Larry Aitken's "Thunderbird Story" full

Published 2012-11-12
To learn more about Native communities and culture visit 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)

All Comments (21)
  • I really enjoyed learning this story. Hopefully he is right, and one day we can all learn to live together harmoniously.
  • @onesoulthrust
    Thank you for this. "If you do something greater than yourself, you're protected."โญ
  • @jhtsurvival
    My dad's side of my family is part Mi'kmaq and Finnish. Everyone has always loved the woods.
  • @CraigMyran
    Giga-waabamin miinawaa Larry. I'm very glad to have had the chance to talk with you and get to know you for a few years. RIP ningwi!
  • This brings so many memories back, and is a great example.
    When knowledge and wisdom of an elder is spoken it is in our silence we grow.
  • @Greywolfsworld
    Damn ojibwe people are unbelievably COOL!!!! ๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’—
  • @steveng4140
    Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.It is much needed in these degenerate times.I am grateful.
  • Wisdom is time, along with life experience, melding into quiet listening of those who have been before us to teach us along the way. Common sense and character. Respect and morality goes hand in hand to help create wisdom by which we can reflect upon.
  • @jozefivanov600
    Holy crap I remember this dude teaching me how to say miigwech and boozhoo in kindergarten!!!

    Just for funsies:
    He told this story about some white dude commenting how gross it is when natives blow snout out the nose to clear it out, and he replied ( in graceful, polite, Mr. Aitkin style) with something along the lines of how it's a lot grosser when this dude blows snot into a hanky and just shoves it in his pocket with all his stuff.

    I love this guy, I hope he is doing well.
  • @AutumnleafMind
    thank you so much!
    thank you so much for this wonderful story!!!!
  • I came across a Thunderbird when I was working seismic in Utah one of the 4 corners and so I had a mini ceremony and gave thanxs 4 hearing the drum sound it made while it was flapping it wings and this Thunderbird was huge, the wing span was as large as a house. I would say That Thunderbird was at least 10 feet in height. I know that Thunderbird is still there, my protector when it's time 4 me 2 go up.
    " From The Bottom U Start 2 The Top U Go "
    A quote from the 1 Above
    The Great Spirit
    I remember so there4 I will b
    Waiting Watching Ready I Am Ready I Will B no such thing as Death.
  • @mountain5623
    Your story touches my heart ๐Ÿ’“.
    I Am helper, I teach love, kindness, and am so thankful for Spirits Love, that guides me everyday. Thankful for you too, Dear Brother. Aho.
    ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ”๏ธ๐Ÿƒ
  • @GAUROCH2
    Stories? Although a wasishu, there is more truth in just of Larry words then in all tv or paper newsโ€ฆThanks Larry, for sharing the Wisdom of your People and the teachings the Creator wants all of us to aknowledge.
  • @amare2657
    I'm personally from six nations so in the words of my people right spiritual

    if you get it you get it