Description of Figure/Doll

Link to higher resolution images at ClipPix

USA: Montana

Location: Northwest USA

Capital: Helena

Main language: English

Currency: US dollar

Figure/Doll

Construction: gourd, clay, leather

Height in Centimeters: 25

Height in Inches: 10

Blackfoot Indian: My First Deer Hunt with Bow and Arrow

Reading Level: 3.69

My name is Keme and I am 11 years old. My family belongs to the Blackfoot Tribe of native Indians in Montana. The year is 1826, long before the settlers invaded our lands. 

We live in teepees because they are easy to move from place to place. The teepees are made from wood poles and buffalo skin. In fact, we got our name “Blackfoot” because many of us wear dark moccasins. The black color is from smoke that turns the buffalo skin black.

We move a lot because we hunt buffalo and deer. We eat their meat and use the bones for arrows and spears. We also make clothes from the skin and fur. Mostly we hunt with bows and arrows.

My father has been teaching me to shoot the bow and arrow ever since I was little. He told me to keep both eyes open. He also showed me how to load and aim the arrow. He emphasized that I must release the bow string with a gentle lift of my fingers. Finally, he said it is important to be very quiet when hunting.

Last week, I went on my first hunt with my dad. The plan was to shoot a deer for dinner. We both crept quietly through the woods. Suddenly my father raised his arm and stopped. Then he signaled for me to load my bow with an arrow.

I raised my bow and aimed carefully at my target. My hands and arms were steady. My eyes were focused. I took a deep breath and pulled back the string of my bow. I was ready. At that very moment, I felt a twinge in my nose. My sneeze came out of nowhere and off ran the deer.

I was a very unhappy Blackfoot Indian. My father began to laugh. He said, “Don’t worry Keme, there are plenty of deer in this area. Let’s go home. I want to tell your mother so she can laugh too!