Through stories the children learned the strange beliefs of their parents. They were taught to call the sun their father and the moon their mother, and all the animals and birds their brothers.
The Indians believed that good and bad spirits were all around them on the earth and above them in the sky.
They thought that animals and birds could talk, and that they listened to everything which was said in the wigwams.
Tales of fearless hunters and brave warriors made the boys wish to become as brave as their fathers. Tales of the men that had brought great good to their people led the children to hope that they, too, might sometime bring blessings to their tribe.
The children learned that their fathers worshiped the Great Spirit, and that no warrior ever went on the warpath without offering many prayers.
They were taught that many of their dances were thank offerings to the Great Spirit, and that the war dance was for success in battle.
In winter evenings the Indians gathered around the wigwam fire. This was their only light. The fathers and grandfathers told wonderful stories of war and hunting, and related the old tales they had heard when they were children.
Night after night the boys were drilled in repeating the stories they had heard. The whole family listened attentively, helping all, and praising the one who did the best.