Native American Chants

Native American Chants

Preparing food for the fall and winter was a very important task for all, no matter the age or gender. I have written these chants that would be learned and sung by the boys and girls of the village as they joined their elders in preparation for the cold weather.

Together, the hunters and gatherers of the village sang the first stanza to greet the day. Then the boys, led by the men, sang the next stanza. The girls and women then sang the accompanying stanza. They all then joined together to sing another praise to the day before their voices separated again.


Ay-yah, I see the sunrise.
Ay-yah, I greet the sun.
Ay-yah, I help my people.
A new day has begun.

Today, I hunt the swift deer.------------------Today, I gather berries.
Today, I take my bow.--------------------------Today, I gather wood.
Today, I need to learn things-----------------Today, I need to learn things
A hunter needs to know.-----------------------That every maiden should.

Ay-yah, I greet the morning.
Ay-yah, I greet the day
Ay-yah, my people need me.
I have no time for play.


Today, I walk the rivers.-------------------------Today, I dry the apples.
Today, I will catch fish.--------------------------Today, I grind the corn.
I learn to feed my people.-----------------------I learn to feed my people.
Full nets are what I wish.-----------------------From elder to new born.


Ay-yah, I see the mid-day.
Ay-yah, the sun is high.
Ay-yah, I help my people.
I sing to Father Sky.


Today, I search the forests.-------------------Today, I search the forests.
I seek the squirrel and hare.-------------------I gather nuts and seeds.
Today, I learn to hunt them--------------------Today, I learn to find food
With sling and spear and snare.-------------To meet the village needs.


Ay-yah, I greet the evening.
Ay-yah, the work is done.
Ay-yah, the day is over.
I see the setting sun.