9781504976466 - Copy · 2017. 10. 1. · The tiny muskrat stuck his head above the water. Napi was...

Napi Legends

Napi Legends

Willie White Feathers and Dr. Helen Many Fingers

Told by Willie White FeathersTranslated and transcribed by

Dr. Helen Many FingersArtwork by

Conrad Chief BodyCompiled by

Dr. Phyllis Day ChiefSupported by Gloria Wells, Executive Director of Ninastako Cultural Centre

©Ninastako Cultural Centre

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© 2017 Ninastako Cultural Centre. All rights reserved.

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Published by AuthorHouse 07/18/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5049-7646-6 (sc)ISBN: 978-1-5049-7647-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016901559

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Table of Contents

Napi’s Greatest Achievement ..............................................................................................1

The Return of Napi to the Homeland ............................................................................... 10

The Hummingbird’s Song ................................................................................................26

Napi’s Proposal ................................................................................................................. 37

Napi and His Deer Hide Cloak ........................................................................................ 50

Napi and the Ice Breaking ................................................................................................60

Napi and the Elk ..............................................................................................................64

Activities ..........................................................................................................................66

Blackfoot Glossary ........................................................................................................... 76

Ninastako Cultural Centre

Willie White Feathers (late)

Willie White Feathers (Aphsowatis) is a significant name on the Blood Reserve, AB, because his name was the “last of his family name.” He was almost 100 years old when he told these legends – a sign of his mental alertness. He told the legends lovingly, even laughing aloud at some of Napi’s practical jokes. His contributions to First Nations’ culture are immeasurable.

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Dr. Helen Many Fingers (late)

Dr. Helen Many Fingers (Katainawaakii) was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend and neighbour. But to the rest of the world, Helen was a distinguished recipient of The Order of Canada -the highest honour in Canada – an award which “recognizes people who have made a difference to our country.”

Mother to Doreen Rabbit, Dolores Day Chief (late), Wallace Jr., Lois Frank, Tony, Morris and Crystal Many Fingers, Helen was often found at pow wows, local gatherings and educational events. She was also a caring grandmother to many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her talents for beadwork, sewing and cooking were well known. Her compassion and caring attitude for all were also her trademarks.

Helen had a list of accomplishments far beyond most. A dedicated and highly educated individual, she earned her degree for teaching and was granted an honourary Doctorate

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degree from the University of Lethbridge for her persistence in helping other students pursue their education.

Helen was the founder of Kainaakiiksi, a group to advocate for women of the Blood Tribe, with a strong political voice regarding issues such as Matrimonial Property and Rights. Also, Helen was an active member on a number of committees dealing with First Nations’ education, she was a valued Board Member of the Ninastako Cultural Centre for a number of years, and her name was often affiliated with elders’ activities.

Conrad Chief Body (late)

Conrad Chief Body completed grade 6 at St. Mary’s Residential School in Cardston, AB. His education was limited because of health reasons; in fact, he was a patient at Charles Camsel Hospital for several years. He was a naturally gifted artist. His first projects were small tipi lamps. Gradually, he moved on to wood-carving, Indian shields, bows and arrows, tomahawks, and pictographs on rawhide. Some of his pictographs are now owned by the University of Edmonton, schools in southern Alberta, and schools and museums in Montana; some of his work was sold to Europe and Hawaii. Conrad designed the various Points of Interest signs found on the Blood Reserve. His parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Joe Chief Body Sr., played a major role by encouraging him to maintain his culture. His wife, Teresa, the granddaughter of the later Percy Two Guns, encouraged and supported Conrad. Percy also was an artist. Conrad dreamed of one day having his own exhibition of his artwork, a dream he never realized. So, having his drawings in this book may be a mini-exhibition for a self-taught artist from the Blood Reserve.

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The Kainai Tribe of the Blackfoot Confederacy is very fortunate to have one of its elders take the time to relate a few of the many legends that were passed on by previous generations. At the time White Feathers agreed to provide the guidance for this

project, he was 96 years old. These legends have been retained through the oral tradition of the First Nations’ people for countless generations. “These legends are most valuable to the young people,” White Feathers said. “Unless they are told to our young people in classrooms and in textbooks, a great part of our culture, history and language will be lost.” With this in mind, we have tried to remain faithful in the translation to the original form and content used in the Blackfoot oral tradition.

Our Blackfoot legends are vital to our nation, because they set us apart and define us as a distinct people in the family of man. These legends tell much of the history of the First Nations’ people before the arrival of Europeans on our land. Our legends tell us of where and from whence we came, and in a special way, provide meaning and substance to our lives. They tell the people of today of a heroic age, when the “Red People” were part of a community that was nature, when people could talk to and understand the animals. Today, all human societies must deal with the effects of man’s self-importance. People see themselves as being somehow above, rather than a part, of the natural order.

