Terrah sat with the children of the Lost Tribe as they elbowed each other for personal space, jostling to get comfortable so they could listen to  the teachings for today.  She smiled as she looked at the young ones her people believed that the children were the future and invested much into their teaching and reminding them of the ways of the people so that they  may never be lost again.  The children all quieted and had eyes of wonder and expectation as they waited for Terrah to speak.

"Today we will start with the buffalo. What can you tell me about the buffalo class? " She asked and waited for the children to come up with their ideas. Slowly their hands  began to rise like flags into the air. She called the youngest of the group.  A couple of the students began to whisper loudly amongst themselves stopping when they caught the eagle eye of Terrah and the young boy answered.

 "The buffalo is sacred becasue it gives us everything we need." She smiled at his simplistic yet correct understanding.  Terrah thanked the young student then continued with the lesson as he sat back down.

"The buffalo children represents Kichi'' indenamowin, which means respect.  To know respect is really to know how to give. This is the lesson of the buffalo and what our young warrior here has explained. Remember the buffalo and the days when the buffalo was plentiful on the prairie , every part of the buffalo was used. That is how much the buffalo respected us she gave us everything of herself because she respected  the people. This a beautiful teaching the buffalo brings us a sacred one indeed.  Honor the buffalo young ones of the Lost Tribe.

The second lesson of the Lost Tribe is Zhawenjigewin, this means love children. Does anyone  know what represents this lesson? She looked to the children of the Lost Tribe as they pondered her question then a young female raised her hand, Terrah called on  the girl and she answered, "Yes Miss Terrah it is the eagle."

She smiled to the girl as she sat back in her spot the couple children  around her moving over slightly so she could fit comfortably.

" Yes she is correct it is the eagle. The eagle carries our prayers to the great spirit, the creator. It has always been law that  the essence and spirit within each of us carries the energy of love. We were created by the unconditional love of the Great Spirit. Love is the energy that has everything to do with life. "

She smiled at the circle of children and spread her arms wide encompassing all the children of the Lost Tribe.

"I am so proud of you all you have been paying attention to your lessons. So lets continue to the third teaching of our tribe. " One of the little boys bounced up and down excitedly as he felt he knew the next one his eyes beaming  with delight  as she called on him.

"The next lesson is Soongatizwin, Courage." Said the young male child as he sat back satisfied he got to take part in the lesson.

Terrah smiled and gave him a nod of gratitude as he sat back down.

"Correct it is the bear. The bear reminds us to have courage to lay down the foundation of a good life guided by love for yourself and your people. Those who have this courage will go to grandfather in their prayers with tobacco offerings and ask him for help and guidance to do  the right things."

She continued the lesson with the fourth teaching of The Lost tribe.

"The fourth teaching is Tepwewin, Honesty. Do any of you know what animal represents honesty?"

The children looked at one at one another and some spoke amongst themselves in whispered tones then a young boy raised his hand. Terrah nodded at him giving him freedom to share he spoke clearly "Sa'be, the bigfoot." The little boy said with a false tone of fear in his voice. The children laughed heartily at his playful antics as Terrah let them have their moment of joyous laughter. After they settled a moment she continued the lesson.

"Correct this means you are honest with other people, always speaking from your heart. If it is not spoken from your it is not being honest with yourself. Get out of your thoughts, your mind. Your mind will lead you in the opposite direction of what your heart is trying to express. Be true to your word. This is the lesson of the Sa'be."

"The fifth lesson of the Lost Tribe is represented by the beaver do any of you know what the lesson is the beaver brings into our lives?"

Two girls stood in the center of the group both identical down to  the ribbons in their hair. The spoke in unison as always which was eerie sometimes. 

"Miss Terrah the beaver represents Amik, Wisdom." Their voice nearly harmonized.

The twins as usual sat down simultaneously and folded their hands in their laps knowing there were only two lesson left then would be able to go out and play in the field.  She smiled at the class as she praised them.

"You all have such wonderful memories, you must be practicing your lesson nightly.  Can anyone tell me what the sixth lesson is?"

The class surprised Terrah as they all spoke in unison.

"Tabasenimowin, Humility represented by the wolf." The children all raised their faces to the ceiling and howled in unison.

ow ow owwoooo. Then they  snickered and settled before they could be told to do so.

She smiled at the children's ambition and fun in learning their lessons something the wolf spirit  would appreciate. "Please class continue with the sixth lesson of the Lost Tribe."

"To acknowledge the Great Spirit, the great mystery, the Great Creator." The children all chimed together.  The oldest of the group the stood up from the group and spoke looking at those younger in the class, To know humility is to put others before yourselves,  our traditions, our elders, our family.

Very good children you have been studying.  The seventh lesson  is represented by the turtle can anyone tell me what this  lesson is ?

A young girl with yellow ribbons raised her hand. Terrah acknowledged her as she stood to speak.

 "Miss Terrah it is Kawakaatiziwin, Truth." Her small voice filled the room as she spoke.

Terrah smiled at  the small girl child as she sat back down.

"Correct to know truth is to know yourself, and where you come form. Grandmother turtle carries all the lessons in the pattern of her shell. These teachings carry the knowledge of our people." 

 "Class dismissed for recess," all the children jumped up and rushed for the door, "stay on this side of the creek."  She hollered at  the screaming children as they rushed outside.

She closed the lesson book that the council had approved for the lesson for the Lost Tribe elementary school and walked outside to watch the children enjoy  their play time.

Lost Tribe Lesson Book