A Lakota author recently stopped by a Rapid City school to share stories about his career. Joseph Marshall the third encouraged kids at North Middle School to pursue their dreams. Students asked him questions about growing up on the Rosebud Reservation and his writing.
Joseph Marshall has written 20 books since the early 90’s and has two more on the way. He’s written non-fiction, novels, short stories and several screenplays. Students at North Middle school have been assigned to read some of his work. The 72 year old Marshall stands in front of dozens of middle schoolers and answers questions.
He shares stories from his career, and gives the students advice. Marshall’s books are sold all over the world.
“All the books are about Lakota people and Lakota culture in general, history and culture.”
His first language was Lakota.
“That’s who I am, that’s my identity, that’s how I grew up--learning it from my maternal grandparents”
Lakota stories are mostly passed down through oral history. Marshall mixes Lakota fiction, fact and spirituality he learned from his grandparents into his work. Marshall says he hopes to set an example for the middle schoolers.
“I do something that only a very small percentage of society does--and that write. And to be a Lakota author, that’s what important for these children to understand and people to understand.”
Marshall, who once taught highschool and college level courses helped create native studies curriculum. His stories also teach principles like respect and honor. One eighth grader asked Marshall what it’s like to be Lakota. Marshall says questions like these are an opportunity to teach kids people’s similarities--regardless of race.
“We, no matter who we are, we have to allow other people, enable other people and allow other people if nothing else, to be who and what they are without having your own opinions about what they should be and how they should act. That’s what respect is.”
When young students read about things like respecting each other, Marshall says they’re more likely to apply that behavior.
Some students took his message to heart. Carly Siers is 14 years old.
“His stories have to do with character like humility, self love and self appreciation, appreciating everybody else with respect. In one of the stories, this girl named No Moccasins saved her own husband from a campground. It’s about about humility and it’s pretty nice.”
Siers says she used to write when she was being bullied because it was a way for her to express herself. Marshall inspired her to keep at it.
“I thought it was pretty inspiring because whenever I was younger I used to want to be a writer as well and he told us not to quit, never quit following your dreams.”
Siers says she plans to use this advice. Marshall speaks to kids all over the country. He hopes learning about his life and career will inspire more students to overcome their struggles.