The Four Carpenters and the Creation of the World (Nuxalk)
When the world was first created, the Creator Alhkw'ntam had help from Four Carpenters called the Masmasalanicw, who were like human beings with wings — angels. They carved the first ancestors from the cosmic tree Tcncniyaaq (the Milky Way). There were 45 original families, each with their own room in the House of Smayusta (the Creator's house in the upper world). The ancestors were given cwmnwas (spirit) placed in the bone of the back of their neck, and slhup'tsta (breath). They were given names, food, tools, a code of ethics, and protocols, all placed within a nuslhiixwta (treasure box). Han