Native American creation myths are intertwined with the natural world. The Native people have watched animals closely in the attempt to understand both their behavior and role in nature. Animals act on instinct and are capable of interacting with nature in a way that people can’t. Because of these observations, the Native Americans came to believe that animals possess supernatural powers and were mediators between the physical and spiritual worlds. The birds were thought to be messengers of Wakan Tanka, the Creator, and who would relay his words to the people. The creatures that walked the earth were believed to have consented to be hunted. It was a cultural taboo to waste any part of an animal as this would bring the animals wrath upon the people. The creatures of the sea were said to have brought forth land for the first humans to live on. Universally, Native American culture is centered on animal worship and appeasement. Not only did animals create and shape our world, they helped maintain it. There are stories of two opposing forces fighting for the survival of humanity. The creature who saves the people is often revered as a god second only to Wakan Tanka. In some creation stories, animals are more than mediums and gods; they are family. Some stories mention how humans will transform into a specific animal in order to provide food or shelter for their families. This creates a sense of kinship between humans and animals. Even today, many tribes and clans claim descent from an animal. The people have such high respect for their spiritual ancestors that many will refuse to eat certain foods that contain their animal spirit. For example, my “uncle” refuses to eat turtle soup because his spirit animal is a turtle. Another thing about animals is that they are the first storytellers. Before preservation of our culture became an issue, much of the people’s history was told orally. The stories of creation, cultivation and the crafting arts were taught to us by animals. Through observation, animals taught the people, what to grow, what to eat. Believe it or not but animals also taught the people how to procreate. It doesn’t matter if they’re the Sioux warriors of the north wearing wolf pelts to draw strength, to the Navajo skin changers of the west. This is the love the people bear for their quadrupedal, fur skinned, avian neighbors. Animals have had such a vast influence on Native Americans it’s small wonder why the People of the White Foam looked down on them as savages. It does not matter. The culture is still alive and thriving. And with that in mind:
Wakan Tankan Nici Un
Wakan Tankan Nici Un