Elmer Crow

Oftentimes much of what I write starts out on a negative note; at least the inspiration starts with something I look upon negatively. I am amazed at how a single thought or word can lead to something bigger and well beyond the initial thought. Well beyond that it can come home to me in such a way that I am able to produce something I feel is very positive.

With yet another Hollywood “Superhero” film being all the rage at the moment, I kind of feel it’s a waste of time and resources. Entertainment is enjoyable, but I choose to find more productive ways to entertain myself. I often wondered why so many fiction stories are produced for the big screen while there is story after story of truly heroic men and women out there just waiting and needing to be told.

I won’t look down on someone for paying their hard-earned money to see a comic book character on the Silver Screen, but I choose to entertain myself with things that could possibly benefit from either an educational or even a spiritual standpoint. That’s why I’m not much a fan of comic book fiction; it’s fake in every way, shape and form. I’m not speaking simply of special effects but of the actual characters; robots that turn into cars; humans with titanium alloy skeletons, politicians who have integrity. Oh wait, that last one belongs in another blog. My point is, I wouldn’t go hunting just to shoot a bunch of duck decoys, so when it comes to the information I take in, I go for the real deal

Last summer I posted about a man named Roy Benavidez, a half Yaqui Mestizo who served in the United States Army. Roy’s story is more amazing than anything Hollywood could dish (or shovel) out. The main motivation behind my post was to illustrate the point that the word hero is widely misused these days and the fact that true heroes are widely ignored. That post led to a comment from a distant cousin of mine, a member of the Nez Perce tribe in Lapwai, Idaho. His comment spoke of a man named Elmer Crow, a Nez Perce elder who lived and died hero in its truest definition.

Now, if I had not made my original post about heroes, it’s very likely that I never would’ve known Elmer’s story. A quick search of the Web made it clear that his story barely made it beyond of the local news, and then only in Native-run media outlets. I guess the national mainstream media was more concerned with the celebrity of the day or whichever millionaire athlete was wiping his ass with the rulebook.

I felt much sadness as I read of Elmer’s life; partly a selfish sadness in that I never had the opportunity to meet the man. Yet in reading his story and reading the comments his friends and loved ones had to share, I was able to get to know him. The more I read about him, the more I realized that Elmer Crow is as much a hero as any man who has walked the Earth and a much bigger hero than most.

A man of integrity.

A man who valued Mother Nature.

A man who dedicated his very existence to something bigger than himself.

He was the kind of guy who saw the value in every person and went out of his way to show them that. Some of you might know someone like him, or at least have someone in your life who, when you even think of them, a smile comes to your face and a warmth comes to your heart.

As I read on, I learned that Elmer was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. No surprise there, for I’ve learned that those most in tune with nature are more in tune with life itself. Heroes give you much to admire and Elmer was no exception. But the truly great heroes make you look within.  They make you ask questions of yourself. They challenge you to be the best person you can be. What have I done for wildlife? What can I do for my community that I’m not doing right now? What wisdom have I gained that I can pass on to my children and grandchildren? The notepad is out and I’m adding things to that list even as I write this blog.

It could be said that one of Elmer’s biggest legacies is his work for the Pacific Lamprey, affectionately known as “Elmer’s Eels”.

At one time, tens of thousands of eels used to migrate from the Pacific Ocean up the Columbia and Snake Rivers into Nez Perce land in Idaho. 4 years ago, only one dozen were counted. Due to Elmer’s tenacity, dedication and spirit, the Pacific Lamprey is making a comeback. All because one man cared enough about our sacred wildlife to get up and do something about it.

These days, there’s little to no opportunity for the Nez Perce of Lapwai to harvest the lamprey, yet that day might come and it will be because of “Eelmer”.

Rarely do we hear mention of such men outside his family and community. And that is not only a downright shame; it’s also an indication of how our society has pushed aside positive values. Who among us can say they helped bring an animal from the brink of extinction? Many of us have made donations to worthy organizations that dedicate themselves to propagation and preservation of wild animals; but Elmer Crow literally and figuratively “rolled up his sleeves and got his hands dirty”.
When I look at Elmer’s picture, I see a man who I would’ve loved to hit the trail with; to sit by the campfire and hear the stories that I never could’ve learned in a lifetime in the library. The world could use a few more men like Elmer Crow.
Elmer was a rare man in that he could truthfully be called a hero for any one of his lifetime accomplishments; he honorably served in the 101^st Airborne, created trout fishing opportunities at Tunnel Pond and more important; taught the old ways of hunting, fishing and making traditional Nez Perce weapons and tools.

I never met Elmer but I think of him often. His life and legacy has led me to my desire and duty to be a better husband, father and member of my community. I think of Elmer and say to myself “We need more men like Elmer in this world.”
Elmer’s final mortal act turned out to be his finest; he gave his life to the Snake River so that his grandsons may live, ensuring that the future is secure with more men like Elmer in it…