Sydney Harrish's Story

Matt started to walk toward the village. There were tipis and people everywhere. As he walked through, all of the people stopped and stared at him. They began to mumble to each other. Matt couldn’t make out the words they were saying.

He was beginning to think these black skinned people weren’t from the same nation as him.

Interrupting his thoughts, a tall, fat man with many hides, came bursting out of one of the tipis. He began babbling something to Matt. Matt took out a small book from his pocket. Its title was “How to Speak Cree.”

Matt opened the book and looked up the words the man was saying. He was asking Matt, “Who are you and what do you want from us?”

Matt looked up how to say, “My name is Matt Cruse. I need help to fix my airship. Will you assist me?” Then he addressed the natives. The native man smiled and glanced at the rest of the people.

A month had passed…the airship was being fixed thanks to the natives. They had worked day and night repairing it, while Matt had the time of his life learning the Native way. The airship was parked down near the lake, ready to take off. Matt glanced at his native friends. He said goodbye and that he’d visit them every year. Then, slowly and sadly, he moped as he climbed into his airship and flew away. He watched as the natives waved goodbye. Even though Matt couldn’t see them, they would always be with him, helping him out.

Sydney Harrish is from Stoney Plain, Alberta