The legends of Napi tell of the virtues and weaknesses of man, which are a part of the renewal of the earth. These remain relevant because they entertain both while teaching and while giving lessons. Perhaps, one of the main morals in the Napi stories is that we, First Nations’ people, as a group and as individuals, must continue to work out our future and find our own solutions in a complex ever-changing environment.

These legends have been told to students in both Blackfoot and English, from kindergarten to grade six. They have proven to be very successful, interesting and entertaining. The children love these stories and want to hear more.

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Napi’s Greatest Achievement

Napi was the only survivorof the Great Flood.For many landless days and nights,he sailed alonewith only a few small birds and animalsthat survived the great rain storm.

Napi’s small raft was made of willow branches,with just enough room for him and the animals.Napi, gently paddling his raft,begin hoping that someone would come soonand rescue them.

As the days lingered on,Napi became very tiredand very hungry.He called to the birds and animalsand commanded them to go beneath the waterto search for the soil.

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Among the animals,Napi had a favourite – a tiny muskrat—whose fur was the shiniest of all the animals.The birds flew away,and the animals divedin search of soil.

Soon, the eagle, crow, magpie, swan and pheasantreturned empty-handed.The wolf, fox, badger, skunk, porcupine, gopherand weasel all came back empty-handed also.

Napi sat in his raft wondering to himself,“Which of these birds and animalswould be the most tastyto satisfy my hunger?”

Napi thought,“If I eat them all now,there will be no one to talk to.”

Tiny muskrat suspected his masterand said to him,

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“Pray, oh, Master,don’t kill us.I will volunteer to go downbeneath the watersto search for soil!”

Napi refused to let him go,but the muskrat insisted.He told Napi,

“If I do not return in four days and four nights,it will mean my expedition was unsuccessful.”

Before Napi had time to stop him,the tiny muskratjumped into the water.

Days and nights passed, and Napiwaited for the tiny muskrat to return.

On the fourth day of the muskrat’s voyage,Napi jumped upand called to the waters around his raft,

“Mi’sohpsskiMi’sohpsskiMi’sohpsski.

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If you are still alive,come out of the water.”

All of a sudden, SPLASH!The tiny muskrat stuck his head above the water.Napi was astonished!He could not believe the muskrathad come back to him.Napi quickly paddled his raft toward the muskrat,caught his tailand pulled him onto the raft.A moment later,the little animal opened his paws,and there was some soil he had picked upfrom the bottom of the water.

Napi patted the muskrat’s tiny headand complimented him for his bravery and achievement.Napi said to the birds and animals,

“Here is our hero!”

Napi then took the soil,dried it under the sunshineand spread it on the palm of his hand.

4


In a moment of silence,he looked up into the skiesand prayed for the power of the Almighty One.

Napi blew the soilin four directions:north, south, east and west.And, immediately,there was land covered with grass and trees.

Napi freed the birds and animals,commanding them to go and inhabitthe land, the sea and the skies.Napi was pleased with the beautiful landall around him.

After many moonshad come and gone,Napi became dissatisfiedwith his achievements.There was no one to sharethe beauty of the land.Napi took some soil,mixed it with water

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and began molding it to make a form,which was to be an image of himself.Once again, he looked up to the Almighty Oneand prayed for power.Given the breath of life,the mud form became a human beingwhich was in the image of Napi – only much younger.

Napi was pleasedwith the beauty of the landaround him.

As time went on,the youngster grew to adulthood.He longed for some other human beingto keep him company.When Napi noticed this,he commanded the young manto close his eyes.The young man suddenlyfell into a deep sleep.

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Napi took his isttoanand cut into the boy’s abdomen.He removed the boy’s organs.With his supernatural powers,Napi held the womb in his handsand once again prayed for poweras he gave it the breath of life.

This time,Napi created a human beingwho was a woman.

He commanded them to goand multiply.

To Napi, every part of life, and all forms of lifemake up the “Whole.”To ignore one part is to lesseneven destroy the self-image.

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The Return of Napi to the Homeland

The hunter was camped by a riverwith his wife, Maka’paakii,and his two sons.

The older sonwas always more sensible,while the younger sonwas a mischievous boy.

Their only pet was a spotted-faced dog,and they considered himpart of the family.The young pup understood and talkedand played with the boys.

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Every other day,Hunter would go into the wildernessto seek food.As soon as Hunter left,Maka’paakii would take her rawhide ropeand tell the boysshe was going to collect firewood.She would then be gonethe entire afternoon.

One day, Spotted Facebecame suspiciousand decided to follow her.

