Buffalo Dreamer: Chapters 15–16

“Oh, sorry to startle you, I guess being stealthy is a habit. And my back is fine, just a little twinge.” Mosom smiles, rubbing his lower back.

“Oh, sorry to startle you, I guess being stealthy is a habit. And my back is fine, just a little twinge.” Mosom smiles, rubbing his lower back.

"...So there was nobody to teach me anything about being Cree until much later.”
“That’s really sad, Mosom. How did you learn about sweetgrass and our traditions?” I ask.

“Most of my learning started in the sixties, which was a time of change and hope for us. The young people yearned for a world free from war, discrimination, and inequality. We believed in the power of love and unity to bring about a better future.”

“Most of my learning started in the sixties, which was a time of change and hope for us. The young people yearned for a world free from war, discrimination, and inequality. We believed in the power of love and unity to bring about a better future.”

“Most of my learning started in the sixties, which was a time of change and hope for us. The young people yearned for a world free from war, discrimination, and inequality. We believed in the power of love and unity to bring about a better future.”

“Most of my learning started in the sixties, which was a time of change and hope for us. The young people yearned for a world free from war, discrimination, and inequality. We believed in the power of love and unity to bring about a better future.”

Autumn listens intently, her eyes wide with curiosity. “But how did peace and love teach you about our culture, Mosom?” she asked.

“It wasn’t just peace and love; it was people’s actions toward each other. People began to embrace compassion and empathy, realizing that we are all connected, regardless of our differences. It was like suddenly, us Indian kids were human beings too. Laws banning us from practicing our culture were no longer exercised. And with that, many elders who had been in hiding or afraid to pass down our ways felt free to share.”

“It wasn’t just peace and love; it was people’s actions toward each other. People began to embrace compassion and empathy, realizing that we are all connected, regardless of our differences. It was like suddenly, us Indian kids were human beings too. Laws banning us from practicing our culture were no longer exercised. And with that, many elders who had been in hiding or afraid to pass down our ways felt free to share.”

“It wasn’t just peace and love; it was people’s actions toward each other. People began to embrace compassion and empathy, realizing that we are all connected, regardless of our differences. It was like suddenly, us Indian kids were human beings too. Laws banning us from practicing our culture were no longer exercised. And with that, many elders who had been in hiding or afraid to pass down our ways felt free to share.”

“Kokom taught me a lot. I met her when I attended my first powwow.” Mosom pauses for a moment and smiles at his recollection.

Autumn gently brushes Daisy’s coat until it gleams. Autumn likes riding the little pony, but she loves grooming. She finds so much joy in ensuring the horses’ coats are shiny and their manes perfectly braided.

The valley looks beautiful this summer morning, and we marvel at the vibrant wildflowers that dot the meadows.

The valley looks beautiful this summer morning, and we marvel at the vibrant wildflowers that dot the meadows.

The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting illuminated patterns on the ground.

“Look, Summer! See the deer over there?” Autumn exclaims, pointing toward a clearing up ahead.

As we ride, dandelion wisps float through the air and the wind tousles our hair, making us laugh.

As we ride, dandelion wisps float through the air and the wind tousles our hair, making us laugh.

“This is the absolute best way to spend a summer day,” I say, and Autumn’s eyes sparkle as she agrees.