Napi Legends: Willie White Feathers and Dr. Helen Many Fingers

By Ninastako Cultural Centre

These Napi legends develop the storyline of the trickster Napi; they include conversational Blackfoot words, and most importantly, they provide a glimpse into the past of the First Nations people who roamed the western Canadian prairies. Finally, the colourful drawings by a member of Kainai seal the authenticity of the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781504976473

Ninastako Cultural Centre

Willie White Feathers was a revered elder on the Blood Reserve. The Napi legends he shared are classics, and as they were translated and compiled by Dr. Helen Many Fingers, they are especially relevant. Dr. Many Fingers was a recipient of the Order of Canada for her diligent efforts in education for First Nations’ learners. This is a powerful combination: two elders and Napi legends!

Book preview

2017 Ninastako Cultural Centre. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,

or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 07/18/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5049-7646-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-7647-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016901559

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Napi’s Greatest Achievement

The Return of Napi to the Homeland

The Hummingbird’s Song

Napi’s Proposal

Napi and His Deer Hide Cloak

Napi and the Ice Breaking

Napi and the Elk

Activities

Blackfoot Glossary

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Willie White Feathers (late)

Willie White Feathers (Aphsowatis) is a significant name on the Blood Reserve, AB, because his name was the last of his family name. He was almost 100 years old when he told these legends – a sign of his mental alertness. He told the legends lovingly, even laughing aloud at some of Napi’s practical jokes. His contributions to First Nations’ culture are immeasurable.

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Dr. Helen Many Fingers (late)

Dr. Helen Many Fingers (Katainawaakii) was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend and neighbour. But to the rest of the world, Helen was a distinguished recipient of The Order of Canada -the highest honour in Canada – an award which recognizes people who have made a difference to our country.

Mother to Doreen Rabbit, Dolores Day Chief (late), Wallace Jr., Lois Frank, Tony, Morris and Crystal Many Fingers, Helen was often found at pow wows, local gatherings and educational events. She was also a caring grandmother to many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her talents for beadwork, sewing and cooking were well known. Her compassion and caring attitude for all were also her trademarks.

Helen had a list