Chief Lightning Bolt Page 7

  The following Sunrise, Honorary War Chief Lightning Bolt and his countrymen began to assemble their possessions for a triumphant return home. As the need for speedy travel was no longer a consideration, they decided to stop and visit with some of the people in several Mi’kmaq countries along the way. To enable them to do so, a route was selected that would take them across the water to Epekwitk, then to Unama’kik, up the Musquodoboit River in Eskikewa’kik, through Sipekne’katik via the Sipekne’katik River and out to the Basin of High Tides, then home to Kespukwitk. They estimated, with allowances made for visiting, it would take upwards of thirty Sunrises for the party to reach home, just after the second Moon of Autumn, which would allow plenty of time to prepare for the pre-Winter Hunt. With news of the allied victory preceding them, the warriors were greeted by the People as heroes at each stop. They showered them with presents and feted them with parties. Most warriors secretly basked in the glory, but as their upbringing required, they tried to maintain an air of humility and dignity while enjoying the praise.

  Lightning Bolt enjoyed the effusive welcomes but also reflected upon his experiences in battle. It left him with no doubts that warfare was an affront to the Great Spirit’s laws and to the dignity of humanity. Because of this he re-swore before Him the oath that he had sworn before his father and mother — that he would dedicate his life to finding peaceful solutions to disputes between Peoples and Nations. To begin the task, he also pledged to deal with all Peoples in the future with the utmost courtesy and diplomacy, while keeping a deep regard for the dignity of friends and opponents alike. He became a preacher for peace. In future Seasons, when circumstances beyond their control forced his country and allies to go to war, he fought vigorously and valiantly for the right of his People to remain free, but he never took any joy in ending another human’s life.

  Although they were enjoying time with the citizens of the countries visited during their homeward trek and the tributes and festivities provided, the warriors were becoming anxious to see their loved ones again. Late in the afternoon of the thirty-second Sunrise of their travels, from out on the waters of the Basin of High Tides, they saw the encampment of District Chief Big Timber. Soon, they could also see gathered along the shore a huge crowd of families and friends who had journeyed from the far reaches of the country to give them a boisterous welcome home.

  When they landed, the greetings were thunderous and joyful. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and other relatives and friends embraced them and thanked the Great Spirit for their safe return. Many wept with joy at having their beloved sons once again safely in their arms and many sons wept with joy to be there.

  Lightning Bolt’s parents and siblings gave him many gifts, including a new outfit, made by his mother and sisters, befitting his new designation as an Honorary War Chief of the Kespek Nation. But no gift surpassed the value of the thing he most desired and missed during his absence, their warm embrace.

  To show heartfelt appreciation for a job well done and to welcome the warriors home, the Nation had prepared a great feast for its sons and had set aside three Sunrises for celebrations. But, before it began, they paused to remember the brave men who had not returned. Lightning Bolt was chosen by his peers to give a eulogy.

  “My brothers and sisters, the evils of war have robbed us of many of our beloved brothers. During the conflict they fought bravely, and they willingly gave their lives to help assure that we could continue to have the democratic rights to enjoy justice and equality and to live in freedom and peace. Their sacrifices were not made in vain, for the right of our cause has prevailed. May they enjoy, with the Great Spirit and our ancestors in the Land of Souls, peace and rest for eternity. For giving their lives to assure the right of our People to be free we shall always be in their debt.”

  Other members of the community also made eloquent speeches in praise of the fallen. Then the People turned their energies with gusto to celebrating the accomplishments of the living. During the celebrations, the valour of all returned warriors was lavishly lauded by family and friends. While they enjoyed the praise, they had not forgotten the debt they owed a brave and humble compatriot. Unbeknownst to him, they made plans for special recognition of Lightning Bolt’s outstanding battlefield accomplishments and leadership. They asked the People, keeping it secret from him, to award him an honour that had never before been awarded to someone his age, a Chieftainship.

