Speaking only for my tribe. We did not have a written language so their is no record to be found. However the information was passed down from Generation to Generation. This chnaged when the Black Robes started a written language as they learned our language.
Since there is little mention it appears people did get old and passed on. Indicating that our immune systems being exposed aided in better health as the immune system was designed to do. What is mentioned is with the arrival of Black Robes and settlers who had new viruses we had never had before it had a devastaing effect.
We were one of the largest tribes. We lost many from wars with other tribes and the Army. But nothing close to the losses from new viruses. It mimicked Genocide.
My cousin researched old military health records after graduating medical school. What he found were symptoms of diabetes starting to show up on the reservations. This appears to be supported by photo evidence from the past. Obesity was showing up, along with missing teeth more likely connected to sugar when it was introduced.
My 4th generation Great Grandfathers daughter was dying. The Medicine Man was unable to heal her. The comander of the fort hearing this sent his Doctor to help. The delay came because of a snowstorm but the Doctor did arrive at night to help. But she passed away. Prety clear the medicine man had not come across anything like this in the past. pointing more then likely to a new virus. The commander sent a pine coffin and riding gauntlets and gave her a military style funeral when she was laid to rest. This kindness is never forgotten and passsed on to each Generation.
I spoke with a friend who is Cherokee. He shared similar information about the most harm was from new viruses and that the death rates could appear to be genocide. Pretty clear we lost way more people from viruses then wars. Also clear is our immune system work better when they are challenged and it passes on to the next Generation. So before new viruses showing up people were doing well.
Speaking only for my tribe. We did not have a written language so their is no record to be found. However the information was passed down from Generation to Generation. This chnaged when the Black Robes started a written language as they learned our language.
Since there is little mention it appears people did get old and passed on. Indicating that our immune systems being exposed aided in better health as the immune system was designed to do. What is mentioned is with the arrival of Black Robes and settlers who had new viruses we had never had before it had a devastaing effect.
We were one of the largest tribes. We lost many from wars with other tribes and the Army. But nothing close to the losses from new viruses. It mimicked Genocide.
My cousin researched old military health records after graduating medical school. What he found were symptoms of diabetes starting to show up on the reservations. This appears to be supported by photo evidence from the past. Obesity was showing up, along with missing teeth more likely connected to sugar when it was introduced.
My 4th generation Great Grandfathers daughter was dying. The Medicine Man was unable to heal her. The comander of the fort hearing this sent his Doctor to help. The delay came because of a snowstorm but the Doctor did arrive at night to help. But she passed away. Prety clear the medicine man had not come across anything like this in the past. pointing more then likely to a new virus. The commander sent a pine coffin and riding gauntlets and gave her a military style funeral when she was laid to rest. This kindness is never forgotten and passsed on to each Generation.
I spoke with a friend who is Cherokee. He shared similar information about the most harm was from new viruses and that the death rates could appear to be genocide. Pretty clear we lost way more people from viruses then wars. Also clear is our immune system work better when they are challenged and it passes on to the next Generation. So before new viruses showing up people were doing well.
I hope this is of help.
Thank you, it does.
You are welcome.