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I
Have Something To Say by Robert Griffing
The Native
Americans of the Eastern Woodlands held in the highest esteem the
spoken word by which they communicated traditions and held their
culture together. Within their society, to become a skilled orator
was considered a high achievement, and the very best speakers rose
to prominence within the tribe. Many became Sachems, or Chiefs,
responsible for the political relations of the nation. Whether addressing
a grand council of many hundreds or conveying a message to only
a few, the speaker was given the complete respect and attention
of everyone present. Within the Lenape or Delaware nation, the speaker
would often begin with the phrase, "N'petalogalgun", meaning, "I
have something to say."
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