Beginning in the 1970s, Naxiyamtáma elders--in particular Mary Jim, Andrew George, Gordon Fisher, and Emily Peone--shared their stories with a research team. They hoped to teach American Indian history in a traditional manner and refute incorrect versions. Multiple themes emerged--a pervasive spirituality tied to the Creator and environment; a covenant relationship and sacred trust to protect and preserve their traditional lands; storytelling as a revered art form that reveals life lessons; and finally, belief in cyclical time and blood memory.

Tied to Plateau people's leadership families, the featured elders had lived in the traditional way--gathering, hunting, and fishing, participating in the ancient Wáshani religion, and honoring the Creator through First Food ceremonies. In their retelling, the authors endeavored to capture their original voices and stay true to Snake River-Palouse oral traditions. Creation stories include "Why Coyote Made the Palouse Hills," and "The Origin of Palouse Falls." Although narratives by other groups are similar to Mary Jim's "How Coyote Learned to Fish," and Gordon Fisher's "How Beaver Brought Fire to the People," their versions offer a distinct Naxiyamtáma perspective. The authors also describe their method and approach--one that will serve as a model for conducting Native American cultural research.