Big and Little Sisters: A Story of an Indian Mission School

In the cold December mornings of an Indian mission school, two Sioux girls, Hannah Straight Tree and Cordelia Running Bird, climb the drafty stairs to begin their Saturday cleaning duty. Their banter reveals a quiet rivalry: Hannah enjoys the teachers’ side of the building, while Cordelia embraces the hard work and the motto that promises a “well‑done” reward for those who keep even the darkest places clean. The scene captures the clash of cultures, the weight of expectations, and the simple pride of keeping a shared space tidy.

The girls also look ahead to the approaching Christmas program, each hoping to shine in the festivities. Cordelia repeats the school’s solemn motto to steady herself, while Hannah dreams of the attention her little sister might receive in the upcoming games and costumes. Their conversation hints at family bonds, the pressure of performance, and the way the mission’s rules shape their everyday lives.