The Dream Fast: The Boy Who Became a Robin
An Ojibwe boy underwent his vision fast alone in the wilderness, seeking a guardian spirit as was traditional for young people. He prayed and fasted for many days without eating, asking the Creator for guidance. On the final day of his fast, a spirit appeared to him in a vision and promised that he would become a messenger between the people and the spirit world. When he returned to his village, his grandfather saw the change in him and understood that the fast had been successful. Later, the boy was transformed into a robin — the first robin — with a red breast that represents the fire and pa