04/11/2025
🐢 The Muskrat and the Turtle – How the Land Was Born
Long ago, when the world was covered in water, the animals looked around and saw no land anywhere. They floated together on the great waters — the birds, the fish, the animals — wondering what would become of them.
They gathered to ask the Creator for guidance. The Creator said, “If one of you can bring a bit of earth from beneath the waters, I will make land for you to live upon.”
The animals were brave. The Beaver tried first, diving deep into the dark water. He stayed down a long time, but when he came up, he was too tired and had nothing. Then the Loon tried, then the Otter — each one diving deep, but none could reach the bottom.
Finally, small Muskrat spoke softly. “I will try.” The others looked at him doubtfully. “You are small,” they said. “The water is deep.” But Muskrat only nodded and slipped beneath the waves.
Down he went, deeper and deeper, until the water grew black and still. His lungs burned, his paws ached, but he kept going. Just as his strength gave out, he reached the bottom, scooped a small handful of earth, and floated lifelessly to the surface.
The animals pulled him up. He was still and quiet, but when they opened his paw — there it was: a tiny bit of earth. The Creator smiled.
Then Turtle spoke: “Place it on my back. I will carry it.”
They placed the earth gently on Turtle’s shell. The Creator breathed upon it, and the land began to grow — wider and wider — until it became the world we live on today.
Muskrat had given his life so that others could live. Turtle carried the earth with strength and patience.
And that is why we call this land Turtle Island — to remember the bravery of the small and the strength of the humble. 🌎🐾
That’s how the world we live on was formed — Turtle Island. 🐢🌎
A story of sacrifice, strength, and the power of even the smallest spirit.
