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Stories of the People
Experience creation stories of the Karuk Indian tribe — in both English and Karuk.
 

 

 

 

 

Ararapikva: Creation Stories of the People
Edited and Translated by Julian Lang
Heyday Books
ISBN 0-930588-65-7
Trade Paperback, 1994
122 pages

The name of the book captures your attention when you first pick it up, but then the pictures on the front tell a story. The earth, a bear, a frog — all are characters in age-old creation stories, so different as we move between cultures. The purpose of the book, though, is not just to tell a story. In his "Notes on Translation," Julian Lang says, "The idea behind this book is to introduce an indigenous way of thought."

The Karuk language has been spoken by people on the upper part of the Klamath River in northwestern California. And, since "world-views are defined by languages," he presents both the Karuk version and the English translations of the tales in an attempt "to share a cultural experience, not to present a scholarly monograph or journal article."

Lang's goal is accomplished in a unique way... He begins by providing a background of Karuk storytelling, explaining how the process of telling stories is different, and what the stories mean. By reading the entire book, you learn what the stories mean, how the language is pronounced and understood, and why it's so essential that this book should be brought into existence.

In his introduction, Lang writes, "Not so long ago our people knew every blade of grass, every creek, mountain and ridge. We knew the origin story of every gravel bar, tree species, animal, bird, insect, and body of water." Stephen Powers, a 19th century ethnographer once described the Karuk language as "copious, sonorous, and rich in new combinations."

But, Lang later explains "there are fewer than a dozen fluent speakers left, although people are seeking to reverse this cataclysmic decline through language programs and a variety of grass roots efforts."

Along with the background material and pronunciation guide, the book includes the following stories: "How Pishpishi Got His Stinger," "Ikaramkuusra Muhroohas Moon's Wives," "Eel-with-a-Swollen-Belly Creates Shrines," and "A Trip to Indian Heaven." The stories each have a purpose, not unlike other Native American legends, or traditional tales from countries around the world.

For "A Trip to Heaven," Lang explains, "This is a love story. The affirmation of love as the great force on earth is balanced by the knowledge that even love has its limits: life must be lived according to the rules that have been laid down for us."

Ultimately, through all the morals of the tales, the book culminates with "What Will Those Who Come After Us Do?"... Lang explains, "This story is a reminder to all of us that the Karuk way and, in fact, the ways of all the indigenous peoples, must be protected. The story also points out that "we" are the responsible ones."

Julian Lang is founder of the Institute of Native Knowledge, an organization of native people devoted to learning and perpetuating Indian knowledge.

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