1. Mind’s On – Think Share
With your group discuss 3-4 stories/fairy tales/myths you remember as a child
For each think about what you believe is the moral/lesson of that story

2. Indigenous Myths and Creation Stories

3. What Are Creation Stories?
Creation stories of the origin of the world and nature are key to Indigenous identity around the world
Through oral history a cultural continuity is established that defines worldview and reinforces the importance of language
Example – In Canada, different versions of the Turtle Island myth tells of the creation of North America by the Sky Woman

4. Other Types of Myths Origin Myth Trickster Myth Heroic Journey Myth
Explains why natural phenomena like the stars, moon, and sky came to be and why certain animals have certain characteristics
Trickster Myth
A trickster is a crafty creature or being who uses cunning to often cause mischief.
He disrupts the order of things, often humiliating others and sometimes himself.
In Native American traditions, the trickster takes many forms.
Heroic Journey Myth
Tells about a commonplace hero who finds himself on a journey
Usually returns home with a new wisdom or worldview

6. Characteristics of Myths/Stories
1. Purpose and Order
Stories seek to explain how things came to be
They also explain that nothing is by chance

7. #2 – Value of Land
The land is a giver
We have a responsibility to the land (stewardship)
Important landmarks are also explained
#3 – Relationships
Everything is interconnected
Relationships can exist between humans, humans and animals, humans and the land, etc

8. Activity – Reading a Story
Title
Brief Summary
Purpose and Order
Value of Land
Relationships
Moral/Lesson