The story revolves around Iktomi, a trickster figure, and his encounter with a turtle who has been sent to the spirit world by the people of the village. The turtle's journey serves as a metaphor for the struggles faced by Native Americans in their interactions with European colonizers. Through Iktomi's character, the narrative critiques the notion that the white man is superior to the Native American and highlights the consequences of cultural assimilation.
By Zitkála-Šá · First published 1902 · Genre: Fable, Folklore, Children's Literature