The asking. Before the beginning of this time, the people lived in the Third World. Life was hard. There was sickness, little food, and it was cold and dark. The elders heard footsteps on the roof of their world and became determined to find out if there was life beyond. In a special place they prayerfully planted a fir tree, which grew until it almost touched the roof of the Third World. Next, the elders constructed a ladder of reeds and placed it against the tree. They climbed the ladder and made a hole in the roof with a sharp reed pole. They then sent Water Bird to see what this new world was made of. When Water Bird returned, she sang of a world of beautiful streams, lakes, mountains, plains, dry lands, other birds, plants, animals, and much more. The Elders gathered the People together, and with the help of the Sacred Clowns and First Man and First Woman, they led the People through the Earth's Navel into this, The Fourth World. As they emerged, they stepped into a spiraling Rainbow Path. They were greeted by the rising Sun and setting Moon, Bear, and Deer, evergreen trees, life giving plants, and mountains and waters, all of which gave them guidance and orientation in this new world. Around the Earth's Navel they gathered, and with their feet firmly planted on the Rainbow Path, they "asked for life." Then they divided into four groups, each with their clans, chosen leaders, and special bundles of gifts. Together, they recited the story of their emergence, knowing that this was a story they would always share as they journey into the new world. And so, each group traveled into one of the four directions to find their life from this "place that The People think about," this Center, the Earth's Navel.
