By Edwin Marshall
Family Services Director

Traditionally, the Mvskoke people consider humility an integral aspect of tribal culture. In fact, it is one of three principles which have been espoused in both family traditions and cultural teachings.

Eyasketv (meekness, mild mannered), Vnokeckv (love, affection) and Kvncvpkv (humility, lowliness) are considered the three most important qualities of character. These principles were the underlying foundations of a civilized society even before the European exposure.

It is, therefore, conceivable that the conversion of the Tribal Nations to Christianity was advanced because of the commonality with the New Testament principles of Jesus Christ.

When two or more people meet, it is customary to extend one’s hand to the other for a handshake. Handshaking is a gesture of both a respectful salute, and evidence of submission – open hands hold no weapons.

This is akin to certain aspects within the animal kingdom, where the species lives within a societal group. An individual may return from a hunt and undergo a reintegration or submission ritual with the other members of the group. Getting along is one of the most basic tenets of civilization.

We are, however, set apart from the animal kingdom by our ability to communicate through language. Once again, we customarily greet one another with a verbal gesture, usually in unison with the handshake. The English greetings are typically one word gestures – “hello” or “goodbye.”

It is important to note that the Mvskoke words have distinct meanings that guide the course, or syntax, of the greeting – which is practically a conversation in itself.

For example, it is appropriate to answer a question after the question is asked, and not before. Therefore, “Estonko” – “How are you?” or literally, “There is no difficulty for you, is there?” – is answered by “Heres’ce” (abbreviated Hers’ce) – “All is well.” – the appropriate reply. I am reminded of my grandfather to whom I once said, “Hers’ce” as a greeting. In the Mvskoke language, he replied, “Mv’tat cem ‘pohvkis!” – “I didn’t ask you about that!” and he was right.

We must also be constantly vigilant not to corrupt our language. I have seen instances where non-Indians, and even some Mvskoke people, verbalize and spell Hers’ce (phonetically Hēthls-chē) as “henksche.” Our alphabet and word spellings are as important to our language as the spoken word. Finally, there is no definitive word or phrase that achieves the finality of “goodbye!” Instead, we may say “Enka, Ce’hecares!” – “Okay, I will see you again!”

Note: The character aspects of meekness and humility in Mvsoke society that are mentioned in this article are not to be confused with the fierceness in battle with the enemy and tenacity in the hunt as is documented with all Mvskoke cultures.