Charles Reyes-Little Eagle and Christopher Yarsawich
Recorded
March 12, 2022
44:45 minutes
Id:
atl004603
Description
Christopher John Yarsawich (37) talks with his friend Charles Reyes-Little Eagle (75) about his Native American heritage, his military service, and his role as an instructor at Aiken County Career and Technology Center.Subject Log / Time Code
Charles "Charlie" Reyes-Little Eagle (75) says he grew up on the Carnegie and Cheyenne reservations. He says they were poor and received a government allowance. He says his mother is Cheyenne, and his father Kiowa.
Charlie says the reservation taught him how to treat people, how to hunt, and how to improvise when you did not have something.
Charlie remembers the elders telling stories. He says the children learned songs, dances and how to play the drum. He says they learned the colors and languages of the other tribes.
Charlie remembers being taken to the doctor for his stutter. He says a surgical procedure on his tongue allowed him to learn to talk and sing. He says he now speaks sixteen languages.
Christopher John "Chris" Yarsawich (37) asks Charlie about pow wows. Charlie talks about the blessing of the circle. He says they talk to God, whom they call the Creator or Grandfather.
Charlie remembers learning about the American flag and what the colors/pattern symbolize. He says he asked for and received permission to incorporate the flag's colors into his regalia.
Charlie talks about his mental state while dancing.
Charlie says his dreams told him he would go into the service.
Chris asks about the treatment of Native American. Charlie says he did not know hate, prejudice, or curse words until he joined the Army.
Charlie remembers a story his grandfather told him comparing a woman to a rose.
Charlie tells the story of the Cherokee Rose.
Charlie talks about returning to the reservation for powwows and the memories that evokes. He talks about the different kinds of dancers.
Charlie talks about the importance of learning values like discipline and respect. He says he did use hard love while raising his children. He remembers being drafted and being away from his family for 6 years.
Charlie talks about anger and PTSD. He talks about his role as a non-commissioned officer and having men die in his arms.
Charlie says he had to start over when he returned from Vietnam. He talks about going to the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) for help. He says it took 18 years for him to feel better.
Charlie talks about his retirement as an electrical engineer. He talks about being an instructor for kids at Aiken County Career and Technology Center.
Charlie remembers when he was in the hospital for six months. He says he was running away from the Lord.
Charlie talks about his students.
Chris remarks on Charlie's life of service. Charlie shares some words of wisdom and talks about God.
Charlie talks about today's kids being the future of America.
Participants
- Charles Reyes-Little Eagle
- Christopher Yarsawich