A long time ago the ancient peoples of North West Canada looked upon the eagle as a sacred bird. One day Chato, a young brave, disgraces himself and his tribe by shooting one down with his arrow. In revenge the Master eagle sends his flock to attack the villagers who, when they find out that Chato is the culprit, want to kill him. But their chief, Eagle Eye, decides that he should be given the chance to prove he really is a brave and worthy of his place amongst the men in the village. So he is sent down the river in a canoe with only a spear and his beloved bow and arrows as weapons. During the journey he experiences many hazards and adventures. Each time he is saved by praying to the Spirits. Eventually he is rescued by the eagle people, so-called because of a spell put on them by the Master Eagle, who take him to their village. There they cast their own spell on him and he grows feathers. He still yearns for his own tribe and when he discovers the feathers on his back are undeveloped wings, he decides to make them strong so that he can fly home. He does this and begins the most thrilling adventure of all.