This document discusses Native American folktales, specifically Pourquoi tales which aim to explain natural phenomena. Such tales often feature animal characters and have been passed down through generations. The document also mentions Joseph Bruchac, a Native American author and storyteller from the Abenaki tribe. Two examples of Native American folktales are provided: a Cherokee legend about chasing a spirit dog that stole cornmeal, and a Muskogee tale about animals and birds playing a game against each other.