1. Native American Literature
Introduction

2. Native American Literary Movement
Time Period: 40,000-20,000 BCE to 1600 CE
Characteristics:
Oral literature
Epic narratives, creation myths, stories, poems, songs
Figurative language- imagery, symbolism, metaphor
Use stories to teach moral lessons and convey information about the natural world
Influenced by their environment— Primitive lifestyles, diets, customs
Deep respect for nature and animals
Believe in balance
Cyclical world view

3. Watch “Coyote’s Eyes” performed by Terry Tafoya
Trickster Tale/ Myth from the Warm Springs nation of Northwestern Oregon
Consider while watching:
What techniques does Tafoya use in his storytelling?
How does oral storytelling differ from written word?
Positives?
Negatives?

4. Oral Storytelling
Positives
Negatives

5. Native American Culture in Literature
American literature begins with the orally transmitted myths, legends, tales, and lyrics of Indian cultures.
No written literature among the more than 500 different Indian languages and tribal cultures existed in North America before the first Europeans arrived.
Tribes maintained their own religions -- worshipping gods, animals, plants, or sacred persons. Systems of government ranged from democracies to councils of elders to theocracies.
These tribal variations enter into the oral literature as well.
Source:  University of Groningen

6. Myths Different tribes have unique or varied myths
Myth: a traditional story, passed down through generations. Believed to be true by its society.
Creation Myth: A myth that explains the earth’s existence, the creation of natural phenomena, and the beginning of humankind.

7. Purposes of Creation Myths
share history, culture, rituals, values, and beliefs
explain how all things came to be
entertain the listener/reader with narrative
We will explore these purposes in the Iroquois creation myth on Page 25.

8. Review:
Oral storytelling is a technique used by Native Americans that led to different interpretations and telling of stories. Native American Literature shows a strong connection to nature. Creation Myths are unique to each tribe and reflect the beliefs, values, and history of a culture, as well as entertain the reader.