In many Native cultures, the young are taught old traditions and skills by the appropriate knowledge and skill keepers. To formalize new positions gained or earned, an initiation ceremony is conducted so that the youth may take their place within the circle of knowledge and skill keepers. Honouring this spirit, Initiations gathers the work o f young Native writers who have earned a place in the Aboriginal literary circle. The stories, which were selected by Native writing knowledge and skill keepers such as Lee Maracle, Thomas King, Tomson Highway and Marilyn Dumont, focus on historical events of personal or national significance.