At the site of the Bear River Massacre, Darren Parry shares several stories that reflect the importance his people place on sharing resources and providing for all members of the community, especially the most vulnerable. He contrasts traditional Shoshone values with those of the rugged individualism so admired by the dominant culture. The latter is represented by a mountain man who chastises a Shoshone hunter for sharing the bounty of his successful kill with the entire community rather than holding the better portion of the meat back for himself – stashing it away to safeguard against an uncertain future.
These same values of cooperation, kindness, and generosity, are what make one an ideal candidate to be a leader. “If you want to be a chief” his grandmother taught him, “you must lead a life of service and wisdom.” In this story, the seeker’s good deeds and kindness are recorded in eagle feathers. At the end of the day those holding the most feathers are chosen to be the next chief.
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