Wind Bird: Gift of the Mist

Wind Bird Gift of the Mist“Long, long ago, in a land of the North Country, an ancient people lived between dark evergreen forested hills and the deep, clear waters of a beautiful lake.”

Thus begins the story of Wind Bird: Gift of the Mist.

Gluskop, caretaker of his people, helps provide the land’s riches for them. When harsh winds howl across the lake, the people come to Gluskop because they cannot fish, hunt or plant.

He then confronts Wocawson, the giant bird whose powerful wings make the winds blow. However Gluskop's initial actions result in catastrophic effects.

This tribal legend is authored by Sarah Stiles Bright as told by Passamaquoddy Elder, Wayne Newell and illustrated by Gustav Moore.

Wind Bird: Gift of the Mist is a Passamaquoddy story describing the conflict between people and nature, and the lesson of living life in balance with the Earth.

It’s a story for all ages, told in partnership with the Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute (MLCI).Rob's review:  As literature, Wind Bird is a little heavy-handed. It's probably best-suited to be read aloud in a classroom setting. But it's an interesting example of using a Native story to promote a worthy goal--in this case, preserving Maine's lakes.

For more on the story, see Passamaquoddy Book Provides Balance.