Myths and Folk-lore of the Timiskaming Algonquin and Timagami Ojibwa

A careful compilation of oral traditions, this volume brings together the stories that have lived on the lands surrounding Timiskaming, Timagami, Kipawa and the Dumoine River. Collected in the summer of 1913 from community elders, the myths are anchored in familiar places—mountain‑like beaver lodges, lakes, rapids, and the great Ottawa River—offering listeners a vivid sense of the territory that shaped the narratives.

At the heart of the collection is Wiske·djak, the mischievous “meat bird” who embodies the trickster‑transformer archetype common to Algonquin and Ojibwa lore. His escapades—such as the frantic pursuit of a clever beaver across lakes, rivers and chutes—highlight his half‑hearted heroism, humor, and the subtle moral lessons woven through each tale. A secondary figure, the Horned Grebe, adds further color, while the surrounding landscape provides a living backdrop that invites listeners to explore a world where nature and myth intertwine.