Larry Aitken's "Thunderbird Story" full

To learn more about Native communities and culture visit http://ojibwearchive.sas.upenn.edu/ Larry Aitken tells the story of long ago when the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) people were in crisis and the Creator considered destroying the world. Migizi (eagle) flys to Creator's world bearing a message from the people to beg for his mercy. In order to fly by the sun to reach ishpiming (above world), where Creator resides, Migizi is transformed from an eagle into animikii (thunderbird). Because Migizi is so brave and true of heart, Creator tells him that he will send teachers to help the Aninshinaabeg (Ojibwe people). This is why Migizi (eagle) is seen as Creator's messenger and a manifestation of animikii (thunderbird)