Chippewa Cree Turtle Story

By Kaylene Big Knife

Mood: An ancient turtle floats on a path from the sun to the moon, with flowers and berries sprouting from the path the turtle walks over. As time passed, the turtle imparted wisdom and teachings to many Indigenous peoples across the land, wisdom from a world that humans cannot reach anymore. Rooted in kindness and relations, the turtle continues to be a great teacher to many. ❀❀❀❀ In Chippewa and Cree teachings, there are stories of turtles so large that multiple people could ride on their backs. They were easily bigger than houses and some as big as islands! Turtles taught hard lessons but were also known to help those who needed a place to rest. In this piece, I wanted to adorn a river turtle with Chippewa Cree floral artwork to represent my respect and awe for turtles that continue to be here with us and for the ones who spent time with my ancestors. This print can be purchased in the following three options: a poster, a Giclee print, and a framed Giclee print.