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Native Languages of the Americas:
Kootenai Legends, Myths, and Stories (Kootenay)

This is our collection of links to Kootenai legends and traditional stories that can be read online. We have indexed our Native American legend section by tribe to make them easier to locate; however, variants on the same legend are often told by American Indians from different tribes, especially if those tribes are kinfolk or neighbors to each other. In particular, though these legends come from the Kootenai tribe, the traditional stories of neighboring tribes like the Salish and Okanagan are very similar.

Enjoy the stories! If you would like to recommend a Kootenai story for this page or think one of the ones on here should be removed, please let us know.

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Kootenai Mythological Figures

Coyote: Coyote is the trickster figure of Kootenai mythology. As in other Plateau Indian folklore, Kootenai stories about Coyote range from light-hearted tales of mischief and buffoonery to more serious legends about the nature of the world.

Kootenai Indian Stories

*The Frog and the Antelope:
    Kootenai legend about Frog using his wits to win a race.
*Kutenai Mythology:
    Early 20th-century collection of Kootenai flood, creation and hero myths.

Recommended Books on Kootenai Myth
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links

Ktunaxa Legends:
    Coyote tales and other traditional stories presented by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
How Marten Got His Spots:
    A book of Kutenai stories about Marten and Coyote.
Owl's Eyes & Seeking a Spirit: Kootenai Indian Stories:
    Collection of Kutenai legends and folktales.
Indian Legends from the Northern Rockies:
    Anthology of folklore from the Kootenai and other Plateau tribes.
American Indian Trickster Tales:
    Compilation of more than a hundred stories about Coyote and other Native American tricksters.
    (Use discretion sharing these with kids as some of the stories contain adult humor.)

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Additional Resources

 Indian legend books
 Native American belief
 Kutenai language
 Montana tribes
 Plateau Indians
 Names of Native American tribes



Back to the Native American trickster god page
Back to the Animal stories for children
Learn more about the Salish and Kootenai tribes



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