Sky Woman

Hello, little one. My name is Sky Woman, and long ago, my home was in a world high above yours, a place filled with light. In the Sky World, we lived in peace, and in the center of our world grew a beautiful, glowing tree with sweet fruit and fragrant flowers. One day, I knew I had to begin a great journey, one that would change everything. This is the story of how your world began, a story my people, the Haudenosaunee, have told for generations. It is the story of Sky Woman and the creation of Turtle Island.

I began to fall through a hole in the sky, tumbling down, down, down into the darkness. Below me was only water, a great, endless sea. But I was not alone. The birds of the air saw me falling. Two beautiful swans flew up to meet me, their strong wings catching me gently and breaking my fall. They carried me down to the water, where all the animals were gathering. They wondered where I could rest. The Great Turtle, wise and kind, swam forward and said, 'Put her on my back. I will carry her.' The birds carefully placed me on his strong, wide shell. I was safe, but I needed land to walk on. I told the animals I needed soil from the bottom of the sea to make the world grow. One by one, brave animals tried to dive down. The loon tried, the beaver tried, but the water was too deep. Finally, the little muskrat, determined and courageous, took a deep breath and dove down. He was gone for a long time, but he came back with a tiny pawful of earth, and with that little bit of soil, a whole new world began.

I took the earth from the muskrat's paw and placed it on the turtle's back. I walked in a circle, and as I walked, the earth began to grow. It grew and grew until it became the land you live on today, a great island carried on the back of the turtle. That is why many Indigenous people call North America 'Turtle Island.' I planted the roots and seeds I had brought with me from the Sky World, and soon there were plants, trees, and flowers. This story teaches us that everyone, big or small, has a gift to share, just like the little muskrat. It reminds us to be thankful for the Earth, for the animals who helped create it, and for the Great Turtle who still holds us all up. Every time you see a turtle, you can remember this story and how our world is a special gift, made from courage, kindness, and teamwork. It is a story that continues to inspire art, songs, and a deep connection to the wonderful world all around us.