A childrens book about a young Lakota Sioux Native American boy named Deacon.  This story takes you through the daily things that Lakota Sioux do each day.  Sioux means "little snakes" and Deacon is a proud member of the snake house.  Lakota are known for their warrior culture and their Ghost Dance to protect their lands. Lakota Sioux manly hunt and eat buffalo.  They would eat chokecherries and enjoy herbal tea. They use the buffalo skin to make blankets and teepees and moccasins for their feet.  They live in "Tipis" the Sioux word for dwelling. The Lakota Sioux live in North America clustered in what is now Wisconsin, Minnesota and North and South Dakota or the Great Plains. 
Lakota Sioux were known for their beadwork and porcupine quillwork.  
Lakota Sioux would use canoes to travel and dogs/sleds to pull things.  When horses were introduced to them it changed their culture. 
Long hair is important to the Lakota Sioux and should not be cut unless you are mourning the loss of a loved one.  Lakota children played with rawhide dolls and throwing the willow spear. It is important to pass on the Lakota traditions and remember their 7 values of respect, compassion, honesty, generosity, wisdom, humility, and prayer.


Deacon- the day in the life of a Lakota Sioux Boy. 

Deacon waking up in a tipi filled with warm morning light. His mother brewing herbal tea with chokecherries nearby.

Deacon wakes up in his family's tipi as the sun rises. The warm light fills his tipi with hope. He listens to the soft sounds of nature outside in the great plains. His mother brews herbal tea and prepares a breakfast with chokecherries, setting a gentle tone for the day.

Morning in the Tipi

Deacon sitting with his elders in traditional native american clothes in a teepee

The family gathers together to share food and stories. They speak about old traditions and the brave history of the Lakota Sioux. Deacon listens carefully to the elders' wise words. He feels proud to be part of the snake house, learning about respect and love.

Breakfast with Family

Deacon watching his father weave a mat from buffalo skin, his grandmother explaining with a gentle smile outside in the great plains

Deacon spends the morning learning the traditions of his people. His father shows him how to weave a small mat from buffalo skin. His grandmother explains the importance of each task and the value of every animal. Deacon listens with big eyes, remembering the seven values of respect, compassion, honesty, generosity, wisdom, humility, and prayer.

Learning Traditions

Deacon playing outside with friends, laughing and throwing a willow spear under the bright sun.

After learning, Deacon goes outside to play with his friends. They laugh and share joyful moments while throwing the willow spear. They also make rawhide dolls as they enjoy each other’s company. The afternoon bursts with fun and simple joy.

Playtime with Friends

Deacon and friends exploring a sparkling stream in the tall grasses of the Great Plains.

Deacon and his friends wander through the tall grasses of the Great Plains. They explore a sparkling stream and listen to the rustling leaves. Every corner of nature is filled with wonder and mystery. Their journey teaches them to admire the beauty of the land.

Journey Through Nature

Deacon and his father in the plains, quietly observing a buffalo herd with respect.

In the afternoon, Deacon joins his father for a buffalo hunt. His father shows him how to respect the animals and the land. They move quietly and carefully, understanding the balance of nature. Deacon learns that each buffalo is a gift from the earth that must be honored.

Hunting Lessons

Deacon sitting with his mother in native american attire in a teepee carefully threading beads with a focused expression.

Deacon sits with his grandmother to practice beadwork and porcupine quillwork. He learns that every pattern tells a story of bravery and heritage. His small fingers carefully thread each bead, creating art from his heart. Through art, he feels connected to the wise traditions of his people.

Cultural Crafts

Deacon in a canoe with older children, paddling on a clear river under the bright sun.

Later in the day, Deacon joins the older children on a canoe ride. They paddle steadily on a clear river, watching the water dance under the bright sun. The gentle splash of the paddle makes the trip exciting and peaceful. Deacon feels brave as he learns the joy of exploring by water.

Canoe Ride Adventure

Deacon gently patting a strong horse, feeling a bond of trust, with the plains in the background.

One day, a strong horse arrives at the camp. The horse changes how people travel and hunt in the vast plains. Deacon gently pats the horse, feeling a special bond of trust. He is excited by the new adventures that the horse promises to bring.

Meeting the Horse

Families gathered around a warm fire at sunset, Deacon listening to elders with a full heart.

As the sun begins to set, the families gather around a warm fire. They share stories of the day and remember the old ways that make them strong. The elders talk about hope, dreams, and the seven guiding values. Deacon listens with a full heart, feeling the love of his people.

Evening Gathering

Deacon watching the Ghost Dance under a starry sky, feeling the energy and hope of the dance.

Under a sky full of stars, Deacon watches the Ghost Dance with his community. The dance is full of energy and hope, meant to protect their lands. Each move in the dance tells the story of their history and bravery. Deacon joins in with respect, feeling the power of his heritage.

The Sacred Dance

Deacon lying outside under glittering stars, contemplating lessons learned with a peaceful expression.

As the night grows quiet, Deacon lies outside watching glittering stars. He thinks of all the lessons learned and dreams of future adventures. The soft breeze carries whispers of the seven values to guide him. With a grateful heart, he closes his eyes, ready for another beautiful day.