ORAL HISTORY NATIVE HISTORY

Legend and Creation Stories/Mythology Many First Nations and Inuit stories contain / share some of the following common characteristics and elements: The natural environment (living and non-living – ex. rocks = grandparents) Explanations of natural phenomena (ex. the Aurora Borealis). Sacred or spiritual locations (ex. burial sites).

Symbolism (ex. the turtle as Turtle Island or North America). Living and real spirits (ex. Sky Woman / Grandmother Moon). Seasonal appropriateness (ex. Harvest in the fall).

Legend/Mythology Assignment How Raven Stole Crow`s Potlatch (exemplar)

Historical Significance of How Raven Stole Crow’s Potlatch Potlatch is an important tradition in West Coast First Nations’ cultures. There were many purposes for potlatch, ultimately it was a celebration where food and goods were shared with the community. In fact, it was a way of distributing wealth; the more a person gave away, the greater was the person`s status. Potlatch was actually banned by the Canadian government in 1884 and not lifted until It was an obstacle to assimilation.

Summary of How Raven Stole Crow’s Potlatch Raven, the shape-shifting trickster tries to find food before the winter. He tries to steal food from many forest animals, before he gets the clever idea to charm his cousin, Crow into having a potlatch.

Although Crow would use his entire winter storage of food, Raven manipulated Crow into having the feast.

What’s worse is that Raven shape-shifts pretending to be all the animals of the forest to eat Crow’s food AND he invites the forest animals to a ‘his’ potlatch on Crow’s dime!

Meanwhile he had Crow entertain the guest with his singing until Crow lost his voice.

Unfortunately, the wreched Raven received invitations to many potlatches thereafter, while Crow did not and couldn’t tell anyone because his voice had been reduced to a shrill ‘caw caw’.

Characteristics and Elements of First Nations and Inuit Stories in How Raven Stole Crow’s Potlatch The natural environment: The natural environment: Forest animals such as raven, crow, goose, bear, and squirrel are mentioned in the story. Moreover, the story tells us how some of these animals prepare for winter by hording food, hibernating, or flying south. Explanations of natural phenomenon: Explanations of natural phenomenon: The story explains how the crow came to ‘caw’. Symbolism: Symbolism: Raven as trickster Living and real spirits: Living and real spirits: Raven has the power to shape-shift into other forest animals. Seasonal appropriateness: Seasonal appropriateness: It is evident that the story takes place in the fall because all the animals prepare for winter and the Aboriginal tradition of Potlatch usually occurs in the fall (harvest time).