Joanne Shenandoah – Medicine Gift lyrics

An old man, crippled and torn
Came to us looking for bread and corn
He was unsightly and needed some care
Nobody helped him, no one dared

Wolf, turtle or bear? Who gave him food?
Who clothed his back? A bear woman was good
Little light, both day and night
Took care of the old man all day and night

Okwari, healer of Clans
Okwari, all across the land
Okwari, you gave and gave
Okwari, the lives you'll save
Ononnkwa

Each day a new sickness befell the old man
He hold her to gather plants in her hand
To give thanks and an offering
Little lights now a healer of the Bear Clan

She gathered all people around the old man
To show them the healing, the plants in her hand
Everyone listened and wanted to know
The gift she was given and just where to go

Okwari, healer of Clans
Okwari, all across the land
Okwari, you gave and gave
Okwari, the lives you'll save
Ononnkwa

She returned to the village, a marvelous sight
A handsome young man, filled the day with bright light
Because she gave and was kind to an old man
Because she learned, all healing began

Okwari, healer of Clans
Okwari, all across the land
Okwari, you gave and gave
Okwari, the lives you'll save

Okwari, healer of Clans
Okwari, all across the land
Okwari, you gave and gave
Okwari, the lives you'll save
Ononnkwa