Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction


1. Creation Stories
The Mud Diver Story: Munsee
The Making of the World: Huron
2. The Wager for the World
The Chickadee Story: Mi'kmaq
The Adoption of the Human Race: Natchez
Co-No, the World’s Greatest Gambler: Winnebago
3. The Origins of Fire
The First Fire: Cherokee
Fire-Stealing Fox: Jicarilla-Apache
4. The Sacred Pipe
White Buffalo Calf Woman: Lakota
5. "Why?" Stories
How Deer Got His Horns: Cherokee
Why Deer’s Teeth Are Blunt: Cherokee
Why the Blackfeet Never Kill Mice: Blackfeet/Ojibway
6. The Sacred Hero
Son of Light Defeats the Monster: Hopi
Agulabemu, the Great Bullfrog: Mi’kmaq
7. The Return of the Sun
Chipmunk Asks for the Light: Seneca
Little Brother Gets Mad at the Sun: Winnebago
Raven: Tlingit/Salish
8. Coyotes and Other Tricksters
Deer and Blue Jay: Klamath
Coyote and Wren: Klamath
Coyote and the Salmon: Klamath
9. Nature Spirits, Landkeepers, and Tribal Guardians
The Meesang, or Water Babies: Washo
The Great Bird Ong: Washo
10. The Spiritual Journey
The Stone Canoe: Ojibway/Anishinabi

Notes
Acknowledgments

About the Author

Evan T. Pritchard, who is of Mi'kmaq and Celtic descent, is the director of the Center for Algonquin Culture, based in Woodstock, New York, and is professor of Native American studies and philosophy at Marist College. A musician and storyteller, he lectures frequently around the U.S. and Canada, and is the author of Native New Yorkers and No Word for Time.

Reviews

"Reader-friendly.... Enlightening and uplifting."
—New York Spirit

“Edifying.... Brims with insights into the relevance of Native American spirituality [to] the challenges that face us all as individuals and as a nation embedded in the natural world.”
—Spirituality & Health

“A gem.... A great group of tales to enjoy by yourself, to read aloud or to discuss with a group.... Timely.”
—Read the Spirit

“Highlight[s] the sacredness of all life.”
—Sacred Journey