Page 28 - Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

Our Stories

Nanabush

tories about Nanabush—a half-human, There was one duck, however, who secretly
half-spirit that takes different shapes— observed what was going on. Shingibiz was
have been used by the Anishinaabeg to his name. When he saw what was happening,
Samuse each other and teach about the he called out to his fellow ducks, “My brothers,
world. Now, they are also being used to teach wake up. Nananbush is killing us!” The ducks
the Anishinaabemowin language. Here is one of that were still alive opened their eyes and
those stories. quickly escaped. Nanabush kicked Shingibiz in
the rear and told him, “Now your eyes will turn
There was a time, a long time ago, when
red!” That is why today Shingibiz has red eyes.
Nanabush and all the other animals spoke
freely to one another. Nanabush was always
walking around looking for an easy meal. One
time, Nanabush saw some ducks. He greeted
them as his brothers and invited them to a
dance that night. And so, the ducks went to
the dance. Nanabush had prepared a beautiful
dancing ground and invited them in. “Close
your eyes, we are going to do the Shut-eye
Dance,” he said. “If you do not shut your eyes
while I sing this song, your eyes will turn
red.” And so, those ducks shut their eyes and
danced around.
Elvan/Shutterstock
Nanabush drummed with one arm as he sang.
With his other arm, he began to reach out and
wring each duck’s neck as they passed by. The
sound of their wringing necks went along with
the music, so the ducks continued with their
shut-eye dance.

26 Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

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