1. Culture and American Folklore
Native American
Culture and American Folklore

3. What they believe Close relationships with nature
Natural phenomenon as a means of explaining creation, spirituality as well as their identity.

5. Strength in a Name
Native American Names have roots in spirit animals, which give them strength.
Examples:
Antinanco-Eagle of sun
Aucaman-Wild Condor
Nahuel-Jaguar
Nita-Bear

6. Creation Myths Center on: Light and darkness Good and evil
Dueling forces in nature.
Their cycle of life:
Hunting
Fishing
Life
Death

7. The Iriqoui Creation Myth

8. Story Telling
Native Americans rely heavily on story tellers to continue the telling of the story of their culture through oral tradition. They were held in high esteem. They were the bridge to the past and the path for the future.

9. Stories and Nature They are filled with imagery of their surroundings.
They create a relationship between themselves, the cosmos, and all of the creatures they know exist on earth.
There is no evil precondition.

10. Spring Song (Chippewa)
As my eyes search the prairie
I feel the summer in the spring.

11. Song Concerning a Dream of the Thunderbirds by Teton Sioux
Friends, Behold!
Sacred I have been made.
In a sacred manner
I have been influenced
At the gathering of the clouds.
Sacred I have been made,

12. In Summary…
Native American used the images of their surroundings as a direct link to their identity, beliefs and practice of life. The Puritans did this as well, but with different images…