Maka’paakii climbed a hillwhere lay an old, dried-outhollow oak tree.Maka’paakii knocked on the tree four times.All of a sudden,a huge, ugly half-man, half-snakecrawled out of the tree.Maka’paakii and the snakebegan embracing.

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Spotted Face rushed back to the camp,digusted with Maka’paakii, andhe told his playmateswhat he had seen.Soon after, Maka’paakii returnedwith only a bit of kindlingtied to her rawhide rope.

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Meanwhile, Hunter returned from the wildernesswith only a rabbit and a partridge.These were barbecued over an open fire.When the meal was over,Spotted Face confided in Hunterall he had seen that day.Hunter refused to believe the dog.All night long,Hunter could not sleep.

Next morning, Hunter announcedthat he would tryhis luck again.Repairing his bow and arrowand sharpening his bone-knife,Hunter headed for the forest.

Maka’paakii sensed that the doghad betrayed her.

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She grabbed him by the neckand forced him to eat mississa, saying,

“You are being punished.From this day on,you will be speechless.You will only barkwhen strangers approach you.You will have a short life.”

Then, she ran quickly to the snakeon the hill.

However, instead of going intothe forest, Hunterfollowed his wife.To his disgusting surprise,he saw his wife and the creaturewrapped in each other’s arms.

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Hunter took one step forwardand shot the creature.Maka’paakii savagely attacked her husbandand in self-defence,Hunter shot the woman.

Hunter then gathered woodand made a fireon top of the woman and the snake.

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As Hunter returned to his lodge,a tiny spark got awayand chased him.He heard his wife’s voice threatening him.He ran as fast as he couldtoward his sons,pleading with themto hurry and run away.

Hunter gave his sons three sacred objects:a thorn branch, a rock and a moss plant.He told them what to do with each object,

“Go quickly, my sons,before she comes closer!”

Hunter raised his armsand ascended into the skies.The higher he rose,the brighter the skies became.

The boys raced for the eastern slopes,as the wicked womangot close and closer to them, saying,

“This is your last day!”

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The older boy took the thorn branch andthrew it at the wicked woman.Soon, there was a whole forestof thorn bushes.Maka’paakii could not continue;she sat down, pulling thorns outof her feet.

Because the sons were far ahead of her,they stopped to rest.All of a sudden, they heard the wicked woman saying to them,

“I’ll get you this time!”The boys started running again.

Soon, they saw the wicked womanfast approaching.They threw the stone back at her,and then, there were high mountainsmade of rock.

Maka’paakii had to do a lot of mountain climbingbefore she was able to get closeto the boys again.Once again, the wicked creaturewas on the chase.

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The younger son, in desperation,took the moss plantand almost threw it in the wrong direction.His older brotherquickly took it away from himand threw it at the half-human creature.

Soon, there was water all over.Maka’paakii could not swimand gave up the chase.

The boys continued on their journeyinto the unkown.

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Everything was strange.For many moons, they accompanied each other,until one day, the younger soncould not bear his lonelinessfor his homeland anymore.

The older brother pitied his brother,“Close your eyes,my brother.Do not open themuntil you touch earth,”

Then, he descended to earth,to his new homeland.

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The Hummingbird’s Song

The mountains were brighteston that spring morning.High up above, stood Chief Mountain,stretching from the straggling sprucesto the timberland down tonumerous plants and herbs of the valley.

There were many different and wonderful animalsgrazing on the grassy slopes of the canyon.The hummingbirds had just completed their taskof creating the splendid beauty of the land.

Napi stood along looking up at the sky,admiring the great beauty all around him.

“What a beautiful day for hunting,” he said.

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A peculiar looking bird flew by Napiand perched on the branch of a young pine tree,the bird began humming,

“NipoomakiNipoomakiNipoomakiNipoomaki.”

All of a sudden,the hummingbird’s eyes popped out of its headand landed against a young pine tree.

The bird waited for a little whileand began humming the same tune,only this time, it sounded like,

“MatsksaapipoomakiMatsksaapipoomaki.”

Right away, the eyeballs came backto the hummingbird’s eye sockets.

“This is amazing!”said Napi to himself.He was so impressedwith what he had seenthat he followed the hummingbird

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until it began performing on a spruce tree.Napi began to cry,

“I wish,I wishI could do this game.”

The hummingbird granted Napi’s wish,but warned him,

“You must be careful not to do it too often,”and then, the bird flew away.

As soon as the bird was out of sight,Napi began performing his gifton an old oak tree.

“Nipoomaki”Right away,his eyeballs popped outand onto the side of the tree.

