The giving of Indian names is a very special thing among Native Americans. Among the Cheyenne, Indian names are bestowed by chiefs and elders. Names are bestowed in a variety of ways. Sometimes Indian names are given informally. Such was the case with Mary John (Flick) and Bob Carter's three children, John David, Dyan (Harrison), and Dean.

 Their names were given informally by Martha Fingernail, our adopted Indian grandmother. The names of the first generation of Carter children were bestowed when they were toddlers. David was named for Grandpa Pete Fingernail (Grandma Martha's husband). His Indian name is "White Hawk" (Whupianno'). Dyan's Indian name is "Pipe Woman" (Heoniva'). She was named after Grandma Martha. Dean's Indian name is "Walking Out" (Hoiyahmaa') The name comes from Grandma Martha's brother, Herbert Swallow.

On December 26, 2005, Mary John and Bob's grandchildren were given Cheyenne Indian names in a formal naming ceremony.  The ceremony was conducted by Cheyenne Chief, Edwin Pewo. Edwin Pewo is the grandson of Cheyenne Chief, Henry Elk Rivers, His Indian name was "Crooked Nose" (Wookieset). Henry Elk Rivers had an allotment of land that was across the road from Jacob Flick's farm.  Jacob Flick came to Oklahoma from Indiana in 1907.

Henry Elk Rivers raised his children in a house on the allotment located less than a quarter mile south of  Grandpa Jacob Flick's house. Mary John was raised on a farm slightly less than a mile east of the Elk Rivers allotment. The Flick Family and the Elk Rivers family have been closely associated for more than four generations. Mary John's father, John Flick, now owns the Henry Elk Rivers allotment. The allotment was sold in an auction in the early 1970's.

The second generation of Carter children are David, Dyan, and Dean's children. David's children are Kayla, Jesse, and Jason. Dyan's children are Kelin, Keeley, and Kaydee.  Dean's children are Wyatt and Weston. Below is a series of photos of the formal naming ceremony. Click on the thumbnails and find larger photographs that contain details of the special and very impressive ceremony. Mary John's brother (Great-uncle David to the children) represented the children at the ceremony

(Click on thumbnails to view larger photographs)