Osiyo, oginalii.  Akaluga dawado. Hello my friends.  My name is Akaluga, meaning “Watchful”.  In English, this is Greg.  I am a storyteller in the Cherokee tradition.

Most of my ancestors immigrated from Ireland and later, Germany.  Given that my European roots have been in this country for over 400 years, and mingled with the original inhabitants of this land to give myself a trace amount of Cherokee blood, I am only one thing: American.   I grew up in northern Arizona, surrounded by the Navajo and Hopi, which gave me a deep respect for the American Indian, of which I have become a lifelong student.

This project began by looking to share Cherokee stories with Boy Scout groups that would help to teach the scout oath and law.  After years of searching, one thing is apparent:  the Cherokee did not know about the scout oath and law.  So I began looking at stories from other tribal nations in order to complete the set.  This led to the fascinating fact that stories were often traded amongst the various tribes, and many similarities are often found.  While scout values are not always represented, native stories frequently encourage other important virtues such as living in harmony with Mother Earth and respect for elders.

None of these stories are original with me – they are tales that have been handed down in the oral tradition for hundreds of years, not only by the Cherokee, but other tribal nations across Turtle Island, which today we refer to as North America.  Only a few Native American tales were meant to teach morals; often stories were told simply for entertainment or to explain the natural world.   

I first recorded these as a means of helping me to remember the stories, so I could play them over and over before performing them at a campfire or advancement ceremony.  I am pleased to present them here for your enjoyment.  Most of the original inhabitants of Turtle Island believe that stories are meant to be shared and passed on to others.  I encourage you to do the same.

1. We n’ de ya ho  (0:23)
2. History (4:53)
3. U ne la nv (1:32)
4. Flute Story(5:11)
5. Meadowlark (4:39)
6. Story of the Arrow (4:57)
7. First Fire (7:14)
8. How Buzzard got His Clothing (7:01)
9. Historical Notes (3:48)
10. Why Trees Lose Their Leaves (4:37) 
11. We are all related (1:45)
12. Buffalo and the Fieldmouse  (5:35)
13. Feared by the Bear (5:45)
14. Turkey and the Eagle (2:58)
15. Why Turtle’s Shell is Cracked  (6:58)
16. Osage Spider Story (6:24)
17. Trickster’s Hands (0:47)
18. Half a Blanket (2:44)
19. Lakota Prayer (1:06)

"I have seen Greg (Akaluga) telling Native American stories many times, both in his own unit as well as other units and at District and Council Scouting events.  It is obvious that Greg has spent a lot of time in the preparation of his presentation both verbally and visually.  The scouts in the audience always are very attentive which is not an easy accomplishment especially with Cub Scouts.  I believe they are attentive because of the interest that Greg shows in them and his story telling."
- Al Snook, Commissioner, Pioneer Trails District, Parker, CO

I've received lots of good comments regarding your Klondoree Campfire. You are a great storyteller and your knowledge of Native American history is most impressive. People can really tell you "feel" it. Thanks.
- Jeff Guard, Order of the Arrow, Spirit Eagle Advisor

"As a storyteller myself, I'm always impressed by Greg's work.  He's engaging, involving, and puts great attention into offering gentle learning experiences through glimpses of Native American culture.  I've seen him work with small groups and large, adults and Scouts alike, and always he holds the attention of his audience.  That's the most valuable skill for a storyteller to possess, and Greg has it!"
- Betsy Glesner, Arapahoe District Cub Scout Leader Training Coordinator, Littleton, CO