An Iroquois Explanation

Several American Indian stories offer explanation of why human beings look and act differently. Here is one told by the Iroquois. First the Great Spirit made the world. Then he created the birds and animals. Next he decides to make a human being. But the Great Spirit was not pleased with his attempt. That creature was too pale and, besides, it had bad temper. Therefore, the Great Spirit put it off on an island on the other side of the great waters.

Again the Great Spirit set to work. From some fine black clay he formed a human who was more pleasing than the first one. But this second being was not quite perfect either. So the Great Spirit put this black person on another island across the great waters.
The Great Spirit then searched the world until he found just the clay he wanted. From that rare red clay he modeled a perfect figure. The Great Spirit was so pleased with his third human being that he gave the 'red man' a special island all his own.

This highland was the most beautiful place on earth. Soaring mountains touched the sky. Rivers and streams wandered through green carpets to the great waters. Woodlands were filled with game. For many years the red people lived there happily and peacefully.
Then, white people and black people began to cross the great waters. More and more of them moved onto the island that belonged to the red people. The peace was broken. Great sorrow came.

By Edward Ombaka Adeny