  The People arranged a public meeting for noon, on the third Sunrise of the celebrations. Chief Big Timber called upon Crazy Moose to propose to the assembly the appointment of Lightning Bolt to the office of Junior War Chief. Crazy Moose’s motion was quickly seconded and Chief Big Timber asked for the consensus of the assembly, which was given with a mighty roar. If any had thought to oppose the appointment they were drowned out by the enthusiastic majority.

  For the second time in a few Sunrises, shy and retiring Lightning Bolt was called upon to make a speech. In accepting his appointment, he made an impassioned plea to his countrymen to follow whenever possible the path of peace. In humility, he informed them that he was not worthy of their esteem because the praise and honours they were heaping upon him were out of proportion to the deeds he had accomplished. His self-depreciating statement only increased the People’s esteem and respect for him.

  HUNTING STORIES

  After the conclusion of the celebrations the People dispersed to their home villages and began preparing for the Hunt, an event essential to the very existence of the country. They would soon, after securing their freedom and enjoying a fitting celebration, with the benevolence of the Great Spirit, reap Mother Earth’s bounties.

  Because the Great Spirit had blessed the Mi’kmaq Nation with a healthy environment, which produced a reliable, nutritious and plentiful food supply, its citizens considered themselves a truly favoured People. In fact, the bounties that Mother Earth provided from her forests, meadows, rivers, streams, lakes and ocean seemed almost inexhaustible. Hunger, caused from food shortages, was unknown. If one source proved unproductive for a Season, the others filled the void. Favourable weather conditions were responsible for creating this almost idyllic environment for producing food. Above average rainfalls assured that fresh water was always plentiful. Destructive conditions such as droughts, a hardship that often afflicted their brethren from inland Nations, were rare, only lasting a Moon or so when they did occur. Hurricanes and tornadoes were practically unknown. For the good life the Creator had blessed them with, the People gave profuse thanks.

  During the proper Seasons, the People found harvesting the bounties of Mother Earth a most enjoyable and anticipated activity. Thus, over the passage of thousands of Moons, they had developed a special festival for each Seasonal harvest. But, the one that caused the most celebration, for warriors in particular, was the Hunt. The annual harvest of caribou, moose, elk, bear and other large fur-bearing land animals was filled with adventure and was very important for community survival. Clothing and bedding material was made from warm furs.

  Just how important it was to the People was reflected by the actions of the fathers, who began teaching their eager sons in early childhood the skills needed to participate in the Hunt. As they grew older, the appetites of the boys for the adventures and the honours that came with hunting were whetted by the tales and legends they heard around campfires, told by Elders and older hunters. Properly primed by these stories, young men looked forward to the exhilaration of their first Hunt with barely contained anticipation.

  This training was very productive for the Nation. The desire to become an esteemed hunter motivated adult warriors to excel in the Hunt. Being considered an excellent hunter was the dream of every man and leadership ambitions could not be realized without it. Thus, competitions to amass outstanding hunting reputations and the lure of the forests in hunting Seasons were to these men an annual taste of paradise on Mother Earth.

  Visual and audio effects also contributed subs
tantially to the paradise effect. The colourful beauty and exotic sounds of the forest during the hunting Sunrises of Autumn were well appreciated, especially by the young. They viewed with awe the spectacular panoramic vistas created by Mother Earth as she turned the leaves of the trees and underbrush into nearly every colour of the rainbow. The fresh crisp air was filled with the whispers of the wind flowing through the branches of dry colourful leaves, blended with the sounds of moose, elk and other animals engaged in the rituals of mating. To all their ears, it was music of contentment.

  Living in this marvellous and serene environment blessed many of the Mi’kmaq with long lifespans. Consequently, it was common to find among them Elders who had passed their eightieth and ninetieth birth Seasons and several who had seen their hundredth.

  This had its rewards for the Elders. The achievement of great age in Mi’kmaq society was rewarded with great respect. Age and wisdom were viewed as compatible companions. Thus, Elders were consulted on matters affecting the welfare of the state and by individual citizens trying to resolve personal problems. They also acted as keepers of history for the Nation. In this capacity they educated and entertained the young by relating tales and legends of the exploits of current great heroes and those of their ancestors during past Hunts, and other activities such as war and travelling.