Napi could not see.Napi thought,

“It is a pity to be blind.”He sang the tune once again,only to change the words to,

“Matsksaapipoomaki”

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His eyeballs flew back to his face.Napi repeated the same tuneover and over and over and over.After the fourth time,Napi’s eyes refused to returnto his eye sockets.He remembered the hummingbird’s warning:

“Do not perform too often!”

Napi realized his mistake.He could not see anything.He heard the sound of the rushing mountain streamflowing into the canyon.Napi was thirsty.He need a drink of water.In desperation,Napi started walkingtoward the sound of the water.

Napi bumped into stumps of trees,brushes, rocks and ant hills.He came to a dried-up tree.

“Oh, beautiful tree,tell me which is the way to the river.”

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The tree said,“Just keep going;you will get there.”

Napi kept walkinguntil he walked into an ugly perennial plant.Napi told the plant,

“Oh, you beautiful plant,tell me, which is the shortest way to the river.”

The plant answered,“You are on the right track.You will get there soon.”

Napi walked away from the plant.

He came to a crooked willow tree.Napi stood by the willow tree.He told the tree,

“Oh, you beautiful tree,with leaves so green,may I ask you how faryou are from the river?”

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The crooked willow tree said to Napi,“You must be blind;can’t you seeI am right by the river bank?”

At the moment,Napi stepped right into the ice cold water,Splash! He went into the swift current,Napi said,

“NaihtskaiNaihtskai.”

He dog-paddled downstream.

Down by the river,a group of women was picking berries.They heard a voice from the river crying,

“Help!Help!Help!Help!”

They saw a man coming in their direction.One brave widow, named A’kowaakii,who had recently lost her husband,jumped into the river.

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She swam toward Napiand helped him to the shore,She told him,

“I need a man for a companion,since I have saved you from drowning,I shall marry you.”

Napi replied,“Aa, annaakanistsiwa.”

Together, they walked away from the others.

A’kowaakii said to Napi,“You gather kindlingand build a fire for cooking;I shall go fetch water.”

Napi gathered and piled the wood.As he would go for more wood,he lost track of the pile of wood.Soon, he piled too much, so woodwas scattered all over the ground.

When A’kowaakii came back, she was shockedto see all the piles.

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She said,“What is the purposeof all these piles of wood?”

Napi said,“Some women are hard to please!I just want you to have your pick.”

Aikowaiki was thrilled:“You are very considerate;my late husband never treated me well.”

The woman hurriedly cooked the morseland animal bone over the fire.

After the meal was over,Napi presented a gift to Aikowaiki.He gave her a set of dried deer hoofs tied togetherwith a rawhide string.When shook,the hoofs rang like bells.The woman was thankful.She tied these around her waist.Napi got tired;he lay down to take a snooze.

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He rested his tired head on the woman’s lap.A’kowaakii soon discoveredThat her lover had no eyeballs!He looked dreadful!She quietly removed his head from her lap.She got up and ran.Napi was awakenedby the soundof the deer hoofstinkling like bells.

“Naihtskai naihtskai”said Napi.

He began chasing the woman.When A’kowaakii discoveredthat the bell-like hoofswere directing Napi,she tore them off her waistand threw them into a thorn bush.Napi ran right into the thorns.A’kowaakii freed herself from Napi.Once again, Napi was left alone in the thorns.

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That same evening,a coyote was passing by.It saw Napiand noticed he was blind.The coyote walked quietly to Napi.He raised his smelly pawto Napi’s nose.Napi smelled it.He said,

“This smell reminds meof my brother-in-law’sold buffalo jump.”

The coyote was having a great timeteasing the blind man.All of a sudden,Napi caught the coyote’s paw.He felt the coyote’s face.Quickly, he pulled out one eye.He then put it into his own eye socket.Napi looked around.

“How wonderful it is to be able to see again,”he said.

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The coyote prayed and begged of Napi,“Ni’sa, Napi,have pity on me;Leave me with one eye.You may have the other.”

Napi would not hear of the coyote’s plea.He pulled out the coyote’s other eye.Napi replaced his lost eyes.He said to the coyote,

“Tainai saihka apstsii,you should have knownnot to tease me.Now. Go away, apstsii.”

With beautiful brown eyes,Napi walked awayfrom the poor animal.

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Napi’s Proposal

It was a beautiful sunny dayafter a long dreary winter.The ice on the Elbow Riverwas almost completely thawed.The sounds of birds and animalscould be heard everywhere.The beavers were swimming along the river banks,splashing their tails.The trees would soon be blossoming in bright green,and the shrubs would be producing their berries.

On the top of one of the hills,there lived a group of bachelors.Their lodges were small andmade out of animal skins.They were too lazy to scrape the hairoff the animals’ hides.The bachelors lived very poorly.Often, there was nothing to eat.They watched their dogs die of starvation.

