algae (al jee): small plants with roots or stems that live in water or on damp surfaces
ancestor: a family member from long ago
anthropologist (an thro pah lo jist): a scientist who studies human history by looking at the languages people speak; the environment in which they live; and the way they work, dress, eat, create art, and construct buildings
archaeologist (ar key ol o jist): a scientist who learns about the past by studying artifacts or objects left behind at places where people once lived, worked, and played
ceremonial (ser uh mo nee uhl): formal or traditional
ceremony (ser uh mo nee): the formal words, actions, or songs that mark an important special occasion, such as a wedding or a funeral
clan: a group of people with a common sacred ancestor, such as an animal or spirit
cradleboard: a baby carrier used by American Indians
cultivating: growing crops
culture: the way of life, ideas, and traditions of a group of people
descendants: someone’s children and grandchildren and their children and grandchildren
dugout canoe: a boat made by hollowing out a large log
fast: go without food
generosity: helping others by sharing things such as time or money
granulate: form crystals
homestead: land given by the U.S. government to settlers if they built a home and began farming within 5 years
initiated (ih nih she ay ted): made someone a member of a group or club
medicine lodge: an organization of people who practice special ceremonies together
midwife: someone who helps women when they have their babies
nonperishable (non pair ish ubl) food: food not easily spoiled
obtain a vision: find a spirit to help throughout life
origin: where something comes from
peddler: a traveling salesperson
pelt: an animal’s skin with the hair or fur still on it
pharmacist: someone who prepares and sells drugs and medicines
privilege: a special right
reservation: federal land reserved or set aside for Indian nations to live on
revenge: getting even
ritual: an action that is always done the same way as part of a ceremony or tradition
sacred (sa cred): something deserving of respect
slough (sloo): a swampy area near a river
spiritual (spir i choo el): something that has to do with the soul and the spirit
tasseling: when the tassel, the part of a corn stalk with pollen on it, appears
translated: put in a different language
treaty: an official, written agreement between nations
tuber: a root or bulb
wigwam: a home made of cattail mats or tree bark attached to a framework of small branches Reading Group Guide and Activities