Sibby Le Beau of Grand Island, a Lakota Sioux Indian who served as a Native American code talker during World War II, was featured speaker at the fourth annual “Enchanted Trail” event held last Saturday evening, Oct. 4, at the Olson Nature Preserve.
Mr. Le Beau talked about his many experiences growing up on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation as a keeper of the Lakota traditions and stories. He learned self-sufficiency, patience and many different Indian languages as a youth, he said. He attended a Catholic mission school and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
In the Navy, he was a member of a special forces unit, and used Indian languages to talk in code and assist Allied forces during invasions.
Mr. Le Beau was among the first American troops to land in North Africa, Italy, Normandy and in various places in the Pacific, where he was once held prisoner by the Japanese until escaping.
Approximately 100 people attended the Enchanted Trail event. In addition to Mr. Le Beau’s talk, the evening featured trail walks led by members of Boy Scout troop 155, a telescope provided by Dr. Anthony Kusek, a campfire, a sing-a-long led by pastor Larry Sydow and treats provided by the Boone Central PTO.
The Enchanted Trail was sponsored by the Albion Area Arts Council and the Olson Nature Preserve Stewards.
