Buffalo Dreamer: Chapters 5–6

by Violet Duncan
Twelve-year-old Summer learns of her grandfather's traumatic childhood suffering because of his indigenous (Cree) heritage. Her family's present happiness and unity within their native community in Alberta, Canada, is a beautiful lesson in resilience, honor, and the healing power of love.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–4, Chapters 5–6, Chapters 7–10, Chapters 11–14, Chapters 15–16, Chapters 17–20, Chapters 21–26, Chapters 27–30
15 words 14 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. abandoned
    forsaken by owner or inhabitants
    I open my door and walk around the car to help Sage unbuckle and get his stuff out. I feel sort of abandoned until my grandmother comes charging over.
    “My babies!” Kokom cries out. “How are you? Was the trip okay?”
  2. gruff
    blunt and unfriendly or stern
    I’m looking around the crowd for my favorite cousin, Autumn, when my grandfather comes up for his hug. “And how’s my Yaya?” Mosom says slowly in his gruff grandfatherly voice.
  3. practically
    almost; nearly
    Not only are we both twelve and named for seasons, but we almost look the same, except her hair is brown-red and mine is brown-black. People are always mistaking us for sisters, and it’s pretty funny that today we’re practically dressed the same—both wearing black capri jeans and tie-dyed T-shirts.
  4. bluff
    pretense that your position is stronger than it really is
    “Oh, Summer! You’re so funny!” Aunty Onawa says. “And look at how long your hair has grown. Have you been using the shampoo I mailed you for Christmas?”
    “Umm…yes?” I answer, attempting my best bluff face.
  5. natural
    not artificial or imitative
    Aunty Onawa is always mailing me natural and organic products to use. I wasn’t a big fan of this last shampoo, since it left my hair smelling more like tree branches than soap.
  6. organic
    grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides
    Aunty Onawa is always mailing me natural and organic products to use. I wasn’t a big fan of this last shampoo, since it left my hair smelling more like tree branches than soap.
  7. survey
    consider in a comprehensive way
    “Geez, quite the family reunion here tonight!” Autumn says.
    “I know,” I say, surveying the large gathering. “Always a party at Kokom and Mosom’s!”
  8. moccasin
    soft leather shoe; originally worn by Native Americans
    “And what about Uncle Lawrence? He’s beading his moccasins for his powwow outfit, and he’s always showing everyone his progress. Don’t look now or he’ll come over right this minute and try to show us too!”
  9. intently
    with strained or eager attention
    Mom is leaning in toward Aunty Crystal and listening intently to what they’re telling her. I can just hear a few words over the roar of pop music and laughter.
  10. vigil
    a peaceful, stationary demonstration or protest, especially at night
    “We’ll have to tell him soon—it’s about time the truth gets told,” Mom says gently. “Has anyone started a vigil yet?”
    “Day after tomorrow, we’re going to meet at Kokom Rose’s house to make plans,” Aunty Crystal replies.
  11. respect
    an attitude of admiration or esteem
    I know Kokom Rose. Her Cree name is mihkokwaniy, which means “red rose,” but most people call her Kokom Rose because it’s easier to say. She’s friends with my kokom, and they often pick medicines together. She’s not my actual grandmother, but often we refer to our close elders as “grandmother” or “grandfather” out of respect.
  12. endearment
    the act of showing affection
    Heather is my mom’s best friend from the rez high school, but it’s our custom to call most of our close woman relatives “aunty” as a term of endearment.
  13. observant
    paying close attention especially to details
    BE MORE OBSERVANT!!
    Be a good listener
  14. magnify
    increase in size, volume or significance
    “I approve,” I say. “We’re going to have to get you a trench coat and a magnifying glass! And we are going to find where the best berries grow this summer!”
  15. former
    belonging to some prior time
    It’s so sad to think about what was done to Native kids like us. I remember when they found the mass graves of former students at the school in British Columbia three summers ago. That’s when I first learned about the residential schools.
Created on Mon Mar 10 20:15:29 EDT 2025 (updated Mon Mar 31 16:42:41 EDT 2025)

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