Chapter 22: Chapter 22

“I am Yanube. You mother is Yanube. You are Yanube. More importantly, we are who we are. How does it harm her to be known as Helen Brandt to those strangers over there in the white man’s town? If it makes dealing with them easier, why should you care?”

Little Bear spoke up. “I don’t care. I’ll be Matthew Brandt. I like that name.”

Rock rounded on his little brother. “What’s the matter with you? Don’t you have any pride?”

“I have pride. I’m a real Teton. My father was a Dakota warrior. Those people can call me anything they want, but I know who I am. Calling me Matthew won’t change anything.” 7

The lumber arrived, and I went to work teaching Standing Rock how to use planes and hammers and saws. The lad was bright and caught on quickly, even if he pretended to be reluctant about his work. It was a false face. It was obvious he had taken a liking to carpentry.