Elder Smith's Generosity, Compassion is for All

Patricia Ecker

9/21/2000 12:00:00 AM

Tribal Elder Sandy Smith has sewn free baby blankets for Native American newborns for the last seven years.

Smith, who is housekeeper for the Behavioral Health Department, often gives her creations away at the semiannual Baby Celebrations which take place at the Elijah Elk Cultural Center.

"The Lord told me to make them," said Smith. "I was called to this Reservation to be with my people."

The traditional custom of giveaways is exemplified by Smith's generosity. She has handmade an estimated 500 blankets over the past seven years. Smith said she refuses to put a price tag on them. Her creations have been sent all over the world.

"I want to make sure all the babies have something," stated Smith. "My blankets and dolls are all over the world-South Dakota, Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem, China and Russia."

Smith began making blankets 20 years ago. While living in Flint, she gave the blankets to less fortunate mothers so that their babies would have something new. She began sewing dolls over 30 years ago.

"I was poor. I had six kids, and my husband was working," stated Smith. "I wanted my kids to have �Raggedy Ann' dolls, and I asked a lady at my church to teach me how to sew."

In 1995, during a recuperation period after leg surgery, she began to sew baby blankets for the Tribal community. Her sister, Mary Allison, director of the Behavioral Health Department, asked if she could give some away to the families she encountered in her job as Parent, Infant Guidance counselor for the Tribe.

"She does this all on her own out of the goodness of her heart," said Allison. "She told me to take all that I needed and that she made these for the babies."

According to Allison, her sister's generosity doesn't end with creating the blankets, quilts and dolls for Tribal families.

"She's our den mother," said Allison. "She bakes goodies for the department. John Johnson calls her �domestic goddess.' We take care of each other here. We're really lucky. She does quite a bit for the community."

The giveaway is a custom during the semiannual Baby Celebration. In return for her generous gifts, all Smith asked for was to personally hand out the blankets, burp cloths and receiving blankets so she could meet the babies and their families.

"When I used to work at the Nimkee Clinic, I could see all the new mothers," said Smith. "It makes me feel real good to see them with the blankets I made."