The Secrets of Topa: Grandmother's Story

Topa is a village where the game is good, the river flows clean and plentiful, and life is pleasant for all its people. As the sun rises one day, Topa's medicine man, Seebona, makes his prayers. Suddenly, the bliss is shattered by the frightened screams of children playing at the river. Moments later, the smallest child, Kanobee, is carried by a black bear into the woods. The horrified villagers fear she is lost forever. Only Seebona thinks it is meant to be. Many years later during the Warm Seasons Celebration, two large shadows appear in front of the ceremonial fire. As the growls of black bears permeate throughout the moonlit setting, only Seebona smiles as the rest of the villagers tremble in fear. But soon a young girl is revealed just as Seebona and the two bears disappear. Kanobee, now called Nollkata, takes the elderly medicine man's place, determined to not only save her nation but also protect its way of life. Now only time will tell if she will be able to achieve all she desires. The Secrets of Topa traces the present and past lives of a village's people as a powerful medicine woman attempts to honor the Mother Earth, impart the wisdom of the Great Spirit, and carry on a legacy.