The Journey of First Nation Literature Compiled by Sharon Meyer NESD FNMI

First Nation people have long been thought of as being non-writers from the European perspective. That is because the early Europeans validated the spoken word through the written word in the form of writing thoughts on paper. The bible is the oldest written form of communication and it is thousands of years old.

The First Nation people had forms of communication but it was not validated in the eyes of the early Europeans. Buffalo robe or animal hide paintings Pictographs – painting on rock Petroglyphs – carvings in rock WIIGWAASSABAKOON / BIRCH BARK SCROLLS 24:06

First Nation written system consisted of picture symbolism and syllabics. Cree Syllabics 1:16 kinīhithowān - Do you speak Cree (song) 1:38 Cree written and sung using the English alphabet. Making a Winter Count on a Bison Hide 6:21

First Nation language is connected to Mother Earth based on the relationship and connection to all that exists in the natural world. Before the Europeans arrived we did not have Cree words for colors and our number system only consisted of base ten starting at zero. For colors there was an association building on connection to that which was already a part of Mother Earth. Such as if one wanted to say ‘the bear is black’ it would be stated in Cree such as “brother bear is like the night sky.” Helen Chief Speaking in Cree about Mother Earth 1:37

First Nation people had an oral tradition and their stories, legends, myths were passed on from storyteller to storyteller. Legends involving creation and how things came to be were only shared when there was snow on the ground. This is to respect the plant and animal world – for they are busy in the seasons of Spring, Summer, and Fall. Spring – the birthing season for the animals and the budding season for the plants. Summer – the teaching season of the adult animals to their young and the growing season for the plants. Fall – the harvest season for the animals and wilting season for the plants. Winter – the resting season for the animals and the plants. Story and learning time for the humans.

When the Europeans settled on Turtle Island they imposed the English language on the First Nation people. As further settlement occurred, a government formed then formal education was introduced. Some First Nation families wanted their children to learn the ways of the Europeans because they wanted to understand the ways of the settlers. The government became aggressive in imposing European education and developed Residential Schools. Within the education of that era it was intention to eradicate all cultural and language teachings of all First Nation and Inuit students attending the Residential schools. Residential school survivor Howard Walker 5:39

During the Residential school era the students were only allowed to achieve grade 8. Once the child reach grade 8 or turned 16 years of age – whatever came first then the child was sent home. At the time it was illegal for a First Nation to attend college or university. If a First Nation did choose to attend college or university they had to give up their status rights – they would no longer be recognized as being an ‘Indian’. The First Nation people had no voice in sharing the education process. The First Nation people were considered to have no voice and to become invisible. Residential School Survivors in Canada by Bita Bardi 2:38

The Indian Act 1876 was imposed on the First Nation people. It allowed the government to control most aspects of aboriginal life: Indian status, land, resources, wills, education, band administration and so on. First Nation people had revolted against Residential Schools and wanted control of their own education. James Smith (1973) was the first school in Saskatchewan to implement the servicing of their own education on their reserve. This era began a change for First Nation people to become educated and join the Literal world. TEDxUTSC 2015: Lee Maracle 1:12

The First Nation literary timeline: -The 1960’s – First Nation political writing – FN political activists reacted to Government policies and wrote such documents as the White Paper. -The 1970’s – First Nation and Métis begin to speak out. The first to be published: -Métis – 1973 – Maria Campbell - First Nation – Lee Maracle Halfbreed an autobiography Bobbi Lee: Indian Rebel an autobiography v=as5q8mRrHJY Maria Campbell 2:00

Many authors were trying to correct history and compose about the losses, victimization, and disempowerment that has been imposed on Aboriginal people. Some authors wrote about legends but they were considered as unromantic and non-influencing because of the lack of cultural understandings of First Nation cultures. The legends were treated as children’s literature.

The 1980’s - More First Nation and Metis peoples entered universities and colleges. Aboriginal writers seek a balance between criticism of social practice (racism, passive dismissal, restrictive legislation) and celebration of social potential. Trickster Tales began to emerge as a part of interest growth in First Nation culture.

The 1990’s – a surge of books that verge against appropriation and enter representations of truth and real life experiences. As school districts begin to include First Nation, Metis, and Inuit teachings there is a need for children’s literature.

2000’s – the First Nation, Metis, and Inuit people have gained much education and are gaining publishing support. Here are some topics that are addressing contemporary Issues: Minority representation in a colonial structured society. Treaty Teachings And Understandings Media Validating contributions No more silence – reactive gatherings Residential School System Two spirited people Missing Aboriginal Women

Examples of some contemporary First Nation, Metis, and Inuit authors, playwrights, poets, etc. Richard Van Camp Richard Wagamese

Drew Hayden Taylor on Storytelling and Humour 15:54 You Tube visits with FNMI writers: Joseph Boyden on Writing about the Aboriginal Experience 16:23 Richard Wagamese - My Dog the Philosopher 2:28 Richard Van Camp 9:15 They Called Me Number One Bev Sellers 4:48 Monique Gray Smith and Tilly 5:14 Michael Kusugak 2:00

Aboriginal Literatures in Canada – good resource for background info of various cultural groups Many book titles by BC source nations Advertises book about FNM authors BC librarian list of books Additional sites that offer connections to many FNMI writers of all genres: List of Canadian Publishers that have FNMI books List of access to Saskatchewan writers Site to search for writers List of Canadian literature that has FNMI writers listed

E’Kosi – I am done Kinanaskomitin – Thank you to one person Kinanaskomitinawaw – Thank you to more than one person Sharon Meyer North East School Division First Nation and Metis Instruction Consultant (306) Let yourself be moved by words!