Oral Traditions and Storytelling Among English First Peoples
Diving into the rich tapestry of oral traditions and storytelling practices within the English First Peoples, this content explores the profound significance of passing down cultures through spoken words. From practical skills to creation stories, it delves into the essence of cultural transmission, the role of storytelling in binding families, and the diverse narratives that shape identities. Discover the captivating tales of trickster figures, creation stories, and the dynamic interplay between the physical and spiritual worlds in this enlightening exploration.
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Presentation Transcript
Oral Traditions & Storytelling English First Peoples 10
A cultures collection of spoken words passed down for generations Poems, prayers, speeches, spirited teachings, songs, stories, and histories Practical skills Oral Traditions Are: Housebuilding skills Hunting Collection and prep of medicinal plants Fishing spots, migratory routes
When a societys culture is passed on to individuals who adopt the values and perspectives of the culture as their own Repetition was a key element of the oral tradition, the stories would be repeated by different individuals and at different times so they would become a part of one s identity and integral to everyday life Cultural Transmission Storytelling would bind families together and connect young and old
The English word, story does not cover the amount and variety of stories within each cultural group. For example, Plains Cree have regular story, sacred stories that provide a spiritual message and sacred teaching, and extraordinary stories of miracles More than one type of story Many stories come from a time past, when the world was seen different. In these stories, animals can talk, characters can change shapes, die, and come back to life at will
The Teacher-Creator Trickster Coyote, Mink, Whiskey Jack, Raven, Nanabush, Naapi and more! The name may change depending on culture and location, but the characteristics are all similar Central role in First Nation s stories Extraordinary powers, contradictory ways. Sometimes helpful, sometimes a hindernace Can change shapes, male-female, world-world, life- death-life Wise, yet foolish, can be dishonest and sneaky A complicated cultural figure- paradoxical
Creation Stories Explain how the world began and all of its parts Spirituality is part of our understanding of place and purpose Physical world and spiritual world exist Considered sacred and proper protocol should be followed Creation is not a thing of the past, but a ongoing renewal and continuation of life Creation stories describe the origin of and reasons for rituals, ceremonies, and spiritual beliefs
Creation Stories: The World is A Complicated Place, there is a story for that How the world was formed When people arrived The importance of cultural objects-ceremonial pipe How there came to be light, fire, the moon, the wind Why plants and animals look the way they do: how chipmunk got its black stripes, how Hemlock got his hunch, why the bobcat has a flat nose and long tail
Common themes among all creation stories The relationship of all things of the world Animals, birds, plants, insects, rocks, trees, mountains, oceans, humans Each play a role in creation and are essential for maintaining the balance and cycle of creation. Nothing too small or insignificant- think Hummingbird story Everyone has a gift to give which should be accepted with gratitude and respect
Animals play a key role in creation stories Humans were last to be created, therefore humans must be respectful and humble to nature and land Creation stories describe the creation of specific landforms or features of physical environment which differ from Nation to Nation Animals & Land
Themes & Values Stories are usually humourous and entertaining, often teaching by negative example May teach about natural world or illustrate central values (truth, love, respect), but listeners must think about value being taught, rarely stated outright Oral stories are told over and over again and meaning/understanding differs depending on age First Nations oral traditions always relate to how living non-living parts of Earth are connected. Science of Ecology-study of relationships between living things and environment
