Kiowa Child Diary Entry

            Dearest Diary,
            Have you heard? My brother, Adoeete, was chosen to go buffalo hunting with the elder men, such as father! I am happy for him, though I am slightly jealous that he gets to tag along hunting while I sew or do my bead work. He even gets schooled, while I don't! Sometimes, when he is done with chores, he tutors me, and helps me with my reading. I am no good at math, no matter how much he tutors me. The numbers are just big jumbles in my head! Back to the hunting. Ma is super proud of Adoeete for being chosen, for it is a great honor for boys like Adoeete to go with the other men. Only the most well behaved, and focused, will be chosen!
           Tonight we head to the scalp dance, for the return of our men from war. We were invited, for Uncle Akando shall be returning. Ma says to be polite, for these men have been courageous. You see I am not always polite like a girl my age should be. I can't stay still, for I want to explore! Ma even made me a brand new deerskin dress with yellow and green design for this occasion! Then she carefully braided my hair, and painted Adoeete's face neatly. Ma is to wear her best dress, and braid her hair. What a beauty she is! Pa wears his best leggings, and wrapped his  braids in fur.
        My best friend, Apiatan, is going to the scalp dance along with us, for his sister is ill and his a and Pa are staying with her. He claims he will have his face painted in the brightest colors. Apiatan is also spending the night with us, for he mustn't become ill from his sister, Alameda. Our Teepee is large enough to fit three or possibly four other peoples besides Ma, Pa, Adoeete, and I.
      Now here comes the bad news. Pa announced that we are yet again moving to  keep up with the herds of buffalo. We have only been here a month or so, and off we are! I always get used to a place and before I know it I start all over again! Pa says it is best, to keep moving, for our main food is buffalo. Don't tell anyone, Diary, but I am sick of buffalo! Along the way we may meet up with the Pueblo peoples, Pa claims. We might trade to get corn!
        I must go, you see, I am working on my parfleche, which is a decorated rawhide container. It is very creative, I think.
Yours Truly, Amitola