Native American Literature

How do we make sense of our world? What different accounts of creation-biblical narratives, scientific theories, or stories from other cultures, for example-have you heard or read? Summarize as many of these accounts as you know.

Naive American Culture More than 300 Native American cultures existed when the Europeans landed Spoke more than 200 languages Their culture has been appreciated but misrepresented Ex. "Cowboys and Indians"

Native American Literature Folk literature can be folk tales, myths, fables or legends For many cultures, these stories are passed down by word of mouth Oral traditions were important to Native American because they had no written language Storytelling was a common activity. Native Americans believe that the stories become a part of you because people don't have to remember what they write down. They believe they are "living in our blood".

What do you think? Do you agree with the belief that oral traditions, stories passed down by word of mouth, become a part of you? Do we have to remember things that we write down?

Native American Literary Style Native American tales are rich and varied Sadly, much of the literature did not survive after so many Native Americans died from European diseases. Some groups lost 90% of their people.

Native American Literary Style cont. Common themes in Native American literature are worship of many gods and and a reverence for nature. Native American literary forms: migration of peoples, tales of great leaders, fairy tales, lyrics, chants, children's songs, healing songs and dream visions

Native American Literary Style cont. Native American literature contains many archetypes. Archetypes are images, ideas or themes that appear in literature across cultures throughout the ages. Common Native American archetypes Images: Tree; Coyote; Golden Cup; Hoarded Treasure; Place where people never die Plot: Death of a Hero; Boy meets Girl; Quest Characters: Trickster; Savior; Rescued Maiden

Native American Literary Style cont. The stories reveal themes. Insights about human life that are revealed in a literary work.

Creation Myths Myths are traditional stories usually involve supernatural elements that explain how some aspect of human nature or the natural world came to be. Creations myths specifically describe how the universe and life began explain the workings of the natural world supports and validates social customs and values

"The World on the Turtle's Back" Iroquois creation story written down in the 1800's by David Cusick, an Iroquois author. More than 25 versions of this story exist. There are 6 seperate Native American groups that make up the Iroquois: Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Mohawk and Tuscarora All except the Tuscarora reside in what is now New York State These groups were always fighting each other and it left them open to attack from the Algonquin.

"The World on the Turtle's Back" cont. A Huron named Deganawidah joined with an Onodaga chief, Hiawatha to end the fighting. Between 1570 and 1600, the Iroquois League was formed in order to negotiate treaties and resolve conflicts. The Tuscarora, from North Carolina, joined in The Iroquois remained free of British and French rule for almost another 200 years although they disagreed about whether to support Great Britain or the colonists. Today, the league fights for environmental protection and recognition by the U.S. government. More than 50,000 Iroquois live in the United States today.

"The World on the Turtle's Back" cont. The Iroquois spoke similar languages, had similar beliefs and followed similar ways of life. They lived in longhouses and built fences for protection. Up to 50 people lived in each longhouse and in a village. Men and women had tradition roles but women had many more rights than colonial women. Both the U.S. Constitution and the United Nations charter are based on the Iroquois Constitution known as "The Great Binding Law."