Michael

The chief spoke; “Nohtawenan saweyiminan oma Ka Kesikak”
Ohkom’s English response; “Our father, bless us this day”
Chief; “Ayis Kiyehewini pimatisiwin”
Ohkom; “For your breath is life”
Chief; “Sayweyiminan mena ota mamawai Kayayahk”
Ohkom “And Bless us here together”
Chief; “Meyinan, muskawisewin mena ayinesewin”
Ohkom; “Give us — strength and wisdom”
Chief; “Ta natohtamahk menata nahehtamahk”
Ohkom; “To listen and to hear”
Chief; “Namoya ayiwakeyimowin ta pimitsahamahk”
Ohkom; “Not to follow enviousness”
Chief; “Meyinan asumena ta wapahatamahk”
Ohkom; “Give us again to see”
Chief; “Sakastewini mena ka nanskomitinan”
Ohkom; “Sunrise and sunset”
Chief: “Hiy hiy ki anaskomitinan”
Ohkom; “Thank you, we are all most thankful”
Chief; “Pitane ekosi teyihki”
Ohkom; “Hoping that will happen”

The group now rose up from their places and formed a long line to shake hands and greet the two women, their own beloved Ohkom, the Spirit Speaker and Marie as well. Marie couldn’t believe the kind and gentle friendliness of these savage heathens.
Ohkom’s grandmother leaned over and said quietly, “It is not we who are the savages.”

Marie was thunderstruck that the woman had read her mind. Was it true that these people could read the thoughts of others? “No, no, not everybody,” said Ohkom, laughing.