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Canku Ota |
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(Many Paths) |
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An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America |
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April 17, 2004 - Issue 111 |
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Why There Are Indians |
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Long, long ago, when Creator first thought about making this North American continent, there were many things for Him to consider. There was the problem of land, forests, animals, and food. He decided that these things would have to be undertaken in steps, so that everything would work properly.
So, fourth, the Creator put Man upon this continent. Some were created out of the Desert sands, some were created from the grasses of the Plains, some were created out of the great Mounds, some were created out of the great Forests and Swamps, some were created out of the great Mountains, and still others were created from the Ice and Snows of the far Northern Lands.
That was many thousands of years ago. Our people no longer have possession of the Lands or control over the Animals and Forests. But some of us still remember the Creator's purpose which He gave to our Ancestors, and we still try to do these things. Print
and Color Your Own Trumpeter Swan |
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First,
Creator put the Lands out in the vast Ocean. These Lands were made
of Rocks and Sands, which are the oldest things upon this Earth.
With both the North and South American continents, the Oceans were
divided. That is why there is a number of different Oceans surrounding
them. Now, these Lands were barren. Creator looked upon them and
was not happy. They looked too much alike to suit Him, so He created
Mountains and Streams. Some Lands were made to be much higher than
others were. Some were meant to be Deserts, and some were meant
to be near the Oceans. And some Lands were meant to be very cold.
Now, Creator was happy.
Second,
He made the great Forests and the Plains. He let these things grow
and mature, and let them learn how to exist in relation to the Rivers
and Streams. He sent rains upon these things, so that they might
grow and be nourished. The thunder and lightning were signs of His
power and might. He allowed the plants to make air, clean and pure.
Creator put great beauty in these creations, such as flowers and
many-colored leaves. He allowed these Trees to bear seeds, nuts,
berries, and shade for future uses. To every Tree and plant that
He put here, there was a purpose assigned. Creator looked upon this
and He saw that it was good.
Third,
Creator placed the many varieties of Birds and Animals upon this
Land. They all learned how to find food and shelter, and they all
had a wonderful harmony among them. To each creature that He made,
He assigned a purpose. The Creator looked upon these things and
He saw that it was good. As Creator looked upon the vast beauty
of the Lands, the Trees, the Animals, the Birds, and the Waters,
He smiled. He thought, "I must put Man here to enjoy all of
My great creations. I will put him here, and give him the purpose
of Keeper of all of my great creations."
The
Creator did not call these people Native Americans or Indians. He
called them Human Beings--People. These people were created in the
image of our great Creator. Creator was very pleased with these
native peoples. They used His creations with care and honor. Human
nature being what it was, the different tribes sometimes fought
over territories, but there was great peace across the Land as a
whole. Although they spoke many different languages and dialects,
they could all communicate with each other. The Creator looked down
upon this and He saw that it was very good. He smiled upon all of
His Creations.
What
is the largest flying bird in North America? Why the trumpeter swan, of
course!! The trumpeter swan has a wing span of 7.5 - 8 feet (228 - 244
cm) and can weigh up to 35 pounds (13.6 kg.) These beautiful and graceful
pure white birds have ebony black bills, legs, and feet. They are a sight
that few of us get to see in our lifetimes. They earned their name due
to their distinctive "trumpet-like" sound, caused by a loop
in their larynx.
The
other group are flown to northern Wisconsin soon after hatching. Separated
into groups, they are cared for by university interns who sit inside floating
blinds that had a floating adult swan decoy attached. The intern "mom"
shows the cygnets where and what to eat, how to act as swans, and to fear
predators without the swans learning to trust humans. Alas, no peanut
butter sandwiches but more safety for the swans.
