Languages Represented: The collection materials are in Otoe-Missouria.
Extent: 12 items
Collection Date Range: 1968 – 2012
Creators: Wilson Atkins
Collection Identifier: WAT
Abstract: The Wilson Atkins Collection features print-based language lessons, in addition to a variety of audio and video recordings of songs, stories, ceremonies and conversations in the Otoe-Missouria language. The materials date from 1968 – 2012.
Acquisition Information: These records came to the Sam Noble Museum in 2013 and were deposited by Wilson Atkins.
Access Restrictions: The materials are open for research. Contact the NALC at (405) 325-3332 or language.samnoblemuseum@ou.edu.
Cite As: [title], [catalog number], Wilson Atkins Collection, Sam Noble Museum Department of Native American Languages.
Collection Scope and Contents: The Wilson Atkins Collection features a variety of print, audio and video materials created between the years 1986 and 2012. The materials document the Otoe-Missouria language; some English is also included. The collection primarily features audio and video oral histories, songs and film footage of various members of the Otoe tribe, along with a two-part set of text and audio-based language lessons.
Among the audio recordings is a collection of Otoe songs compiled by Wilson Atkins. These songs span a range of topics, including the relationship between the United States flag and Otoe Indians who fought in World War I; the invasion of an Otoe camp by the Sioux; the Otoe war leader, Black Bear; stories about horses; Otoe veterans of foreign wars and their mothers; and Christianity. Additional to this is a collection of Otoe prayer songs featuring Wilson Atkins’ uncle, Joe Young, Sr., founder of the Baptist Church in Red Rock, Oklahoma, as well as a set of songs from 1968-1969 featuring Wilson’s father, Baxter Atkins, and Wilson’s uncle, Emmit DeRoin. The collection also contains audio recordings of Otoe songs featuring Terrence Atkins, son of Wilson Atkins and grandson of Baxter Atkins, singing in Oklahoma when he was 6 years old.
Among the video recordings is an 11-part video set recorded between June 1986 and February 1987. Titled “The Otoe-Missouria Elders Life Review Project,” this footage contains discussions between several elder tribal representatives from the Otoe-Missouria tribe. “Otoe and Missouria Customs and Traditions” is a three-part set of video footage recorded in Oklahoma in November 1990, and documents the customs and traditions of the tribe, as told by Truman Dailey, a Missouria Eagle Clan member, and Harvey Homeratha, also of the Missouria tribe. Other videos include ceremonies for Terrence Atkins and Kait lynn Pipestem, and a video titled “Otoe Missourian,” which features recordings of several traditional Otoe Missourian songs and some Christian hymns.
| Catalog # | Title |
|---|---|
| WAT-001 | Terrence Atkins and Kait lynn Pipestem (at 6 years old), roaching and pluming |
| WAT-002 | Otoe prayer songs |
| WAT-003 | Explaining Otoe songs |
| WAT-004 | Otoe songs 2012 |
| WAT-005 | Terrence Atkins singing at 6 years old |
| WAT-006.001 | Baxoje - Jiwere Ich^e Ioway - Otoe language CD 1 |
| WAT-006.002 | Text for Baxoje - Jiwere Ich^e Ioway - Otoe language CD 1 |
| WAT-007.001 | Baxoje – Jiwere Ich ^e Ioway – Otoe language CD 2 |
| WAT-007.002 | Text for Baxoje - Jiwere Ich^e Ioway - Otoe language CD 2 |
| WAT-008 | Otoe-Missouria Elders Life Review Project |
| WAT-009 | Otoe and Missouria customs and traditions |
| WAT-010 | Otoe Missourian |
