A Founding Father of the NAID Preservation Project
In Choctaw, Nishkin means “Eyes”—and his gaze always carried more than sight. It carried understanding. Presence. Stillness. He was one of the original shaping forces behind Corn Moon Medicine Dogs and the NAID Preservation Project, grounding the program with calm masculinity, quiet wisdom, and enduring devotion.
Quick Facts About Nishkin
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Registered Name | Chihowa Nishkin — “Creator’s Eyes” |
| Call Name | Nishkin |
| Years Active | 2015–2020 |
| Litters | 17 |
| Status | Retired — Living in Massachusetts with a beloved elder companion |
| Wolfdog Status | Verified domestic NAID — not a wolfdog |
Legacy Traits Passed Down Through Nishkin’s Line
Temperament & Spirit
- Fierce loyalty, forming lifelong bonds
- Quiet leadership that taught through energy, not dominance
- Watchful guardian: alert without alarm, protective without aggression
Physical Structure & Health
- Exceptional structure with ideal angulation and movement
- “Wolfy” visual type—ancestral appearance, not wild heritage
- Athletic and graceful, embodying the primitive canine ideal
Medicine Dog Qualities
- Balanced masculine energy: sacred, gentle, steady
- Emotional mirror—tuned to human feeling, offering silent healing
- The still waters of the program—unshaken, unwavering, unforgettable
Nishkin’s Role in the Corn Moon & NAIDPP Program
Nishkin’s legacy is felt, not seen. He was Raindancer’s counterpart and guardian—offering the stability and soul-depth that allowed her medicine to flourish. His pups carried his grounding energy and emotional availability, forming the basis for today’s most intuitive, emotionally connected NAIDs.
He represents everything the NAID is meant to be:
Not feral. Not hybrid. Not wild.
But primal, soulful, intelligent, and bred with purpose.
His wolfy appearance sometimes caused misunderstanding—yet Nishkin was a fully domestic dog, verified by pedigree and DNA. He helped us reclaim the look of the ancient Native dog, while never compromising the NAID’s place in the modern home.
A Quiet Retirement, A Loud Legacy
In his retirement, Nishkin joined a retired grandfather in Massachusetts—two wise souls in a sacred companionship. Their bond is a healing one: simple, deep, and mutual. Though he no longer sires pups, his essence remains woven into every dog in our program.
He is the reason our line is still steady. Still strong. Still sacred.
Message of Gratitude: Nishkin, thank you for being the quiet one—the one we never had to worry about, even when others demanded more from us. You were always patient. Always steady. Always good. Your love for people was boundless, and in a world starving for connection, that was your greatest medicine. Yakoke, Nishkin. Your fire may be quiet, but it will never go out.
Q: Is Nishkin a wolfdog?
A: No. Nishkin is a verified Native American Indian Dog. His physical appearance is rooted in ancient dog types—not wolf heritage—and his temperament is fully domestic.
Q: What made Nishkin so important to the NAIDPP?
A: Nishkin’s pups passed on his unmatched emotional depth, intuitive temperament, and rock-solid structure. He was a stabilizer in both spirit and genetics.
Q: Where is Nishkin now?
A: He lives with a retired elder in Massachusetts, where they share a quiet, bonded companionship that mirrors Nishkin’s lifelong role as guardian and heart-healer.
