In Teit's writing:

"Both girls and boys were carefully watched from childhood, and not allowed to smoke, or have sexual connection until after their periods of training. To indulge in the latter during their training would have a disastrous effect on their future, would render of no avail their training they had undergone, and would make it impossible to obtain a spiritual guide or become proficient in 'mystery' for a very long time. It would also make them heavy footed, slow, and short winded in after years."

When a young boy's voice changed or "when (he) commenced to dream of women, arrows, and canoes." (Teit: The Shuswap p. 588) he was becoming a man.

During this time a young man would separate himself from the village for a few days at a time over several weeks. At this times he trained himself and hoped to receive spiritual guidance through a dream, vision, song, or prayer. He would use the vision or guidance throughout his life.

Young Man by Dave Seymour

One very important lesson he learned was how to make, prepare and participate in a sweat lodge. This was a lesson he would apply to his daily life.

Just as the boys voice changed so did his life. All his training was to help make him a productive member to his society.

Activity: Research & Science

Would you like to know more about what changes occur when a boy enters puberty? Find information on this subject and write a report.

 

Important Information: Preparing a Sweat Lodge

  • The young man would be involved in planning a special sweat which would be held over four consecutive days. All prayers, songs and thoughts focused on the task at hand.
  • A medicine tea was prepared to drink and bath with. During this period the young man would only allow himself to eat broth from soup bones. Most of the fat would be removed and no seasoning of any kind would be added for taste.