Stepping Stones to the Sun

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Connor

A coming-of-age story set on the American frontier in the late 1800s, following a Cheyenne boy as he prepares for his Vision Quest guided by his grandfather. The narrative emphasizes cultural change and the fading buffalo herds while portraying anticipation, family roles, and spiritual instructions. The book blends personal growth with Native spiritual themes, framing the quest as the path to visions, life purpose, and a meaningful adult name.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages76

Reading Time1 h 57 min

AccessFree to download

Dedication and Opening

Coming-of-Age on the Frontier

Preparing for the Vision Quest

# Stepping Stonesto the Sun Stepping Stones to the Sun A Cheyenne boy comes of age during the clash of cultureson the American frontier in the late 1800s. DEC 172013 May rainbows enfold you as you walk the path of life And may your troubles all be stepping stones to the sun- the lodge fire of the Great Spirit. By Nawashani·Illustrated by Pat Wiles This is a work of fiction.The events and characters described herein are imaginary and arenot intended to refer to specific places or living persons.The opinions expressed in thismanuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions orthoughts of the publisher.The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/orlegal right to publish all the materials in this book. Stepping Stones to the SunAll Rights Reserved Copyright ◎2013 Nawashani v2.0 Illustrated by Pat Wiles.All rights reserved-used with permission. This book may not be reproduced,transmitted,or stored in whole or in part by any means,including graphic,electronic,or mechanical without the express written consent of thepublisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Outskirts Press,Inc.http://www.outskirtspress.com ISBN:978-1-4787-0445-4 Library of Congress Control Number:2013910552 Outskirts Press and the “OP”logo are trademarks belonging to Outskirts Press,Inc. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dedicated to all Native American youth who seeka better future for themselves and for their people. Little Beaver threw off his warm buffalo robe,sat up,and rubbed the sleep from his eyes.Today would be an exciting day! Grandfather had promised to help him beginhis Vision Quest,the most important event in thelife of every Indian boy.It was time,for this washis fourteenth year. A thrill of anticipation shot through him ashe thought of Grandfather's instructions:Youmust travel into the high mountains alone andstay there for a time.Going without food orwater,you will free your mind to become open tovisions. Little Beaver was aware it was through suchvisions of the spirit world that he would learn hislife purpose,as well as the adult name chosen forhim by the Great Spirit. A quick glance told Little Beaver that Grandfather was still asleep,snoring peacefullyunder his own buffalo robe.He knew that hisfather,Proud Eagle,was already out lookingafter the pony herd.His mother was up as well,softly humming her morning song.Kneeling down,Blue Star Woman blew on the coals from lastnight's fire in the fire pit in the center of theirtepee,then added a handful of dried grass tobring the flames to life. A good breakfast of leftover buffalo stewwould soon be bubbling in the iron kettle hangingabove the fire. 2 Little Beaver smiled as his stomach growledin anticipation.But he knew he must not share inthe morning meal if he was to begin his VisionQuest this day.Instead,he gathered the woodenbowls and buffalo horn spoons the family wouldneed and placed them near his mother. He realized they were fortunate indeed tohave buffalo meat,dried on racks after lastsummer's hunt.Ever since the white people hadcome into their country,the buffalo herds hadbeen disappearing like snow under a warm sun.

FAQs

Who is the main character and what is the setting?

The main character is a Cheyenne boy (Little Beaver), and the story takes place on the American frontier in the late 1800s.

What event does Little Beaver prepare for?

He prepares to begin his Vision Quest, an important rite guided by his grandfather’s instructions.

How does the story describe the spirit of the journey?

It presents the Vision Quest as a way to free the mind, receive visions from the spirit world, and learn life purpose and an adult name chosen by the Great Spirit.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by Connor