I am Little Bear and today I will hunt and fish with my Paw, while the women do the fieldwork. My family belongs to the Cherokee tribe. We are a brave tribe. We live in caves and protect each other from danger.

Once Paw and I had set out the basket of work tools for the women, we left to hunt and fish. Paw was being sent by the chief to hunt for food to feed the tribe. I was excited because I was finally old enough to go with him. The men of the tribe waved at us as we were walking by.

Our first stop was at the Crappie River because it has the biggest fish in Kentucky. We caught ten bass, seven bluegill, eleven catfish, and three crappie. Paw and I cleaned the fish and put the meat in our pouch packed with salt to keep it from drying out.

After we had finished fishing, we started walking along the path. All of a sudden a big black bear appeared. It began to chase us around the wooded area. We ran from the bear for about an hour before Paw came up with a great idea.

The bear had almost seized me with his sharp paws, when it fell to the ground with one of Paw’s arrows stuck in its back. Paw and I laughed out loud together. We cleaned the bear and saved the meat. Its fur would be use by the women to make clothing.

The night grew dark, as we were setting up our teepee. Then I gathered sticks for a campfire. Paw cooked some of the fish and bear meat over the open fire for our supper. It tasted delicious. As we lay down on the soft grass, I could hear crickets chirping, birds singing, and my Paw loudly snoring next to me.

The next day we set out for home. I saw buffaloes resting in the grassy fields. They looked peaceful lying in the sun. It was a shame that we had to kill one, but we needed the meat to feed our tribe. Paw took his bow and arrow out of his quiver and aimed. Slowly he drew the bow back and let it fly. I watched as a buffalo’s head fell to the ground. The other buffalo quickly got up and ran away.

Paw and I walked over to the dead buffalo and pulled out our bone-handled knives. We cut up the buffalo, cleaned the hide, and saved the meat. Then we began our journey home again.

As we walked through the fields, and I carried a heavy load on my back. I looked up and saw an eagle gilding through the air. I knew this eagle was seeing new things and experiencing new adventures every day, just like my life with my Paw and the other villagers. I was free to glide and explore like this eagle.

We finally arrived home after two days. Paw gave the bear and buffalo meat to the Chief. He told the tribe about our adventures with the bear. In return, the chief presented Paw with a special gift. He re-named Paw, "Big Paw".

He explained, "This name is given to you for protecting your Little Bear and for bringing food to the village. You should be proud of yourself and all you’ve gone through."

"No, you should be proud of yourself for sending us, " said Big Paw, because we are part of your tribe."

"Thank you Big Paw," said the chief.

And from that day on Big Paw was in line to be the next Chief of our Cherokee village. He will always be known as a very brave warrior.