The legend of summer birds: Innu Traditional History

A long time ago, in the ancient times of the indigenous peoples of Quebec, there lived a great goddess who ruled over the seasons. Every year, she sent the birds to announce the arrival of summer. The birds, with their shimmering feathers and melodious songs, brought warmth and joy to the land.

But one summer, something unexpected happened. The birds, responsible for bringing back light and heat, were slow to arrive. The earth, in their absence, remained cold and silent. The inhabitants of the villages were worried, because the harvest season had not yet started, and the cold persisted.

The great goddess decided to understand what had happened. She sent a spirit messenger to find the birds and discover the reason for their delay. The spirit messenger traveled vast distances, crossing forests and mountains, until he found the birds gathered in a clearing.

The birds, although numerous and healthy, seemed hesitant. The spirit messenger asked why they had not yet left to bring summer. The birds explained that they had been distracted by temporary pleasures and had forgotten their sacred mission.

The messenger spirit brought the message back to the goddess, who understood that the birds had lost sight of their essential role. She decided to intervene to remind them of their responsibility. Gently, she reminded them of the importance of their mission and the impact they had on the lives of people and nature.

The birds, understanding the gravity of their forgetfulness, set off again with a new commitment. Arriving in the lands of the Innu, they brought with them not only the heat of summer, but also a new understanding of their role. Bird songs echoed through the forests again, filling the air with music and life.

The Innu celebrated their return with gratitude and respect, recognizing the valuable lesson the birds had brought. Since that day, every summer, birds return, not only to herald the warm season, but also to remind people of the importance of remaining faithful to one's responsibilities and respecting the gifts of nature.

This legend by Joséphine Bacon is a testimony to the importance of birds in Innu culture and the sacred connection between Indigenous peoples and the natural world. It recalls the essential role of guardians of the earth, bravery in the quest for justice, and the seasonal return of birds which symbolize rebirth and natural balance.

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