Prayer For My Brother, The Bear

O Great Spirit who listens to all
I speak for my brother the bear.

Make the moon shine softly during
the nights of his childhood
So that the warmth of his mother will
always be in his memory.

Make the berries grow in abundance
and sweetness
So that the vigor of life will strengthen his heart

And the years of old age shall never
be a burden to his body.

Let the wildflowers refresh his temperament
So that his manner will always be carefree.

Give his legs swiftness and strength
So they will always carry him to freedom.

Sharpen the senses of his ears and nose
So they will always keep harm from him.

Let only those men share his path
who in their hearts
Know his beauty and respect his
strength so that he will

Always be at home in the wilderness.
Make men praise life so that no one
needs to feel the shame

That lives in a heart that has wronged.
Then my wild brother, the bear, will
always have a wilderness,

As long as the sun travels the sky.
Oh, Great Spirit, this I ask of you
for my brother, the bear.

[by Chief Dan George]