Robert Placidus Higheagle (born ca. 1873), whose Indian name was Kahektakiya, entered Hampton in the early 1890s and was editor of Talks and Thoughts from 1893 to 1894. After graduating from Hampton, he became a teacher at Lower Brule and then returned to Standing Rock Reservation, where he taught school. During this time, Higheagle also assisted Frances Densmore, an expert in tribal music, in her efforts to record and transcribe traditional songs of the Teton Sioux for the Bureau of American Ethnology. (Barrett et al., American Indian Biographies, 216–17; Littlefield and Parins, American Indian, 358; Littlefield and Parins, Biobibliography: Supplement, 229)
In the olden times, when the Indians used to live together in their villages of white tents, which sometimes extended for five or six miles, there prevailed certain customs that were very much like those of civilized nations. Among these there existed one among the Sioux tribe called Tipi-iyokihe.
The village was built up in a circular form. In the center of the circle no animals were allowed, only people. Sometimes some rich Indian would present a large tent, large enough to accommodate two or three hundred people. In one of these enormous tents the old men would gather. Another would be given up to old women, and another to children.
Each tent had its special amusements. The tent for the young people was generally used for dancing, while those used by the older people were given up to councils and other public exercises. These tents were not obtained by taxing the Indians, but were given by individuals who were interested in certain classes of people. In some cases the donor gave it for fame; while others gave for their kind spirit towards others, that were not able to enjoy the advantages of the giver. Some of these benevolent men are yet in the minds of our people. In some places these very tents have been kept and are now used for better purposes. I remember before coming here some of those tents were used for outdoor prayer-meetings, where many souls were converted.
This old custom resembles that of many benevolent people in the North. They have shown their interest in certain classes of people and their welfare.
Here in this school I think that these friends are doing this same good work in helping us to get an education. When I go around and see the different buildings and the grand work that is carried on in them, I thank God that there are people who are interested in us and are trying to elevate us.15