Written by Elinor Wright
for the 1996 Niska Review

I'm not sure where she found it but about a week ago my sister Bernice gave me "Song Hits from 1940-1955." It was a list of titles only, but as I went through them, the "words" came back easily. And they should have! We used to prop up the latest Song Hits Book over the kitchen sink and sing away the supper dishes ever night.

The Eagles of Squaw Lake

Submitted by O.A.D. (One Armed Dave Nickleson)
As Published in the Western Itasca Review, May 24, 2001

If by chance you are traveling north of Deer River you will find Highway 46. If you follow its course, it will lead you to a "Scenic Highway" just 28 short miles to Squaw Lake. Here in this wooden haven, Mr. Henry Schoolcraft developed a beautiful experimental forest known as "Avenue of the Pines". While gazing out your window, you will see red pine trees growing "straight as arrows", truly a wondrous sight to see.

Ole and Lena die in a horrible accident and wake up in hell. The next day the devil stops in to check on them and sees them dressed in parkas, mittens and bomber hats warming themselves around the fire. The devil asks them, "What are you two doing? Isn't it hot enough for you?"

Toivo & Wilho
by Jan Niska

Toivo and Will went up to The Hill
Just to have a few Whiskies and water.

Cemetery...Christmas Eve

Written by Bev Moon
for the 1996 Niska Review

On Christmas Eve in Squaw Lake our lives are brightened by a special glow. Although it is only a few hours at best, we keep the memory of those flickering candles, with light made brighter through blocks of sparkling ice, all year long. Placed around the cemetery by the graves of family and friends, the sight of those candles burning is something one never forgets.

The Eagle

The Eagle is known as the prayer carrier to the Anishinabe. The Eagle carries each prayer up to the Creator.