This lesson plan is based on the book Ka-ha-Si and the Loon (An Eskimo Legend), written and adapted by Terri Cohlene

A read-aloud video of the book is available on the Video tab.

This is an Eskimo legend that tells the story of a boy named Ka-ha-si, who was accused of being lazy because he was sleeping so much and did not do what other children do, like learn how to hunt or fish. One day the Loon came to tell him that he has a special role in his community and guide him on how to prepare for his special role. When the community was facing a season of hunger, Ka-ha-si proposed to helped spot hiding animals by having villagers hold a big walrus skin and throw him into the air so he can see faraway (communities still practice this today). The next time the Loon woke him up, the village was facing a threat from a fierce giant. Ka-ha-si defeated the giant with his super strength. Finally, Ka-ha-si saved the people of his village from attacking mountains. He pushed the mountains back to their place and created a river that the mountains cannot cross. At the end of the story, the Loon told Ka-ha-si it was time for him to go to his grandfather, He-Who-Holds-Up-The-Earth. Ka-ha-si he paddled to the sea, where he was swallowed up and taken to be with his grandfather. The People of his village sing songs to remember his story, and whenever they feel the Earth tremble they think of Ka-ha-si shifting the Earth from one shoulder to another.

Warm-Up Activity

• Before reading the book, ask students to reflect on what they know/ideas they have about Eskimo people and from where they had their knowledge/ideas.
• In small groups, ask students to compare, contrast, and reflect on their knowledge/ideas
  

Questions to help facilitate discussion

• Why did the villagers initially dislike Ka-ha-si?
• Do you think it is important to think about your role in your community?
• What was the role of the Loon in the story?
• Do you think animals can guide us? If so, in what ways?
• How would you describe the kind of human-animal relationships that the Eskimo have? How is it different (or similar) from the kind of relationships we have?
• Traditionally, people hunt for food together and share their catch with one another. How is this different from the way we get our food today? What do you think about this difference?
• The Eskimo live in a part of the world where growing food is very difficult and limited so they rely on hunting animals like seal, walrus, sea lion, and whale. What do you think about this? Do people in our society see these animals differently?