1. Define each of the following:  Oral traditions: the passing along of knowledge (including tradition, custom, and skills) by word of mouth from one generation to the next.  Creation story: an account of how things came to be. They often involve divine beings.  Legend: a traditional story from the past about human beings and their interactions with divine beings.  Tale: an imaginatively treated story about usually fictitious people or animals who behave like people.

2. Purpose of Oral Tradition  To define a way for people to communicate knowledge and beliefs from one generation to the next. It allows each generation of people to create and establish their own identity.

3. Two types of lessons learned….  Direct: telling about earthquakes, battles, or other historical events.  Indirect: stories using real or imaginary examples to teach younger people what is acceptable behaviour and what is unacceptable.

4. Oral traditions rely on words only?  No. We can also learn from observation. There are many things that cannot be learned just from listening, but require observation and practice. An important part of oral tradition is the talk that takes place during activity and working with others.

5. Oral Works vs. written works  Written works have individual authors (even unknown authors have their works signed as anonymous).  Oral works have no authors. They are works held in memory.

6. Why are creation stories important  They deal with the beginnings of time.  They teach about structure of the universe.  They establish the social order.

7. Characteristics of a legend  They are set in historical times.  They describe encounters between humans and spiritual beings.

8. Legends and creations stories  They are both considered to be true.  They are both sacred.  They are both used to teach truths about the world.

9. Characteristics of a tale  Feature either fictional or non-fictional characters.  Describe human behaviour

10. Lessons learned from tale  Lessons are usually humourous.  They point out human follies and weaknesses.  Teach a lesson in human faults.

11. Purpose of storytelling  For children to hear ancient legends and tales.  To teach children the history of their communities by talking with elders.  Helping children hold on to Native traditions.

12 Gained from story telling  Stronger family and community ties.  Education.  Entertainment.  Connection with elders.

13. How is today different  Ties are becoming weaker.  Extended families are spending less time with one another because of modern technology and activities (tv, computers, casinos, hockey, etc.)  Increased use of English has also changed things. (Traditional stories can be difficult to translate for non-Mi’kmaq speakers.)

14. Define Oral History  Telling what took place in the past.  It may involve descriptions of people, places, family trees, etc.

15. What is a wampum  It consists of purple and white beads made by shells strung on single strands or woven into belts. They were a means of recording and sending messages.

16. Why use wampum  Establish, maintain, and terminate political relations among Indian nations and within nations.  Establish and maintain family relationships and make marriage proposals.  Show that people had positions of importance within the nation or local group.  Perform spiritual ceremonies.  Form alliances or make treaties or agreements.

17. Discuss Talking Circle  It is a way of conducting meetings or discussion where everyone has an opportunity to speak. This opportunity is permitted by holding the talking feather, stick, rock or braided sweet grass. The talking stick may be passed around the circle one or more times. It ensures that no one dominates the meeting or discussion