  A favourite legend the Elders often related was how Glooscap had in ancient Sunrises helped a young man named Little Storm single-handedly bring down enough game to feed his people for a Season. Although the saga was entertaining, its most important function was to educate.

  The Elder sharing the story would start by relating how the People long ago, in an ancient age, in a place known as Little Storm’s village, had come down with a mysterious debilitating ailment. The disease wasn’t usually fatal but it was long lasting and sapped the strength and will of the individuals afflicted. For the remaining able-bodied villagers it was a chore to get them to drum up enough energy to even feed, clothe and clean themselves. The only individuals who had escaped its ravages were Little Storm and two young women, Doe Eyes and Small Fawn. Thus, the responsibility for the community’s survival fell to them.

  As the only adult member left with his health, Little Storm felt the weight of a great responsibility fall upon his shoulders. Here he was, barely into his manhood, holding the destiny of the community in his hands. Whenever he thought of it, he had moments of pure panic. He was often heard muttering to himself as he went about the chore of trying to keep the community functioning. “How, dear Creator of the Universe, will I ever find a way to acquire food to prevent starvation among the People? Please help me, my Father, find a way.”

  He, in spite of being overwhelmed by the hopelessness of the situation, intended to do his best to prevent disaster. In desperation, as he lay one night in the snugness of his sleeping furs worrying, he prayed to the Great Spirit for guidance, strength and assistance. Feeling compassion for the sick villagers and knowing that Little Storm couldn’t accomplish the daunting task alone, the Great Spirit decided to answer his prayers by instructing Glooscap, His helper, to provide aid without revealing Divine intervention.

  Unaware that the Great Spirit had decided to help, Little Storm began to put together the gear he needed to undertake the seemingly impossible task. When he had this chore completed, he had to take care of another one of equal importance before he started to hunt. He had to make preparations to preserve, transport and store the harvest. To acquire the knowledge of how to do it, he had to ask the sick women for help. With much prodding, they were able to communicate to Little Storm, Doe Eyes and Small Fawn the required know-how. Little Storm set out to complete his impossible task.

  Unbeknownst to Little Storm, Glooscap accompanied him. Following the Father’s instruction to keep his presence a secret, Glooscap decided that he would help by guiding most of Little Storm’s arrows to each animal’s vital spot. With this help, Little Storm was able to bring down the biggest caribou, moose, elk and bear with uncanny ease. Within a Moon, the disbelieving young warrior had harvested enough meat to see the People through to the Spring.

  The villagers, with plenty of nourishing food and the passage of many Sunrises, eventually recovered their health. In recognition of the outstanding efforts made by him to save them, they praised and toasted Little Storm lavishly. They showered him with many gifts and honours and made him Chief of the village. He, at first, thanked the People for their praise, but soon began to get a big head and view their tributes as his right. Many began to refer to him, with a touch of sadness, as Chief Big Head.

  Unforgivably Little Storm, who was blinded by egotism, neglected to do some very important things. He forgot to offer thanks to the Great Spirit for the help He had given during the crisis, and in a spirit of meanness and without honour he forgot to share recognition with the young girls who had worked unceasingly to bring in and store the meat. Contrary to the tradition of the Mi’kmaq, he wasn’t showing the generosity and humility expected of a leader.

  As Moons passed and Little Storm’s pompous behaviour worsened, the People grew increasingly weary of his arrogance and lack of respect for their dignity. They accepted, with sadness in their hearts, that drastic action had to be taken to restore his sense of balance and humility. But how could they show the young Chief, to whom they owed so much, the error of his ways without removing him from his post as leader? They prayed to the Great Spirit for assistance.

