HOMELAND - The Legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman

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One Day two Indian warriors came upon a beautiful woman while hunting.

One of the warriors showed her no respect... and he was killed on a cloud of smoke...

And to the other warrior who thought she was holy, she softly said, "Do not fear me, for I will bring something to your people to help them live."

The good warrior rushed back to his people's camp with this news. He told them to prepare for her arrival by thinking honorable thoughts and by performing good deeds.

Some days later, the people heard beautiful singing coming from the edge of their campsite.

They stopped working and turned their eyes toward a truly beautiful sight:

It was the young Indian woman the warrior had spoken of.

But in person, she was far more beautiful than words could tell. She was dressed in white buckskins and her long dark hair glowed like hot, liquid stone.

On her face, was a most peaceful countenance and her smile showered the people in warmth and happiness.

"I have something special for you," she whispered.

And then she opened her bundle and revealed a sacred pipe adorned with 12 eagle feathers.

The people stared in awe as she showed them how to pray with the pipe... and then she blessed the people.

She blessed the women saying, "it is the work of your hands and the fruit of your wombs that keep your people alive."

She looked upon the children, saying, "You are the greatest possession of any nation, you are the coming generations, the life of the people and the circle without end."

Then she turned to the men and said, "Offer prayers to the Wakantanka (Great Spirit) and love your children and women."

And to the leader of the people, this beautiful healer gave the most important instructions of all.

Take care of the pipe," she said, "and call upon its healing powers in times of sickness and war."

The gentle healer blessed them with one last song...

...and as she sang something amazing began to happen...

...the young woman's shape began to change into a magnificent white buffalo calf!

The astonished people watched as the proud and strong animal gave a loud snort and then galloped into the prairie's setting sun.