Ghost Paddle: A Northwest Coast Indian Tale

by James A. Houston

Written and illustrated by James Houston, Ghost Paddle is a Northwest Coast Indian tale. The story: Hootis, a young prince of the Raven clan, has lived fifteen winters, but he has never known a time of peace. Misunderstanding and treachery have produced a state of warfare between his tribe and the people of the Inland River, destroying the once-flourishing trade between them. Now his father, the famous chieftain Sea Wolf, decides that the time has come to go and seek peace. He skillfully carves for his son a paddle that he has seen in a dream and leads a party of unarmed young people from his tribe on a dangerous trek into the heart of enemy territory. When in a dramatic climax to the tale, Hootis is forced to fight an unequal battle with only his "ghost" paddle for a weapon, he learns that making peace requires as much courage as waging war.

60 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1972

About the author

James Archibald Houston

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short but poignant Native American folktale focusing on the tribes of the Pacific Northwest. It follows Wasco, the chief of the Raven clan, and his son Hooits, as they attempt to garner peace with the local island clan after 15 years of war. Wasco has a dream about a "ghost paddle" and how its creation will bring an end to the bloodshed. It is a quick story, but well described and respectfully told, alongside beautiful illustrations. I don't know if this is an actual folktale handed down through the PNW tribes, something that actually occurred, or if it was just a tale that was wholly created by the author. There is no indication in the book either way- and I'd really like to know more about it.
I would recommend Ghost Paddle if you live in the Pacific Northwest and are interested about the Native Americans of the past, or are just generally interested in Native American tales.