Stoney Discoveries : Stoney Stories : Umbiska Waka Eagle Catcher

Our summary of the Ancient Story told by Jeremy, Haleigh, Dustin

There was a Stoney eagle catcher. One night he had a dream that he caught four eagles. When he woke up he went to the mountains and talked to Great Eagle. Great Eagle told him that the gift of making the eagle feather head-robe was his but only if he caught 4 eagles. The eagle catcher set a trap for the eagles and waited. He was only supposed to catch 4 eagles but he tried to catch the 5th eagle he was taken away to four fierce warriors; Bull Elk, Mountain cougar, She-Grizzly and Great White Bull Buffalo. Eagle catcher gave the four warriors each a sacred eagle feather. Umbiska goes back to his lodge with the 4 eagles.

In the winter a child was born and he started to turn into an eagle. Umbiska named him Eagle Child and in the spring had a Sun Dance for him. Eagle Child grew wings and flew away with his father Great Eagle. Great Eagle left a feather and told Umbiska that this feather was for the top of your head robe. He told him to hold the Sun Dance for ten winters and then no one would die.

What did we hear in this story that we have heard in other stories?

• We read about the number 4 again. In this story there were 4 eagles.
• We read about eagles and saw how important they were. The eagle is always important in the Ancient Stories.
• There is something about the moon at the beginning of the story almost to tell us what time of the day it is or what season it is. We think that the moon has something to do with the fact that they like nature?
• Waka Taga is in this story and lots of stories and everyone respects him.

Why was this story told? We think...

• It was told so that you will do what some one tells you and not to ignore it. You should listen to your elders and that way you will be safe.
• You sometimes get into a lot of trouble when you do not listen to the Ancient Stories.
• Kids like to listen to stories and learn better with stories than just being told to do something. They usually do the opposite.