The Kan Hotidanis in Native American lore, a powerful and feared elflike tree spirit who lives in tree stumps and casts spells over unwary travellers. The name means “Tree- Dweller.” The Kan Hotidan also could bestow magic to ensure success in hunting. Effigies of the elf were kept in a box which symbolized its tree-stump dwelling. See TREE Ghosts.
Taken from : The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits – Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley – September 1, 2007