this is a very neat concept, however the creature in this game is one which originates from algonquian culture, one that has often been erased (historically in violent manners) and misappropriated in the modern day.
i know many people are unaware of the origins of this creature due to how frequently it has been used (and misused) in popular media. i've linked an article with more information on this, and i hope it proves helpful.
https://openjournals.bsu.edu/dlr/article/download/DLR.7.0.101-112/1771/5267
all in all, i think potentially using a different creature may avoid some issues of appropriation.
*ultimately though take what i say with a grain of salt, as i am not native american, and above all else listen to native american communities