The World of Joey Red Wolf
Joey is a charater that comes
from the traditions of the Cheyenne from long ago. Long before modern times, back when the Tsistsista, as the Cheyenne traditionally
call themselves, still roamed the Great Plains of the central US, our people lived a way of life that was in balance with
nature. People took only what they needed to survive and no more.
Most people mistakingly believe that Native Americans worship
the earth, instead of God, as white people do. This is not true. The Great Spirit, as we call him is a mysterious supernatural
being with the ability to create all things. Our basic beliefs are really not much different from other faiths such as Cristianity
or Judiaism. The main difference is that we believe that to understand the will of God, you first have to understand the things
he has created. We also believe God design things to exist in harmony, and we must take care of and respect all of the
things the Great Spirit has created, even if we don't know what it's for.
Joey is a young boy who is trying to follow a spiritual path
in life that he doesn't fully understand yet. At the same time, he has to deal with all of the challenges of growing up, friendship,
trust, the pressures of school, responsibility, and expectations of others. Adding to the challenges, Joey has to face the
difficulties and challanges of a disability, from the limitations of using a wheelchair, to struggling with his need for a
sense of independence while needing help to do simple things like get out of bed, or getting dressed.
Helping him along on his journey though life are a cast of family
and close friends. Coming from a modest family with few luxuries, they make do with what they have. Joey's dad is a forest ranger
on the reservation, and his mom is a traditional stay at home mom. Mickie is his energetic little brother who can pop up at
the most random times, looking for adventure. But, by far, the most important adult in Joey's life is Ben Red Wolf, his
elderly grandfather, a medicine man and retired army doctor. While most just accept Joey and his disability, Grandpa
Ben, as Joey calls him, sees a future for the most cherished sacred traditions of his family and his people in his grandson.
Now he has made it his goal to leave the last of the Old Ways with Joey.
