This week’s story is Thanks to the Animals told (written) by Allen Sockabasin a Passamaquoddy storyteller. The story is part of a concerted effort of mine to share many different Native American stories from different communities, tribes, nations and storytellers, and from different times, milieus and artistic, political and educational perspectives. This particular story is just brilliant in being both situated in a very particular “transitional time” for the Passamaquoddy people as Socabasin explains, and an expression of a deep, worldly, spiritual connection with the animals with which people share the earth. When I read this story to young children they inevitably identify with Zoo Sap, the baby that falls of the sled and is rescued by the animals and his father. I think they are left with a profoundly comforting message about the earth as being a “home” that will protect us and care for us if we approach the world with a proper sense of gratitude and a skillful practice of care. Enjoy. ( Included are an interview with the author, two reviews, and an audio file of Socabasin and his daughter reading the story alternatively in English and Passamaquoddy! ) Previewing this video I noticed an annoying glare on the book. I will certainly try to remedy this in the future and if I get a chance I will try to reread it in the future in better light!
https://mainehumanities.org/blog/podcasts/a-conversation-about-thanks-to-the-animals/
https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/search?q=Thanks+to+the+Animals