Kamikawa Ainu in Coexistence with Kamuy

There is a legend that tells of a bird that lived on a giant rock among towering serpentinite rocks of the Ishikari River banks. This bird was so large it could easily grab a deer in its talons and fly away. Removing protective gear and donning the appropriate garb, the Kamikawa Ainu would pass under this rock in boats made of hollowed out wood, performing the Onkami (prayer) in reverence. This place was known as Cikap-un-i (bird – always here – place), serving as the origin of the names for the areas Chikabumi (translated for pronunciation) and Takasu (translated for meaning).