Learning the Land

A story and contribution from Elder Wilfred Buck of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Hover your mouse over a [Bold] word to see the English translation.

[Kokominakasis] is the spirit in charge of [Iskatiwuk].
Our people believe there are alternate realities and use the example of [Pawamiuk] as an example of a glimpse of infinite possibilities. [Pakwan Kisik] is one such [Iskatiwuk]…

[Kokominakasis] also gave us the Dream Catcher.

We are told a being of [Kisikokuk], called [Achakos Iskwew] was the first human to visit [ota Aski]. Kokominakasis lowered Achakos Iskwew through [Pakwan Kisik] with a single strand of webbing and Achakos Iskwew took a physical form when she got here… human. The single strand of webbing is the umbilical cord and this is how we all get here for our short visit.
The word “Pamatisiwin” refers to [Achakos Iskwew]. The break-down of the word translates to “moving forward…with the memory of all of the female relatives…in a good way.”

-Wilfred Buck

Storytelling time:

A story about a trickster spider named Iktomi.
Special thanks to Storyteller – Leslie Wilson
This story was originally shared with her by Jim Redeagle from Carry the Kettle First Nation / Sturgis, South Dakota