Very early, the Indian boy assumed the task of preserving and transmitting the legends of his ancestors and his race. If the child is a girl, she is at once addressed as the future mother of a noble race. Scarcely was the embryo warrior ushered into the world, when he was met by lullabies that speak of wonderful exploits in hunting and war.He is called the future defender of his people, whose lives may depend upon his courage and skill. A case of hare-lip was commonly attributed to the rabbit.Even the meat of certain animals was denied the pregnant woman, because it was supposed to influence the disposition or features of the child.

The Indians believed, also, that certain kinds of animals would confer peculiar gifts upon the unborn, while others would leave so strong an adverse impression that the child might become a monstrosity. In order that the impression might be more distinct, she avoided company. She would gather from tradition all of his noted deeds and daring exploits, rehearsing them to herself when alone. A pregnant Indian woman would often choose one of the greatest characters of her family and tribe as a model for her child. The expectant parents conjointly bent all their efforts to the task of giving the new-comer the best they could gather from a long line of ancestors.

All the customs of this primitive people were held to be divinely instituted, and those in connection with the training of children were scrupulously adhered to and transmitted from one generation to another. It is commonly supposed that there is no systematic education of their children among the aborigines of this country. Charles Eastman, a member of the Santee Sioux, was around 40 years old when he wrote a book describing his boyhood in the Dakota Territory and Minnesota.

Charles eastman indian boyhood