The Eagle’s Gift: A First Nations Story
Long ago, when the world was young, the Great Spirit created the animals to guide and teach the people. Each animal had a purpose, but among them, the Eagle soared the highest, closest to the Creator.
In a small village nestled between the great rivers and towering mountains, a boy named Awanata lived with his people. Awanata was kind-hearted, but he lacked confidence. He was afraid to speak in the council, afraid to hunt with the warriors, afraid to follow his path.
One night, an elder named Grandmother Wapiya noticed Awanata sitting alone by the fire. She approached him and spoke softly.
“Awanata, you have a strong heart, but it is caged like a bird afraid to fly.”
“I am not strong, Grandmother,” he said. “I am small, and my voice is weak.”
Grandmother Wapiya smiled and pointed to the sky. “The Eagle does not stay on the ground because the earth is safe. It flies because it was born to do so. You must find your spirit, young one.”
That night, as Awanata slept, he dreamt of a vast mountain. At the peak stood a great Golden Eagle with piercing eyes. It spoke to him without words, its voice echoing in his heart.
“Climb, and you will see.”
When he awoke, Awanata knew what he had to do. He set out alone to the tallest mountain, through thick forests and roaring rivers. The journey was hard, and he wanted to turn back many times, but he remembered the Eagle’s words.
At last, he reached the summit. There, waiting for him, was the Golden Eagle. It spread its wings, and a great wind lifted Awanata’s spirit. He felt no fear. He felt strong.
“Do you see now?” the Eagle’s voice whispered.
Awanata gazed down at the vast land below—the rivers, the forests, his village. Everything seemed so small, yet connected. He understood that his fears were only shadows, and like the Eagle, he was meant to soar.
When he returned home, the people saw the change in him. He stood tall, his voice steady. He became a great leader, guiding his people with wisdom and courage. And whenever he doubted himself, he would look to the sky, where the Eagle soared, reminding him of the strength within.
The End.