Star Songs and Water Spirits

THE GREAT LAKES NATIVE WORLD

From the deep past to the present, here are the stories, songs, poetry, speeches, autobiography, fiction, and art of the Great Lakes Native nations. Set in the natural environment of the seasonal year, the selections explain cultural concepts and show how modern Native literature reflects tradition. Elders, war chiefs, religious leaders, and contemporary artists share

• Sacred stories of the creation of the world
• Stories of the stars
• Tales of heroes and monsters
• Narratives of hunting, fishing, and food gathering
• Speeches and writings about war
• Personal narratives and essays
• Contemporary fiction and poetry

This collection surveys all the major types and themes of lakes Native literatures, enriched by music, the visual arts, and a detailed timeline of historical events.

Victoria Brehm, Ph.D. is a retired professor of American literature who writes about Great Lakes literature and history. She taught graduate and undergraduate classes in Great Lakes Native literature for many years.