There were the Animal People. They were neither like the people nor like the animals we know today. One day, the Creator called together all of the animal people and told them that He had special chores for them. He gave each of them a name, and a purpose. To Service Berry He gave the name, See-ya, and chief-hood over all of the plants that grow above the ground. To Bitterroot, He gave the name Speetlum, to Black Bear, the name Sk-im-xeest and to Salmon, St'souwin. Coyote, Sen'klip, had a special purpose. He became the protector and teacher of the coming people. Sen'klip made many mistakes, and because of this, the Creator gave to Fox, Xyloux, the power to restore Sen'klip to life whenever he was killed. ( How Names Were Given)

Great changes would be taking place for the Animal People. The Creator told them of the Coming People, and how they would need food to survive. Seeya gave them the use of all things living above the ground: and St'souwin, gave them the use of all that swims. But this was not enough for Bear. Giving the use of all the Animal People for food, he laid down his life for the Coming People. All the chiefs were so upset by this that they tried with their songs and dances of power to bring Bear back to life - and failed. Coyote tried - and failed. It was the tiny Fly with her incredible belief in herself that brought Bear back to life. ( How Food Was Given)

During this time, other changes took place as well. Eagle, swift and strong, was able to win control of the lives of the Animal People. As he beat them in races and took control, he took away their tails as trophies. And so it came to be that Turtle, small and humble, dared to race Eagle for the freedom of the Animal People and the return of their tails. . . . . .

SCRIPT COMPILED BY: Richard Kenoras / Peter Hall

DIRECTED BY: Peter Hall

CAST & CREW:
Richard Kenoras - Bald Eagle
Richard is a member of the Okanagan First Nations. He was born in Oliver, BC and raised in Penticton, BC and has been involved in entertaining since 1975. This has included participation in several movies, TV commercials, and a video. A long-time member of Sen'klip Native Theatre Company, Richard has worked with Spirit Song Theatre in Vancouver, and Secwepemc Theatre. Richard speaks the Okanagan language fluently and credits his knowledge of his language and culture to his grandmother and his father.

Verna Kenoras - Turtle
Verna is a member of the Musqueam Band in Vancouver, BC and comes from a traditional family. A more recent addition to Sen'klip native Theatre’s acting core, Verna started acting with the Company approximately two years ago, but has participated in some movies. Married with two children, Verna now resides in Vernon, BC.

Perry Joe Williams - Muskrat / Fox
This is Perry's fifth season with Sen'klip Theatre. Born in the Okanagan valley, Perry is a Sooknoajkcinx. He has been involved in film, camera work, script writing, recording, video editing, and story boarding. He studied Drama at the Penticton Summer School of the Arts and in 1995 he wrote, produced , and directed a musical video "Turning Earth" which placed 2nd at the Saskatchewan Film Festival.

COSTUME & SETS BY:
Richard Kenoras, Verna Kenoras, Vanessa Mitchell, Perry Joe Williams, Becky Marchand & Inga Frank

SET PAINTING BY:
Barbara P. Marchand

The story is adapted from the Okanagan Legend "How Turtle Set the Animals Free" in print by Theytus Books, Kelowna, BC and illustrated by Barbara P. Marchand.