The Birchbark House

It is now winter, and friends frequently come to visit the family in their cabin. Deydey’s friend LaPautre comes to discuss a dream he had and fails to understand Deydey’s teasing response. Old Tallow, wearing an odd patchwork coat, comes over to eat with them, and Angeline’s best friend, Ten Snow, comes to visit nearly every day. Ten Snow has made a beautiful bag for her husband, Fishtail, and Angeline and Omakayas admire her work. When Omakayas asks Ten Snow to teach her how to sew like her, Angeline makes fun of Omakayas: “Little Frog, little jumper, can you sit still that long?” (126). Omakayas is deeply hurt by this remark, but Ten Snow gives the young girl her very own packet of needles, thread, and beads. Omakayas decides to make a pair of moccasins for Neewo. Later, when Omakayas becomes frustrated by the difficult work, Angeline shows kindness by encouraging her little sister.

Deydey calls Pinch outside, and the women of the family are left alone inside with their sewing. Nokomis decides the girls are old enough to hear a story about her own grandmother.