down on platform, children gather around. “The memory of Bishop Hare is brought to light. The Bishop was one of the Indians’ greatest friends and gave his life serving them.” “Service at Bishop Hare’s grave.” Women placing flowers at foot of cross. “The Bishop administers the rite of confirmation and --” Men and women kneeling before Bishop. “-- distributes crosses to persons confirmed.” Bishop giving crosses to group of Indians - Indians walking away from outdoor altar. [1920]