Pawnee

Animal Friend: Armadillo Introduced in: Native Lights

Appearance
Pawnee is a sand-colored steed with a black mane and tail. His tail is wrapped in a leather thong, and across his body he has markings that resemble an armadillo.

Tribe
The tribe this steed is based on are located near Northern Oklahoma. They call themselves Chahiksichahiks “Men of Men.” The Pawnee lived in permanent dwellings of sticks, reeds and brush covered with earth called lodges. The Pawnee were monotheists, believing in one creator of all things. Pawnee warriors were known for endurance, courage, loyalty and respect for authority. The Pawnee practiced the Ghost Dance after that religion was introduced to them, in an effort to contact the spirits of deceased medicine men in order to recreate rituals that had been lost. During the Indian Wars the Pawnee were employed as scouts by the U.S. They had frequently warred against the Sioux, and this history of conflict was exploited. The animosity between the Sioux and the Pawnee was dramatized in the movie Dancing With Wolves. Many contemporary Pawnee objected to the film’s characterization of their ancestors as being hostile and cruel.

Inspirational Message
"Let your guard down and be open to the wonder of life."