The Singing Scoutmaster: Nanabozho and the Flood

There came a time when the people of the Earth began to forget the teachings of the Great Spirit. They became greedy and selfish, quarreling with each other and mistreating the land. Nanabozho, watching from above, knew that something had to be done. The Great Spirit decided to cleanse the Earth with a great flood, but first, Nanabozho would warn those who still respected the old ways.

Nanabozho came down to Earth and told the few good-hearted people to build canoes and gather food. "A great flood is coming," he warned, "but if you prepare, you will survive and start anew." He then gathered the animals and led them to high ground, where they could wait out the storm together.

Soon, dark clouds covered the sky, and rain began to pour. The water rose higher and higher, covering the trees and hills. Lightning split the sky, and thunder roared, shaking the very Earth. It seemed as if the world itself was coming to an end. Only those in canoes and the animals with Nanabozho were safe. They floated on the waters for many days and nights, waiting for the rain to stop.

The people and animals, huddled together in their boats, were filled with fear and uncertainty. But Nanabozho's calm presence gave them hope. He told stories to keep their spirits high and sang songs of courage and renewal. "The world will be made new again," he assured them. "We will rebuild, and this time, we must remember to live with respect and gratitude."

When the floodwaters finally began to recede, Nanabozho knew it was time to search for dry land. He sent a raven out to find a place where they could start anew, but it returned with nothing. The raven flew high and far but saw only water stretching endlessly below. Days passed, and Nanabozho then sent an otter to dive and search. The otter, brave and strong, plunged deep into the water, but it too came back empty-handed.

Finally, Nanabozho called forth a small turtle. The turtle, though small and slow, had great determination. It paddled out into the endless waters and dived down, down, down into the depths. The turtle stayed under so long that the others began to worry. But just as they feared the worst, the turtle surfaced, holding a tiny clump of mud in its claws.

Nanabozho took the mud and placed it on the back of the turtle. He blew gently on it, and the mud began to grow. It spread out over the turtle's shell, forming hills, valleys, and rivers, until it became the new land that is now known as Turtle Island, or North America. The animals and people cheered, and Nanabozho thanked the brave little turtle for its perseverance and sacrifice.

As the new land emerged from the waters, Nanabozho guided the animals and people to it, helping them settle in their new home. He reminded them of the Great Spirit's teachings: to live in harmony with each other, to respect the Earth and its gifts, and to be grateful for what they had.

"The flood was a reminder," Nanabozho said, "that we must always honor the balance of the world and cherish the land that sustains us. When we live with respect and gratitude, we thrive. But when we forget these lessons, we risk bringing destruction upon ourselves again."

The people and animals nodded, vowing to live by Nanabozho's words. From that day forward, they honored the memory of the flood and the creation of Turtle Island, remembering how Nanabozho had saved them and given them a second chance to live in harmony with the world around them.

The story of Nanabozho and the Flood became a cherished tale, passed down through generations as a warning and a promise: that with respect and love for the Earth and each other, they could create a world of peace and prosperity.