  The Great Spirit answered their prayers by instructing His helper to intervene. Glooscap decided that the best way to shrink the young man’s head was to make him look incompetent for one Moon. Thus, in his invisible state, Glooscap began deflecting Little Storm’s arrows in the Hunt and caused him to display a very unusual tendency for clumsiness and ineptitude, tripping over his feet, tipping his canoe, often slipping and falling, and so on. He bungled the simplest tasks with the same regularity as the sun rises and falls. Soon his ineptitude began to generate uncomplimentary remarks among the villagers about his competence. This, along with being rarely sought for advice and company, was swiftly undermining his self-confidence.

  In desperation, Little Storm once again turned to the Great Spirit for help. One Sunrise before his period of humiliation was due to end, Glooscap visited him in his dreams. “My son,” he said. “When in trouble, you quickly beseech the Father for help and promise to repay Him by being eternally grateful and respectful. However, after He helped you save your village you failed to do so. Instead, you got a big head and began to treat your fellow citizens as if they were worthless and mindless inferiors. You praised your own accomplishments constantly and put self-interests before those of others. Now you ask for more help! Your behaviour befouls the ways of the Mi’kmaq. If you want to make peace with and regain the favour of the Father, you must regain your humility.”

  Glooscap then laid out three things that Little Storm had to do in order to make peace with the Creator. First and foremost he had to sincerely thank Him for helping him during his Sunrises of need. Second, he must call his People together and apologize publicly for the disrespectful arrogance he had shown in his relationships with them. Third, he must give public praise and recognition to Doe Eyes and Small Fawn for their labours during the village’s crisis. If this was not done with remorse for his sins, the Great Spirit and his fellow citizens would forsake him and leave him to live alone in a world filled with loneliness and unhappiness.

  Upon awakening, Little Storm felt an overwhelming sense of shame for his bevaviour. Immediately, with humility restored, he raised his hands to the sky and begged the Creator for forgiveness and promised with the utmost sincerity that for the rest of his Seasons on Mother Earth he would always remember to be humble and offer thanks for favours granted. Then he promised that he would go to the People, before the sun set, to confess and apologize publicly for his sins and humbly beg them to forgive him.

  Shortly after Sunrise, Little Storm began moving around
the village asking the villagers to gather at noon for a meeting. At the meeting, with downcast eyes, he made a humiliating public accounting of his misdeeds. “My brothers and sisters, I stand before you this morning in deep shame because I have, with superb arrogance, violated almost every one of the most basic values of our country. The worst and most unforgivable among them is that I didn’t thank the Great Spirit for the help He gave me during the Sunrises that the sickness afflicted our villagers, which assured our survival.

  “During the crisis caused by the sickness, in helpless desperation, I asked the Father to help me find a way to harvest enough food to see us through to the Spring Season. He answered my pleas and permitted me to bring down the largest of beasts and fill the larders. Without His help we would have been lost. Yet, knowing it was the Great Spirit who was responsible for our salvation I allowed and even encouraged you to believe that I had done it alone. Without humility I accepted all your praise.

  “But, this is not all that I have to be ashamed of. I have another terrible act that I must confess and repent for. My brothers and sisters, if you don’t already know why I say this, then let what I’m about to say shame me further in your eyes. While the sickness was rampant in our village, Doe Eyes and Small Fawn worked hard and without complaint from dawn to dark to bring in the meat and properly store it. For their hard labours I’ve never so much as given them one word of praise. Before another Sunrise passes, I want to set matters straight, because without their devoted help, I couldn’t have completed my task. They are true heroes! Please, Doe Eyes and Small Fawn, I beg of you, forgive me for my selfish and ungrateful ways.

  “Now my People, I must detail and ask forgiveness for what I’ve done to you. I’ve treated you, including the Elders, with contempt and disrespect. I have by my actions mocked and betrayed your trust. Because of this, I’m not worthy of being your Chief. In such a position of trust I was honour bound to protect your rights as human beings and I did not. Instead, I put my petty self-interests before yours and wallowed in unearned feelings of self-importance and superiority. My transgressions, my brothers and sisters, are truly great. The unkind and ungrateful things I’ve done to the Father and to you, my People, are almost beyond redemption and are truly unforgivable. But, humbled by the shame of what I’ve done, I’ll ask for forgiveness with hope in my heart.