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Excerpt From A’pistotooki kii Ihkitsik Kaawa’pomaahkaa Creator and the Seven Animals By Crystal Many Fingers
It was iksisto (hot) on a niipo (summer) morning, Natosi (the sun) was shining brightly in the sspoohtsi (sky). Seven of the kaawa’pomaahkaa (animals) had gathered together to say their regular morning aatsimoyihkaan (prayers). They were seated in an ao’takii (a circle). “Ayo Ihtsipaitapiiyao’p (Oh Great Spirit and Source of Life) Ayo A’pistotooki (Our Creator) Isspommookinnaan (Help us)” Immoyiitapi (Big Foot) led the group as they asked A’pistotooki (Creator) for help from harm. After they said Aatssimoyihkaan (prayers), Ksisskstaki (Beaver), the one who had sopoksistawa’si (grown in wisdom) asked, “Why did A’pistotooki (Creator) put us here on this ksaahkomm (Earth)?” All of the other kaawa’pomaahkaa (animals) nodded their heads in agreement. “Yes, please O Great Spirit, A’pistotooki, tell us why we were put here on this ksaahkomm (Earth).” All of a sudden, waahkanaapinako (a beautiful sunbeam) shone down through the soksistsiko (clouds). It shone directly down on the kaawa’pomaahkaa (animals). All of them looked up sspoohtsi (skyward). A loud voice began to speak, “I am A’pistotooki (your Creator). I will now tell you why you have each been put on this ksaahkomm (Earth).” “Ksisskstaki (Beaver), since you are the first one to ask and since you cherish the knowledge, you will be the one to Sopoksistawa’si (grow in wisdom). You will have the gift of being able to move the Aohkii (water) and you will protect it and all who dwells in them. You will also protect the maohtoksko (trees) and soi’stipikiaaki (berries) that also live along the niitahtaa (river). This will greatly help the Niitsitapi (Real People). The Niitsitapi will always honour the great Aohkii iksissta’pssi (water spirits) in their Aatssimoyihkaan (prayers).” “Kiaayo (Bear), you are the protector of the ikso’kowa (relatives), the Nookoossinnaaniksi (children), Ninnaaniksi (fathers), Niksisstsinnanniksi (mothers), and Naahsinnanniksi (grandparents) of the Niitsitapi (Real People). Because of this, you will always be sskonata’pssi (industrious and strong). You will be iiyikitapiiyi (brave and fearless) as you roam the ksaahkomm (Earth). You will be considered an awaawahkao’tsii (warrior) to all because of how you strive to protect them.”
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