The wolf was highly respected by the Plains Tribes.
In olden times most Tribes lived by the hunt and were very mobile
-- somewhat like the wolf pack. The wolf was a great hunter difficult
to catch and loyal to family and members of his pack; qualities
that were the most sought after by the warrior were by nature
a part of the wolf.
The Indian scout was a lookout for raid and war parties
and his preferred head covering was the skin of the mighty wolf.
It was believed that wolves talked to people telling them what
was considered holy and was treated with the greatest reverence.
Respect for the wolf was not limited to the Plains
Tribes. Johhny Tiger, Jr. remembers his grandfather saying that
the wolf is a friend to the Indian. Tiger remembers hearing wolves
howl at night and his granfather's advice that one must never
say anything bad about wolves because they know and they will
always remember. A person who respects the wolf and only says
good things will in turn be treated with respect and may expect
the goodwill and even a favor from the wolf.
