PRESIDENT COOLIDGE NOW HAS AN INDIAN NAME: 'BEAR RIBS'
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 31, 1925, The Washington Times reports The White House has been informed by letter today from the Standing Rock Indian Agency at Fort Yates*, North Dakota that President Calvin Coolidge has been given an official Indian name, "Bear Ribs."
It seems Bear Ribs was a "far-seeing, progressive" Indian chief who taught his tribe that the way of the white man might bring peace. Unfortunately, according to the Times, Bear Ribs' teachings were objectionable to the tribe and he was murdered.
Not to worry, the Hunkpapa Sioux have seen the error of their ways and now honor the teachings of Bear Ribs. They are grateful to the president for bestowing citizenship to them.
They sent along a pipe and beaded tobacco bag for Mr. Coolidge in honor of his new Indian name.
JFK+50 NOTE
There is no information in the Times article to indicate what President Coolidge said in response to learning of the honor, but given his well-known personality, it probably wasn't much.
*Fort Yates is the tribal headquarters of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe located in North Dakota. Originally it was to house a US Army garrison to oversee Indian bands. In 1878, it was named in honor of George Yates who was killed at Little Big Horn. Sitting Bull was originally buried here.
SOURCE
"Indians Give Coolidge 'Bear-Ribs' Name," The Washington Times, March 31, 1925, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
