Indian Children

Educating the young in the traditions of their culture has always been an important and honored task for grandparents. Grandmothers often made traditional items of dress for their grandchildren. Grandparents were often responsible for moral instruction. Grandmothers would teach their granddaughters hide curing, clothing construction and ornamentation. A very strong tie with young and old was maintained.

Babies were kept in beaded cradle boards during their first year. The children learned at an early age to take pride in their ceremonial dress. Feathered headwear was made for children. Children often wore similar styles of clothing worn by their parents.

Gifts of new or special clothing were given at birthdays, recognition of honors or awards earned, graduation from school, etc.. These items were highly treasured and kept during much of the person's life. These gifts were a symbol of respect.

There were certain ceremonies or festivals held for children. They celebrated a child's first roots or first game ceremony where gifts were given to honor the accomplishments of a young person beginning to follow adult roles. A feast was held to celebrate a girl's first gathering of roots or a boy's first kill of wild game. The longhouse still holds an important place in the community for these coming of age ceremonies and other ceremonies of the Columbia Plateau people.

As they grew up, Indian children learned of their history and traditions so they would be prepared to raise the following generations of their people, thus creating the continuity of life that keeps a culture alive. As the Euro-Americans entered the area, Indian children were taught at the mission, where they had the opportunity to learn housekeeping, sewing, reading, writing, and farming as well as religion.

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Last modified on: January 31, 2004