Arhilani Wirani Luhchi Yoroni (Tunica Language Story Time): Traditional Tunica stories as told by Sesostrie Youchigant to Mary Haas

This book presents modern adaptations of three traditional Tunica stories that were told by former Tunica-Biloxi Chief Sesostrie Youchigant to Dr. Mary R. Haas in the 1930s. Tawishi Hariya Yakatihch Taparu Rɔhpant('When the Water Got Nearly as High as the Sky') recounts the Tunica flood myth and how the red-headed woodpecker got its markings. Tahch'i Nuhchi Tihkarhilani ('The Sun Woman's Story') describes how a Tunica girl became the sun and the cultural significance of kingfishers. Kaya Tayoroniku Tahalayihkuku Onti Ya'unihki ('Why the Tunica and the Biloxi Became Friends') portrays the beginning of the relationship between the Tunica and Biloxi tribes. These stories preserve traditional Tunica worldviews and have been compiled together into this book to pass on to the Tunica-Biloxi community as a valuable cultural and language-learning resource for future generations. Read more