Coyote and Native Indian Stories Reference Materials

Coyote and Native Indian Stories Reference Materials

Coyote is a survivor in the real world and also as a mythic figure. His mythical presence has descended through pre-recorded oral storytelling traditions to the present time. His character evokes our admiration, fear, pity and laughter. He teaches us to listen, pay attention and respect all that surrounds us. In the four categories of Indian legends as outlined by John Friesen in Western Canadian Native Destiny: complex questions coyote stories fit under entertainment legends or instructional/teaching legends.

Baker, Betty. And Me, Coyote. Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.,
1982.
In this delightful creation legend Coyote assists World Maker as he creates the earth. World Maker’s brother, Blind Man, adds his creations with surprising results. With beautiful illustrations, we learn about the young playful Coyote who like to help World Maker. (Coyote is a playful companion)

Baker, Betty. At the Center of the World. Macmillan Publishing
Co., Inc. 1973.
Creation stories of the Papago and Pima tribes of southern
Arizona and New Mexico are told in six chapters and 53 pages. The respect for the natural world and how it evolved is retained through ancient stories. In chapter 2 the concept of words shaping our realities is introduced as Coyote tells Earth Magician about his dream of the world being filled with water and it does. The magic in words is then used to save the world and Eetoi creates humans in this second creation of the world. Re-creation is a thread that is woven through many of the chapters … mistakes are let go, making room for new and better forms.




Campbell, Maria. Little Badger and Fire Spirit. Mclelland and Stewart Limited, 1977.
This is a story about unlikely heroes, facing your fears with equanimity and befriending your enemy. We learn how the warmth of true friendship lasts forever.


Cleaver, Elizabeth. The Loon’s Necklace. Oxford University Press, T. O., 1977.
With beautiful pictures by award-winning illustrator Elizabeth Cleaver, this retold legend carries the theme of respect for elders, paying attention to the natural world of forest and lakes and the main theme of the sacred give-away which carries the story to its conclusion. The story brings attention to the markings of color on the loon’s body.

de Paola, Tomie. The Legend of the Bluebonnet. Scholastic Inc., 1983.
This story set in Texas, is about a young Comanche child with great wisdom and heart. She gives her most valued possession, her doll, to the Great Spirit in order to save her people during a time of drought and famine. Her selfless action creates the lupine flower, bluebonnet of Texas. A story of love and transformation, it asks us what are we willing to give away for the benefit of our community.

Einarson, Earl. The Moccasins. Theytus Books, Penticton, B.C., 2004.
The simplicity of Julie Flett’s illustrations add a deeper dimension to this quiet story of loving foster care and respect for native culture. The simple narrative reveals layers of cultural meaning and family strength.

Friesen, John and Virginia. Western Canadian Native Destiny: complex questions on the cultural maze . Detselig Enterprises, Calgary, 2008.

Goble, Paul. Crow Chief. Orchard Books, New York, 1992.
This legend has descended in the oral tradition from a time when Buffalo roamed the plains and native warriors relied on the hunt to feed their people through the long winter months. We learn about the mysterious ‘Falling Star’ who visits the camp and helps them sort out their troubles with Crow Chief. Crow Chief is fond of buffaloes, does not like his fellow humans, and thwarts the buffalo hunt.


Goble, Paul. Iktomi and the Buzzard. Orchard Books, New York, 1994.
‘Iktomi’ means spider in Lakota and also refers to the mythological trickster who helped the creator when the world was created. Iktomi’s comically dreadful behavior in this story helps us to laugh at ourselves when we display our idle, directionless, easily distractable self. We mustn’t cry or give up when things go wrong.


Goble, Paul. The Lost Children. Aladdin Paperbacks, Simon and Schuster’s Publishing Division, New York, 1998.
The legend of the origin of the Plaidies is told in similar ways in most North American native circles. It carries a message of moral values and truth in a similar style to the teachings found in parables and Scriptures. We find out what happens to six orphaned boys who are not cared for by their community and the choices these children make.


Goble, Paul. The Return of the Buffaloes. National Geographic Society 1996.
This myth renews our belief in miracles and the wonders of the natural world. On the plains in the Black hills area, buffalo was a staple food in winter; it was dried and carried in envelopes called ‘parfleches.’ In the miracle of sustenance returning after famine, we can experience the magic of the story anywhere there are hills to climb, and dark caves to enter, whether they are metaphorical or real.


Goble, Paul. Dream Wolf. Bradbury Press, 1990.
Two children wander away into the hills at berry-picking time. Lost, they shelter overnight in a cave. The older child dreams a wolf curls around them giving warmth and protection. In the morning a real wolf leads them back to camp and returns to the hills. The people celebrate their return and honor the wolf with gifts and songs for his kindness. We are all one.

McLellan, Joe and Matrine. Nanabosho Grants a Wish. Pemmican Publications, Toronto, 2000.
The ninth book in a series on Nanabush by Joe McLellan, this tells the story of wishes and being careful what you wish for. This story is from the Ojibway cultural tradition.


Nicholson, Caitlin Dale. Niwechihaw I Help. Groundwood Books.
House of Anansi Press Toronto Canada 2008.
This modern Cree story illustrates the close relationship of a young child and his grandmother. Simple language, told in Cree and English, and beautiful illustrations convey the stillness and presence of the relationship as the two go out gathering rosehips together.


Pohrt, Tom. Coyote Goes Walking. Harper Collins Canada Ltd. 1995.
Four short stories illustrate Coyote’s natural curiosity and teach reverence for all life. We learn that each animal/being has their own unique way of doing when Coyote tries to hunt like Woodpecker does with hilarious results. (Coyote is creative and mischievous)


Robbins, Ruth. How the First Rainbow Was Made. Parnassus Press 1980.
One winter on Mt. Shasta rain and overcast skies made the Indians weary. They seek Coyote’s advice because he has been on earth longer than they and he is wise. His plan involves the native peoples and animals working together. The rainbow is the sign from Old Man Above that they have achieved success. (Coyote is a wise friend)


Sidney, Angela, Smith, Kitty, Dawson, Rachel. My Stories Are My Wealth. Willow Printers Whitehorse Yukon Territory 1977.
Sidney, Angela. Tagish Tlaagu Tagish Stories. Council for Yukon Indians and the Government of Yukon. Whitehorse Yukon 1982.


Thornhill, Jan. Crow and Fox and Other Animal Legends. Greey
De Pencier Books (Owl) Toronto, Ontario 1993.
This is a collection of folktales from around the world based on relationship between two animals. One animal character from each story takes us into the next story and so on. Delightful and instructive at the same time.