Totem “Shaman’s Daughter”

Description

Shaman’s Daughter

“The shaman looked at the dry riverbed then to the sky hoping for rain. He chanted and prayed, but the clouds did not darken. Off in the distance he caught a glimpse of his daughter talking with Eagle. Eagle had told her the Frogs are known to bring rain, all the time eyeing the salmon that she held in her hands. The shaman’s daughter sat down, ‘This is my people’s last salmon. I will give it to you if you fly to the Frog village and bring back their shaman.’ Eagle looked at her with curious eyes. ‘You would give me your only food?’ ‘The frog shaman will bring the rain. The rain will flow again and the salmon will return, so yes, I will give you the last of my people’s food if you will help.’

Not saying another word, Eagle swooped down and snatched the fish with his talons. After two long days of waiting near the dusty riverbed, the shaman’s daughter looked up through the clear skies to see Eagle approaching with the Frog Shaman in his beak. She gently took the small shaman back to her village. All the people watched as Frog  sang his song. The shaman’s daughter changed and danced around the fire with the Frog. Soon everyone felt the cool mist cover their faces. With the cool water streaming down, they began to sing and dance with happiness. It was not long before the rivers flowed again with the salmon darting through the waves.

The people of the Raven were invited to join the Eagle clan in a festive Potlatch to honor the shaman’s daughter. She danced and sang for them. In return, they carved a totem pole to remember the good she had done. The shaman’s daughter was the most loved woman in the village. One day she would become the dancing chief.”