SYNOPSIS OF COYOTE FINISHES THE PEOPLE

Coyote stories were the Native American way of recording history, culture and teaching their children. They used talking animals which Walt Disney later created into a multi-billion dollar industry.

This book is a series of Native American Coyote stories beginning with the Naming of the Animals when Creator-God, Haweyenchuten, selected Coyote to “Finish the People” because he understood them. Coyote was to monitor people and guide them when he could. It was not easy for Coyote because he had the same faults of pride and self-importance and was known as a trickster. But after suffering through his youthful drives he became a transformer. He was told if he successfully finished the people his name would be respected which is what he wanted most of all.

November 12, 2011

George’s Coyote tale a remarkable one

By Wilfred Woods

Stories of Coyote are part of the heritage of Native Americans, and there are many of them. Wendell George of Omak has written a new book, his first, he says, recounting Coyote stories. But his tales are not a simple re-telling of old stories that had a moral twist.

His Coyote stories include current events, history, science, and spirituality, and he cites modern authors and recent science as well. His intent, he says, is to use Indian culture to cope with the difficult problems we face in the future.

George is a member of the small Entiat tribe, a great-grandson of Chief Chilcosahaskt of Entiat. George has been an active member of the Colville Confederation, is a former Wenatchee Valley College trustee, and has been an Omak School Board member for the last six years.

His interest in education has led him to write this 200-page book of Coyote tales, a character in Indian lore who is a complex character, “more anti-hero, more buffoon than champion,“ George writes. He is a trickster. He is imperfect, but has great exuberance.

The title of the book, “Coyote Finishes the People”, describes what Coyote is trying to do. George has delved into the world of the quantum, consciousness and spirituality in a unique Indian way.

He is scheduled for a book signing at Hastings next Saturday November 19. His Coyote is a remarkable tale.

Reach Wilfred Woods at 509-665-1160 or wwoods@wenatcheeworld.com.