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Once in a while,an ambitious bachelor would go huntingto feed the rest of the hungry men.This ordeal continued for a long time.

One day, Napi,who was the leader of these men,was strolling along the riverbankfollowing one of the animal trails.

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Napi began to think to himself,as he stopped to eat some of the dead berries,which were left behind by young does.He felt desperate and very lonelyfor a female companion.

“I wish, I wish, I wish, I wish,I could meet a beautiful young maidenwho would serve me and make memoccasins, leggings and shirts,”

he said to himself.

As he approached the other side of the valley,he saw a circle of tipis.He could not believe his eyes!Inside the circle lived a group ofindependent women.Their costumes and equipment were simple,but most attractive in colour.

Their tipis were made offine, soft-smoked, tanned buffalo skin and decorated in many colours.

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Among these, there was a queenwho commanded and gave ordersto the other women.She was the most attractive woman in the camp.She was respected by the rest of the women.She had received spiritual powersfrom some supernatural being.She received the power to be brave, skillful,and sometimes aggressive to enemies.She would not let strangers enter her camp.She was a teacher who taught the other womenhow to survive.She was able to make bows and arrows.When sa’ksisakimaan would go low,she would call on the stronger girlsto go out and hunt from fresh game.

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In the summer moons,a group of middle-aged womenwould pick berries while the otherswould be tanning hidesto replace worn-out tipi covers andmake warm winter clothing,There was never a moment of leisurefor these women.

At the end of the evening,they would gather togetherin a circle, and the older womenwould share some of their experienceswith the young maidens.

Every day, each group had a different chore to do.Niinawaakii and the rest of the maidensshared and enjoyed the comforts of life.Napi sat still on the hillfor along time,watching the women.He came up with a plan!He walked toward the women’s camp andasked to speak with Niinawaakii.

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Immediately, Niinawaakii ordered everyoneto go back to their lodges.

“Do not get closer, stranger!If you want to stay alive,keep your distance!”

Napi started to weep,“Pity me!I have come to bring you good news.Toward the eastern slopesthere lives a group of bachelors.We have been watching you do allthis hard work.I have been sent by the mento make a proposal.You may choose husbands from anyone of us.We will make life easier for you.”

Niinawaakii was hesitant to make a decision.She stood face to face with Napiand said,

“Come back in four days with your group.”

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Napi told the men,“Oki, I’m going to tell you.These women take good care of their homes.You men will hunt,and the women will take care of our food supplies.”

The men agreed.

In the meantime,the women continued with their activities,preparing their food for the winter.Niinawaakii was an accomplished butcher,and the group of women relied on her skills.

She was still butcheringwhen the other women announcedthe arrival of the men.As Napi walked into their camp,she offered him her hand.She asked him to be her partner.Napi, seeing the womancovered with blood,quickly refused her offer.

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Niinawaakii was hurt and very humiliatedby Napi’s refusal.Niinawaakii ordered a stop to all proposalsand told the women to go to their lodges immediately.She told them.

“I have been rejected by that man;I forbid you to pick the manwho has rejected me.”

The women agreed.Meanwhile, Niinawaakii returned to her lodge.This time, she put on her best wardrobe.She returned to the groupand was the prettiest of all the women.Her long black hair was neatly braided;it matched her fair complexion.

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Her buckskin dress, moccasins and wide beltall matched and were decorated beautifullywith multi-coloured porcupine quills.

Each woman walked to her placeand patiently waited.When Napi saw Niinawaakii,he could not resist her.He ran in front of her,but she pushed him aside.She picked another man to be her husband.Everyone ignored Napi;he was left standing alone.He was once again a loner!

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Napi and His Deer Hide Cloak

It was a bright sunny day.Only the sun and the skylooked down on Napiwith questioning light.The trees swayed in a bewildered breeze.The animals danced and prancedin an uneasy manner.The birds flew high above Napi,occasionally swooping down and divingto attract their master’s attention.

Napi stood alone,not knowing where to turn.The deer skin cloak draped around his shoulderswas fast becoming a burden in the intense heat.

A small sleek fox, with a shiny red coat,came to Napi and said,

“I am going for a walk.May I join you?”

asked the fox.

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“Kika”said Napi.Napi ignored the fox,but, the fox continued to pester him.Finally, Napi snapped back angrily,

“Ai! You might as well join me in my walk.”

The intense heat finally got to Napi.As they approached a huge rock

“You poor rock,you do not even have a cloak,Here, I will give you minefor when there is a storm,you will certainly need it.”

Napi felt lighter and was able to keep upwith the fox.

After they had covered many miles,the fox said to Napi,

“Ni”sa look up at the skies.There must be a storm coming.”

