SILETZ

I was born in 1912 to a Cheyenne mother and Siletz father. After surviving World War II (my ship was sunk at Okinawa), I looked back to my Indian roots and realized how rapidly the cultures were being lost, and how little understanding there was of my people. I longed for the wisdom of my heritage. I dance and wear traditional Plains Indian clothing, and Eagle feather headdress, which represents my years of service and accomplishments. The arrows on my face were marks given to me as a child by the medicine man. They signify my protection from evil spirits.

Chief William Hauser DePoe died on January 11, 1997. Read his obituary.