The Chickasaw did not live in villages. They lived in small camps, scattered
along rivers and waterway. They were hunters and gatherers. Because the men
were hunting, and the women were gathering food, you might think the children
had to work as well. They did not. Small children were free to help or to
roam as they chose. Most girls chose to help. Most boys chose to roam.
Legend says ...Chickasaw women were never worried about their
young warriors. Even very small children were free to roam about all day
with a blowgun and a tiny bow and arrow. Legend says they never got lost.
From the time they were born, it was emphasized to Chickasaw children to
always be aware of every leaf, to see each as a unique being. So they never
got lost. They followed the leaves all the way home.