Napi kept on walking,not paying attention to the fox’s warning.

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When he finally looked up,he saw lightning in the western sky, andhe felt droplets of rain on his forehead.

Napi and the fox rushed back to the rock.“I have come to take my cloak back.I will return it when the rainstorm is over,”

said Napi.“Sah!” said the rock.“I have never heard of anyonerepossessing anything from a rock.”“I will just borrow ituntil the storm is over,”

said Napi in an angry voice.

After a few minutes of angry discussionwith the rock,Napi angrily grabbed the cloak andwalked away with the fox.Once the two continued on their walk,the rain began to pound on the earth.

The thunder and lightningwhipped, cracked and rumbledlike a thousand buffalo herding.

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The fox said to Napi,“Ni’sa, Ni’sa, Ni’sa,look back at the rock.It is chasing us!”

Napi looked back and sure enoughthe rock, like a thousand antelope,was coming down after Napi and the fox.

As the rock began to close in on him,the fox began to scratch and dig with his claws.He dug a tunnel to surviveand escaped through the hole.

Suddenly, the rock was at Napi’s heels,and in a cry of desperation,Napi yelled and shouted out,

“I pray, my dear brother,come rescue me!”

to the herd of buffalo.The buffalo tried to stop the rock,but failed.The rock rolled over the buffaloinjuring and killing some of them.The rest escaped.

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Meanwhile, Napi had managed to stayjust ahead of the rock.He came close to a flock of birds.He said to them,

“I pray, my dear brothers and sisters,come and rescue me!”

The birds began to attack the rockby sweeping down on it.From the force of their attack,the rock began to fall apart into small pieces.Soon, the rock was nothing more than afew harmless pieces of stonesalong the river,from Porcupine Hills to the Belly Buttes.

Napi walked away from the whole scenewithout showing any signs of appreciationto the life-saving birds.He had walked only a short distancewhen he came upon a treewith a nest full of the offspringof the life-saving birds.

“You must be the children of the birdswho stopped all the exciting fun

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I was having.I’ll stretch your little mouths andyou will have large wide mouths,so future generations will make fun of you,”

he said to the little birds.Napi began to stretch their mouthsuntil they bled.

When the older birds returned to their nests,the mothers said,

“You must have been fed well;your mouths are bloody.”

The little birds replied,“No! No! No!It is Napi’s deed;he has made our mouths big and bloodybecause of what you have done to him.”

The birds, in great anger,began to search for Napi.When they found him walking toward the bush,they began to swoop down in the same wayas they had destroyed the rock,they pelted Napi’s cloak.

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Napi’s only escape was the nearby river.He dove to the bottom of the river,but he did not know how to swim.Napi was almost drowning.He barely managed to get his face abovethe surface of the water,when he saw the angry birdsflying back to their offspring.

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Napi and the Ice Breaking

While Napi was traveling one day,he experienced an unusual event.On the ice that covered the river,there was a man singing and dancing.He chanted,

“Pakotokimaiya” (which means ice breaking)After he had chanted this several times,the ice broke.From the crack in the ice,he took out some meat.As Napi watched in surprise,every time the man broke the ice,his favourite foods would come out.Napi schemed and pleaded with the man,

“Teach me, show me.Give me your powers.”

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Napi kept asking,and finally, after the fourth time,he said,

“Napi, I pity you;you must be starving.I will grant you my powers.You can pakotokimaiyaonly when you cometo a beautiful untrodden spot.Don’t do it too often though.”

The man felt sorry for Napi,so he gave Napi the power.But he warned Napi not to use itmore than four times.

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As soon as the man was out of sight,Napi immediately began chanting and dancing.As soon as the ice broke,all sorts of delicious food appeared,and he quickly ate them.Napi went a short distance down the riverand repeated the chanting and dancing.

The fourth timeNapi did the chanting and dancing,the ice broke, he fellinto the freezing riverand almost lost his life.

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Napi and the Elk

Napi started walkingand saw a flash of lightsand wondered whatwas going on.

He started crying,and a nearby elk asked him,

“Why are you walking around?Come and join us.”

The elk were running around,having fun.Napi told the elk,

“You go first.”

Meanwhile, Napi started running around,looking for a steep cliff.Once he found one,he started to run toward it,making the elk follow him.

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As the elk jumpedover the cliff,many of them were killed.Those that lived,Napi hit with a rock.

One elk was pregnant.She watched everything,

“Why are all my friends still?”

Napi told her,“You jump too and find out.”

He tried to reassure her,“They are having great fun.”

The pregnant elk did not trust Napi;she ran quicklyin the opposite direction.She got away,which is why there are elk today.

