Little Wolf

Ch 51 One with the Tribe

"The Business Council in its discretion may declare honorary membership by two-thirds vote. Such memberships are ceremonial only, and shall not carry entitlement to any tribal rights, privileges, resources, property or voting rights, or others not mentioned. There shall be a list of honorary members kept separately from the enrollment list." 1*

The council had gathered, with a large audience in attendance. It seemed to me that the councilman who was addressing the congregation was doing so to make up for his previous derisive attitude toward me.

"Black Wolf, if you would join me for a moment?"

Dad went up, wearing his more formal shirt that mom had decorated for him, his brown jeans and mocs.

"I admit," said the councilman, "that it never occurred to me to review the list of honorary members. It never occurred to us until it was recently mentioned, that you were not on that list."

My heart filled as I more than listened to the councilman. I could see and smell their approval and acceptance, not just of my dad, but of that part of me as well, even if some of them didn't know what we were...yet.

"Your ties and connections to our people are well known among us. You have more than taught. You have been a strict mentor, encouraging, and protecting the children of our tribe since the first day you arrived among us over thirty years ago. Many of us owe you our gratitude for pushing us to achieve all we could when we were younger, helping us become what we are today."

I could tell the man was speaking of his own experience. Dad took his  teaching job seriously, often staying after or had kids come by the house to tutor them so they would pass whatever subject they were struggling with.

Like I had told Grandfather before the council, Dad had always accepted the responsibility of being part of the tribe. It was gratifying to hear it reciprocated officially and in public from the tribe.

"Our first order of business is to right the wrong of that oversight from long ago and officially welcome you as an honorary member of our tribe, something most of us have always considered you to be."

Sister cheered louder than any of the students who had come up under dad's tutelage, including some of the councilmen! Dad didn't say anything, just nodded through his glistening unshed tears, shaking hands with the council members that came around. The two-thirds majority had to have been more than just the newest members. The few older members were sincere in their welcome. Only two stayed back, and Grandfather wasn't present.

Dad came back to me, our foreheads meeting. We just stood there together, ignoring the word most, knowing who didn't consider Dad part of the tribe.  We focused instead on hearing a song no one else could hear... or so I thought.

"Brother! Do you hear her?" 

I turned, holding out a hand. Sister was quick to take it, turning us into a group hug.

"I'm going to meet her some day! I bet she's beautiful!"

"She was, and is, Sister."

We smiled at each other, laughing suddenly at the same time. Dad pulled away with a slight growl. Sister threw herself at him, hugging him tight.

"Grumpy ol' Black Wolf!" she scolded.

I could only grin at dad's sigh. He and I exchanged a look.