When reading these stories, we must understand that many indigenous languages in Canada are based on animate and inanimate ways of thinking and speaking. In others words, all creation is either alive or not alive. Everything has a spirit (animate) or no spirit (inanimate), but each has a purpose, a gift that contributes to the well being of the living community. Although there are many diverse languages and peoples they all share a common belief that “we are all related.” All life forms were created equal. As you will see in the following stories, animals and birds speak, sing, teach, and communicate with people and each other.