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Activities

Napi’s Greatest Achievement

1. Have students talk about this vocabulary, in context:

• Survivor

• Rescue

• Lingered

• Search

• Complimented

Have students suggest synonyms that could be used.Point out that there are several words in the legend that have prefixes and suffixes added to them:

• Shiniest

• Unsuccessful

• Bravery

• Dissatisfied

• Awakened

• Wondering

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2. Have students compare the Biblical version of the flood with this Blackfoot legend. Consider other versions of the same event(s). These questions might help:

a. How are the heroes (Napi and Noah) similar different?

b. How are the time periods related?

c. Which animals survive each flood?

d. What equipment do the two heroes use to stay safe?

e. What parts of the storylines are similar/different?

3. Napi’s favourite animal was the muskrat. What are the students’ favourite animals and why? Have students find or draw pictures of these animals and create a poster which answers these questions:

a. Where does it live?

b. What does it eat?

c. What are its natural predators?

d. Why is it their favourite?

4. Discuss the moral drawn at the end of the legend. What does it mean? Do the students agree how could it be applied to life today? What about the future?

5. Have the students research the significance of the four directions to First Nations’ people. Have them illustrate the “Circle of Life” and explore other similar applications.

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The Return of Napi to the Homeland

1. Have students skim through the legend to find the following words in the text:

• Camped

• Mischievous

• Disgusted

• Confided

• Betrayed

• Curse

• Savagely

• Threatening

• Seconded

As they find the words, have them suggest synonyms, words which mean the same.Have learners suggest antonyms (opposites) for these words:

• Mischievous

• Disgusted

• Curse

• Savagely

• Ascended

Have students use these words in sentences.

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2. After reading the legend, have students answer these questions:

a. Why would Hunter go into the wilderness?

b. Why would Maka’paakii take her rawhide rope?

c. Why was Spotted Face disgusted?

d. Why could Hunter not sleep?

e. Why did Hunter shoot his wife?

Talk about their answers and ask if they implied or inferred some of their answers. The facts were not all clearly stated.

3. Have students describe the three sacred objects Hunter gave his sons. Have students write an adventure story where they receive three sacred objects, which prove to be invaluable. Share the stories.

4. Have students skim the legend and identify the emotions felt by the characters:

a. Hunter: proud, scared, disgusted, angry

b. Sons: happy, relaxed, surprised, frightened, relieved, lonely

Talk about the events that evoked these emotions.

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5. Have students, in groups, make a list of the verbs, or action words in the story, like the chart below:

VERB PRESENT PAST PAST PARTICIPLE

FUTURE

go

seek

try

say

have

tell

decide

consider

make

sat

The list can be longer, of course. Talk about the verbs that are irregular, the troublesome ones.

6. Have students create a diorama of the legend, using as many “natural” items as possible, i.e., grass, twigs and rocks. Have them write another ending to the legend.

7. Have students talk about other legends or fairy tales that include three magic objects, or three magic wishes. Have them bring examples of these stories to share. Three seems to be a “magical” number.

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The Hummingbird’s Song

1. Read the first paragraph of the legend to the students. Talk about Chief Mountain, located in Waterton Lakes National Park. Explain to them that “Ninastako” is the Blackfoot word for Chief Mountain. Have students surf the Internet to find the best pictures of Chief Mountain and then share them with their classmates.

This mountain has both geographic and historic importance for the residents of southern Alberta. Have students research these questions:

a. Why is it called Chief Mountain?

b. What is significant about its location?

c. What is its topography?

d. Why does it present a challenge to recreational climbers today?

e. If possible, have students take pictures of “The Chief” at different times. When studying the photos, the students will notice that at one time the mountain appears to be a large and strong, while at other times, it appears small and meek. It seems to change its character.

8. The hummingbird is a very interesting creature; the smallest species is 6.4 cm long and weighs less than a dime. Many hummingbirds are very fast and can dart at speeds as high as 97 km/hr. Have students find other interesting facts about these birds.

9. It is very common for characters in legends and fairy tales to have three wishes. Have students brainstorm stories where three wishes were offered to the main character. Have students write their own “If I had three wishes” story and share it with the class.

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10. For many, the ending of this legend is shocking. Have students talk about their reactions to Napi’s behaviour. Was it justified? Does it follow the philosophy, “An eye for an eye”? Where did this expression come from?

Napi’s Proposal

1. Read the first part of this legend aloud to the students. Have the students write their own endings. Once completed, compare their endings with the legend.

2. Have students find the following vocabulary in context:

• Dreary

• Ordeal

• Humiliated

• Starvation

• Hesitant

3. Have students skim the legend to pick out the descriptive words and phrases (words that appeal to the sense of touch, sight and smell). Have students list all these words and use them in sentences.

