Re: Akela: Wolf or Great Indian Chief (was Native American
Michael F. Bowman (mfbowman@CAPACCESS.ORG)
Mon, 5 Feb 1996 02:59:42 -0500
Baden-Powell originally included the Jungle Book story in his Wolf Cub
program. When BSA started developing a Cub Scout program in 1929 Ernest
Thompson Seton persuaded BSA that an American Indiana emphasis was needed
and so borrowed heavily from Woodcraft Indians, Wolf Cubs, and Boy
Rangers in developing an Americanized version of the legend of Akela.
In the 1962 Wolf Handbook, probably like the one you saw, the story of Akela
began "Many moons before the Palefaces came to America in their big ships
with sky-wings, the Red men lived and hunted in the great woods and upon
the broad plains of America. . . "
Mowgli was an "Indian boy." In the legend which runs several pages,
Akela is described as a Chief. In this legend their are stories of the
first Chief's bravery in fighting a grizzly bear, attacking the war
canoes of enemies, fighting a bull, etc.
This legend changed a little, but the main features were the same as late
as the 1977 handbooks. 1979 the Wolf Handbook was rewritten and the
emphasis shifted from Akela being a chief to Akela being a leader, such
that any parent or older sibling could be an Akela. With this change the
legend shifted back to Kiplings original story.
Now if you read the story of Akela, it clear that the events described
are in India, etc.
Speaking Only for Myself in the Scouting Spirit, Michael F. Bowman
a/k/a Professor Beaver (WB), ASTA #2566, OA Vigil Honor '71, Eagle
Scout '67, Serving as Deputy District Commissioner for Training,
G.W.Dist., Nat. Capital Area Council, BSA - mfbowman@capaccess.org
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City |
