Grandfather Names Newborn Grandson, Welcomes Him With Song

A grandfather who is part of the Lakota tribe in Mandan, North Dakota, named his newborn grandson Thasunke and welcomed him to the world with song in a heartwarming video captured on August 22.

The video was captured by the child’s mother, Dr. Eagle Shield, who told Storyful her father, John Eagle Shield, welcomed her baby boy “earth-side with what he wants for him in his life, as well as his name and the history behind what it means and comes from.” She further explained that her father honored her son with a prayer song and a “transfer of character ceremony.”

In a caption on the video, Dr. Shield said John “was the best dad to me and watching him be the best grandpa to my kids is the best feeling.” Credit: Dr. Eagle Shield via Storyful

Video transcript

Everything infected.

Mhm.

Mm.

Hey, let's go.

Hey, I to, uh OK, you know.

Hm.

It's so good that OK. Hey, Mhm.

Hey, you know, you know, I me I OK. Oh, damn you.

Here you are.

We are taking care of nature pillow.