Singing Bird

Singing Bird is the Native friend of Kirsten Larson. Singing Bird is a young Indigenous girl close to Kirsten's age. While the central series doesn't state her tribe, Kirsten on the Trail and Welcome to Kirsten's World both clarify that her people are the Dakota (Oceti Sakowin). Her father, Brave Elk, is the head of their village. Singing Bird is initially in awe of Kirsten, the same way Kirsten is in awe of her. She is fascinated with Kirsten's yellow hair and nicknames her as such. Singing Bird is quiet, often surprising Kirsten with how swiftly she moves, and loves to explore as much as Kirsten does. Initially the two can only communicate with pictures but, as the two exchange English words, and Kirsten learns a few words from Singing Bird, they communicate better; Singing Bird calls Kirsten her sister. Because the settlers are suspicious of and don't trust the Natives--including Kirsten's parents--Kirsten tries to keeps their friendship secret, which is spoiled in Kirsten on the Trail. The two exchange gifts and Singing Bird brings Kirsten to her village. However, due to white settlements and forced land ceding affecting the local fauna, her people struggle to find good hunting and food and are forced to leave the area. Singing Bird (and her people) return in Kirsten on the Trail to try hunting at their old location; she is much thinner then, and indicates that food is still scarce for her family. She also shows hesitancy about approaching the cabin, indicating that her parents likely have warned her to stay away from settler's homes.