Tim Kessler, a native of North Dakota, is a writer and a seasonal park ranger in the Dakotas. He wrote this creation story for children ages 5 and older as an expression of his love of this land.
The Great Spirit, Wakantanka, comes to Woksape, the medicine man of the Dakotas, asks him what kind of land he would like for his people. He answers with eagerness that he wants mountains, lush forests, lakes, and desert canyons. But these have already been given to others. But instead of being disappointed or angry, Woksape says:
"Oh, Great Spirit, it is you who have made all that is. All who walk the earth know your generosity. You are great and wonderful and loving. Give to your people, the Dakotas, whatever you have left to give and it will be good."
And so the Great Spirit reaches into his medicine bag and creates wonders and beauties that take away Woksape's breathe. In Kessler's text and in the illustrations of Paul Morin, we see the special glories of the Dakotas, a place like no other place on earth.
