Buffalo Dreamer: Chapters 27–30

by Violet Duncan
Twelve-year-old Summer learns of her grandfather's traumatic childhood suffering because of his indigenous (Cree) heritage. Her family's present happiness and unity within their native community in Alberta, Canada, is a beautiful lesson in resilience, honor, and the healing power of love.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–4, Chapters 5–6, Chapters 7–10, Chapters 11–14, Chapters 15–16, Chapters 17–20, Chapters 21–26, Chapters 27–30
20 words 9 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. translate
    restate from one language into another language
    Her daughter reaches us, and she speaks softly in Cree to Kokom Buffalo Dreamer, then turns to me and says, “I can help translate for you. Is there anything you would like to ask my mom?”
  2. solemnity
    a trait of dignified seriousness
    I am still at Kokom Buffalo Dreamer’s side when I see something surprising— Mosom is on the stage and starting to speak into the mic.
    “Hello, everyone, thank you for being here and showing your support.” His voice is gentle, yet filled with a sense of solemnity.
  3. beloved
    dearly loved
    “I want to tell you about a chapter of my life that was filled with darkness. When I was my grandson’s age, I was taken away from my family and sent to this residential school. Everything I was, they tried to erase. Imagine being told you can never speak your native language or practice your culture’s beloved traditions."
  4. discipline
    punish in order to gain control or enforce obedience
    “We were made to wear uniforms and cut our hair. We were subjected to harsh discipline and treated as if we were less than human. The very essence of our being was stripped away."
  5. essence
    the choicest or most vital part of some idea or experience
    “We were made to wear uniforms and cut our hair. We were subjected to harsh discipline and treated as if we were less than human. The very essence of our being was stripped away."
  6. ancestor
    someone from whom you are descended
    “But now, my relatives, we must remember that we are still here. Yes, we carry the weight of history on our shoulders, but we also carry the strength of our ancestors within us. We are the living proof of our ancestors’ resilience and the strong spirit of our people."
  7. resilience
    the ability to recover readily from adversity or change
    “But now, my relatives, we must remember that we are still here. Yes, we carry the weight of history on our shoulders, but we also carry the strength of our ancestors within us. We are the living proof of our ancestors’ resilience and the strong spirit of our people."
  8. regalia
    especially fine or decorative clothing
    “I’m so excited,” Autumn says breathlessly. “There’s nothing like the energy of the powwow.”
    “Yes,” I agree. “And it’s so cool seeing everyone in their regalia.”
  9. inspire
    serve as the inciting cause of
    “Yep! Got it, Uncle,” Autumn answers, standing taller. “I won’t forget that it’s important to show confidence and respect while dancing.”
    “Right! And did I ever tell you that the jingle dance dress was inspired by a dream?”
    “A dream! Really?” Autumn says. “Summer and I love talking about our dreams."
  10. arbor
    a framework that supports climbing plants
    With newfound confidence, Autumn and I make our way to the powwow grounds and join the other dancers in the arbor.
  11. lull
    make calm or still
    During my dance, I let the beat of the powwow drum guide me, just like Uncle shared. The sound is so powerful as it echoes across the arena, strong yet gentle enough to lull babies to sleep in their cradleboards.
  12. exhilarated
    filled with joy or excitement
    Our shawls sway to its beat, and I feel connected to the other dancers as we move rhythmically around the arbor. By the end I feel totally exhilarated.
  13. bliss
    a state of extreme happiness
    The warm bread melts in my mouth. Its exterior is crispy, the inside is soft and fluffy, and each bite is a burst of pure bliss. I love everything about the powwow, but in this moment, I think this is the best part.
  14. expertise
    skillfulness by virtue of possessing special knowledge
    I ride behind Mosom and admire his expertise as he guides his horse with a gentle hand, his love for horses evident in every movement.
  15. evident
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
    I ride behind Mosom and admire his expertise as he guides his horse with a gentle hand, his love for horses evident in every movement.
  16. abalone
    a large edible marine gastropod with an ear-shaped shell
    “Aho kihew! Did you know that when you become a warrior, in our Cree way, you are gifted an eagle feather? I was speaking with your dad, Summer, and he shared with me that, in the Apache way, you can be gifted with an abalone shell for this same reason.”
  17. iridescent
    varying in color when seen in different lights
    I hold my necklace and admire the shell’s iridescent silver, pink, and blue colors.
  18. caress
    touch or stroke lightly in a loving or endearing manner
    I gently caress Luna’s neck before I climb back on her.
  19. migrate
    move from one country or region to another and settle there
    Galloping through the valley, I take in the vibrant colors of autumn that have begun to paint the landscape gold and copper and burgundy. Above, I see the migrating geese soaring across the sky, their wings beating in unison.
  20. unison
    the state of corresponding exactly
    Galloping through the valley, I take in the vibrant colors of autumn that have begun to paint the landscape gold and copper and burgundy. Above, I see the migrating geese soaring across the sky, their wings beating in unison.
Created on Mon Mar 10 20:53:32 EDT 2025 (updated Mon Mar 31 16:44:26 EDT 2025)

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