NYT - "Obama Adopted by Native Americans" (Crow ceremony)

[Muttocracy]

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/19/obama-adopted-by-native-americans/

article and video clip

in part:

...
As Senator Barack Obama campaigned for the presidential primary in Montana – one of two states that closes out the Democratic nominating process on June 3 – he was welcomed here by a few thousand people. In a private ceremony, he was adopted into the Crow Nation and bestowed the name, “One Who Helps People Throughout the Land.”

“Senator Obama, welcome to Crow Country,” said Carl Venne, the tribal chairman.

The crowd thundered with applause as Mr. Obama was escorted onto stage by Hartford and Mary Black Eagle. They were his sponsors – or new parents, according to local custom – who were selected because they have five living generations on the reservation.

(It is said to be a sign of great fortune to have so many living generations, given the low life expectancy on the reservation. Mr. Obama joins the ranks of other politicians and dignitaries, including Senator Jon Tester and Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who recently have become honorary members of the Crow tribe.)

“I like my new name: Barack Black Eagle. That is a good name,” Mr. Obama told the outdoor audience. As he recognized local officials, he stumbled over a few names, saying with a smile: “I was just adopted into the tribe. I’m still working on my pronunciations.”
..