The Bear

An interpretation of a Santa Clara Pueblo story by students of the Merrill Indian Focus Program of the Denver Public Schools.

 It was a hot, dry summer for the Pueblo people.

 People:  "Sigh! It is so hot!  I am so thirsty!"

 The people were thirsty and their crops were wilting.

 They gathered together and hoped and called for rain.

 Kids:  "Come, come! A bear is heading towards our Pueblo!"

 The people saw an old bear come down through the canyon.

 The wise elder knew that the bear was important and should be followed, not  hunted or feared.

 They followed the bear all day through the hot, dry land.

 Finally, as the sun was setting, the journey ended.

 The bear had led them to a little spring of cool fresh water.

 No one had found this spot before, because the thirsty sands consumed the 

 moisture before it could get to their Pueblo.

 People:  "Our Pueblo is saved!  Thank you!"

 After that, the people remembered the bear by placing his paw print on pots made

 at Santa Clara Pueblo.