Variations of the creation story can be found in many different cultures. Most of the native peoples were converted to Christianity when the Europeans came to America; however, many of these people were able to uphold their cultural traditions. Christian missionaries had a huge influence on the Akimel O’odham people living on the rivers of central Arizona. The Spanish missionaries, who renamed them “Pimas,” converted many Akimel O’odham people to Christianity. Through the teachings of the Spaniards, the Pimas were able to adopt their own story of creation; similar to the story found in Genesis.

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