4. Talk about Napi in this legend, his character and his actions, with students answering these questions:

a. Did Napi deserve to be alone again in the end?

b. Was Napi a chauvinist?

c. Did the bachelors “deserve” the women?

d. Did the women need the bachelors?

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5. Talk about jobs today that are usually taken by men. How has this changed over the years? Should everyone be allowed to compete for all jobs? This is an excellent debate topic, if the students chose sides and presented their arguments.

6. Talk about the cliché, “You cannot judge a book by its cover” and have students write their own version of a fable that teaches this lesson.

7. If students are interested in the topic of courtship and how it has changed over the years, have them research the changes and perhaps even cultural differences.

8. This legend is excellent for dramatization. Have groups take roles and learn the parts, then present their plays to the rest of the class. Have students evaluate the presentations based on the credibility of the characters portrayed.

Napi and His Deer Hide Cloak

1. After students have read the legend, have them answer these questions:

a. If you had been the rock, what would you have done?

b. Was Napi’s treatment of the baby birds justified?

c. What do you think happened to Napi at the end of the legend?

d. How do you feel toward Napi?

2. Once again, this is an excellent legend for dramatization. Have students rewrite portions of it to include more dialogue. Present the final product to the class.

3. Have students locate the Porcupine Hills and the Belly Buttes on a map of Alberta. Some versions of this legend suggest that Napi’s travels covered the territory from Okotoks to Cardston. Have students estimate the distance Napi would have traveled.

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Napi and the Ice Breaking

1. In this legend, a chant is used to make magical things happen. Talk about the characteristics of a chant. Have students share any chants they know (even ones used when jumping rope). After students have shared several, or written some original ones, have them illustrate one. Display their work.

2. Have students read the legend and talk about how it is similar to other fables (i.e., the dog and the meat or the fox and the grapes). Have students write their own fables, where the temptation of food brings the main character to his or her destruction.

3. Have students talk about what kinds of food they would like to have come out of the ice. Would the list follow Canada’s Food Guide?

4. Talk about the man with the powers in the legend. Do the students think he knew Napi would try too often? Why did he finally give in to Napi’s pleading? Is there a parallel that can be drawn with the students and their parents? If the discussion is lively in this area, lead to the question: Why is it tough when someone says, “I told you so.”

5. Have students talk about the lesson Napi has learned. Do they think he will change? Why or why not?

6. Have students talk about the kind of person Napi is. Would they like Napi as a friend? Do they know someone like him?

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Napi and the Elk

1. As in most of the previous legends, Napi is up to his usual tricks. The only difference this time, however, is the elk outsmarts him. Have students read the legend to find out how she does it.

2. This storyline introduces an animal that did not trust Napi. Why is it a good story to have at the end?

3. Do students feel that Napi would have destroyed all the elk, or would he have kept a few alive for future generations? Although it is simple, it does carry a strong message. What is the lesson?

4. This legend makes reference to a geographic feature like a buffalo jump. Have students research how a buffalo jump was effective, how First Nations’ people used them and how we can tell today where the jumps were located. If possible, visit the Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, one of Canada’s National Historic sites.

5. Have students talk about all the legends included in this book. Allow time for them to retell the legends to younger students. If possible, invite elders to the class to share more Napi legends with the students. The character of Napi has thrilled storytellers and their audiences for years.

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Blackfoot Glossary

Older brother – Ni’saRock – OhkotokStone – ohkotokiksiGopher – omahkokatawaBig Sand Hills – omahkspatsikoSong/Chant – pakotokimaiyaEagle – piitaBirds – pi’ksiiksiSnake – piksiksinawaNo – saPemmican – mookimaanCrushing meat – sa’ksisakimaanFox – sinopawaBranch – sistsiksiwaGrass – soyootoihkowa or matoyihko“Yes, that is how it will be”

-Aa annaakanistsiwa“Where are you going?”

-Tsima kitaitapoohpa“I told you not to tease me.”

-Tainai Saihka Blind – apstsiiFirst lady – niinawaakiiCoyote – aap’si Wait - Kika

Canoe –ahkiohsa’tsisYes - AaKnife- isttoan Water - aohkiiDeer cloak - awakasaanBuffalo - iinii - iiniwaDog - imitawaPorcupine - Kai’skaahpStars - kakatosiiks Moon – ko’komiki’sommIce - kokotoSoil - ksahkoiEarth - KsaahkommBad woman - maka’paakii Wolf - makoyiFirst woman - matoomaakiiBadger - missinsskiMuskrat – mi’sohpsskiHuman excretion - iistaan Mountains - mistakisRiver - niitahtaaTipi - niitoyisWhere - naihtskaiBold lady – A’kowaakii

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