Bitterroot Valley kiira-k ikug-luk

out upon the plains.

kukutux had gathered the femurs of four caribou. she lay them out reverently upon the snow plain.

she did not have her daughter's predilection for these things.

but she had come to make an altar.

"tukutukaniq," she sang out.

"we thank you for the gift of your bodies."

"we will eat and grow strong on your kindness."

"each year we honor one another."