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The
Sea Lion of Silver Islet
(Sleeping Giant Provincial Park)
Visit
the little Silver Islet resort and the spirit of the "Native" can
be felt in every corner. Silver Islet is not only beautifully picturesque,
but leaves one with a sense of having actually having met with the
chiefs and braves that once roamed its shores.
The great stone Sea-Lion, is always of interest to visitors as is
the legend of its origin. Pet and companion of Nanabijou, Spirit
of the Deep Sea Water, was the giant Thunder Bird. Legend has it
that lightning came from its eyes and its voice was the thunder.
You can believe this when you hear the storms of Thunder Bay, and
you know that the ancient Natives knew very little of the real reason
for thunder and lightning.
The Lion, "Nagochee" was a great companion of Nanabijou. however
Nagochee was no ordinary creature, he had the wings of an eagle
and the feet of a duck, the speed of the wind and he was capable
of swimming faster than the greatest of fish.
The Spirit God was going on a long journey he mounted his great
beast and in haste departed forgetting to take his Thunder Bird.
Feeling unwanted she became very bitter and plotted to destroy Nagochee.
She started to screech when she saw him appearing over the clouds.
Her voice shaking the heavens and causing a terrific storm, striking
the Lion and rider with its full force, snapping off one of Nagochee's
wings causing him to throw his Master into the Big Sea Water.
The Lion tried in vain to swim to Nanabijou's aid but the waves
were too much. Nanabijou finally reached the shore on his own efforts
and thinking his beast had failed him, turned him to stone. To this
day, stands the faithful old Nagochee, looking out to the water,
waiting for his master to return.
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