The Naming of Aki

Story by Thomas Peacock

Illustrations by Allison J. Horner

Minnesota Historical Society Press (October 2025)

Description

This retelling of a traditional story celebrates what First Human and First Wolf see, taste, hear, smell, and touch as they wander aki, the earth, to be the namers of things.

The story begins: “In the time soon after the creation, ni-mama aki, Mother Earth, was new and without names, so the Creator called upon First Human to walk upon aki, earth, and name all things.” First Human sets off on a journey that will take him to every corner of aki and introduce him to all creatures, plants, landforms, and emotions. It’s a meaningful and joyful trek—and one best taken with a companion. The Creator calls upon Ma’iingan, Wolf, to join First Human so they can explore together. 

As they walked aki and grew in their friendship and respect for each other, they saw how all things were beautiful, how everything was connected and related to the other, and that each had a purpose and reason for being. For everything is sacred. All things come from the Creator’s dream. And to honor the Creator and all of creation, they gave everything the most beautiful of names.

Accompanied by Allison J. Horner’s vibrant illustrations, this affecting retelling by elder and educator Thomas Peacock invites readers to appreciate our world and all its wonders, including the close kinship that humans and wolves share—from ancient times on through to today.

Author Information

Thomas Peacock (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) is the author of The Forever Sky among many other books for young readers. He lives in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Artist Allison J. Horner has illustrated several picture books for Crow and Lakota language learners. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida.