Why Some Trees Keep Their Leaves When Others Do Not

way of Mary Siisip Geniusz (from "Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do Is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings")

Gichi-mewinzha, gii-oshki-niibing akiing, there was a little bineshiinh, bird, who had a serious problem.
Gii-niibing, when it was summer, in the last storms of the season, the little bineshiinh had been blown from the branch on which they had taken shelter and slammed against the trunk of a tree.
Bineshiinh huddled in pain and fear through the night, and was most happy to see the sun rising the next morning. They heaved a great sigh of relief and tried to stretch their wings to fly off to find their family, but their wing would not work. It hung at their side, and they could not stretch it out.
The little bineshiinh sat for some time pondering their problem and then decided to make the best of things until their wing was strong again.
They found that they could still hop very well so they could get around enough to find their meals and cool drinks of water in the stream. By day they sat on a low branch and watched their family and friends as they took short, then long, then longer flights around the clearing, preparing for their coming trip to the Southland. The little bineshiinh tried not to worry, and they sang their best songs to cheer them and their family up.
But ani-dagwaagig, fall came. The days were shorter and colder. Their family and friends stayed as long as they dared, but in the end they had to call to the little bineshiinh, wishing them well, and promising to see them wii-ani-ziigwang, when it was spring again.
Why do you think Bineshiinh's family decided to leave? (Explore this question)
The summer wind was responsible for causing Bineshiinh's injury. Should Giiwedin, the winter wind, be called on to respond? (Explore this possibility)  
Continue with Bineshiinh's story