"Warrior Is" Tiyospaye

Harley L. Zephier and Robin L. Zephier, members of the Mnincoju Lakota people in South Dakota, have written a Book/Novel about their Great Grandfather who was a Mnincoju Lakota Warrior. Their Great Grandfather Mato Niyanpi, aka Scarleg, lived from 1849 through 1933. The nonfiction Book is based upon his true story and is derived from the Oral History passed down from and through his direct descendants, including the authors. The Book is about his life, and the life of the Lakota People during those times. Our Great Grandfather played one of the most prominent roles in the Greasy Grass Battle at the Little Bighorn in 1876 and was present at and survived the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre. The details of the Book encompass much information of these events that have never been told before publicly to anyone outside of the immediate family over the past 140 years. The events needed to be kept secret for all of that time, until the time was right in the future, to tell his story and share it with the World. That time has come. The Book involves all aspects of Lakota Life during that time period of 1848 to 1876 and describes the communal, cultural, traditional and Spiritual story of Mato Niyanpi and the Lakota. The Story will take the reader through the Creation times and on through the middle of the year of 1876, and just after the Greasy Grass Battle at the Little Bighorn.

The Manuscript for the Book has been copyrighted, and is now in the process of being published and printed. We believe that this Story will have worldwide appeal once it becomes known about the topics and revelations contained therein. It has been a Spiritual endeavor for all of us, our Family, to be a part of bringing this forward after all the years of secrecy and silence. The Book depicts the true events of the Greasy Grass Battle at the Little Bighorn in 1876. It is told from the viewpoint and experience of one of the most committed human beings in that battle.  Mato Niyanpi.  The Spiritual journey that one will take in reading this Book, hopefully, will allow you to see the world in a way that will bring back a sense of community, family, peace, unity, tolerance and love.

Time is of the essence in this project. We are seeking help in deferring our costs of publishing and printing, which for the most part, we are doing on a self-publishing basis.  Since we are first time authors, it was difficult to get our foot in the door with any established or well recognized publishing houses or entities.

For those that are kind enough to contribute or help us in this endeavor by contributing at least $250.00 to our cause to get our Book published, printed and on sale, we will be offering a special edition, hard cover, autographed copy of the Book soon after it goes on sale.  We are hopeful, that with the needed financial assistance and support, that we can get it into bookstores and libraries sooner, and in the near future.  The issues are incredibly relevant and connected to present circumstances concerning Grandmother Earth today.  

We will provide updates on our progress as things occur.

Thank you for your kind attention to and consideration of this matter.

Take care.

Sincerely,

Harley L. Zephier
Robin L. Zephier
www.scarleg.com