1. Native American Literature

2. American Literature begins with the American Experience
Before Colonists (1600s), Columbus (1492), Northmen (1000)
Native Americans
Each tribe’s literature is tightly woven into fabric of daily life
Living with the land; nature’s part in orgin
Differences: language, government, social customs, survival

3. Literature told through a variety of ways
Myths
Songs, ritual chants
Oral tradition===> word of mouth to young
Timeless

4. Modoc – “When Grizzlies Walked Upright
Story of origin of all Native American people
Chief of the Sky Spirits – lives in mountain
Daughter disobeys – stranded on mountain
Raised by grizzly-bear people
Marries grizzly bear
Chief puts curse on bears
Grandchildren are the ancestors of Native American people

5. Navajo – “Navajo Origin Legend”
Creation story
Wind and corn
wind = life
corn = sustenance

6. Contemporary – “Museum Indians”
Modern rememberance of days past
Personal recollection
Negative representation of Native Americans (according to Power’s mother)

7. Iroquois Constitution
Define “constitution”
5 Nations: Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga
Dekanawida
1. Chiefpromote “Great Binding Law”
2. Organize the confederacyGreat Peace
METAPHOR – focus upon NATURE & TREE

8. Iroquois FACTS Abodarho in charge of council fire
Specific laws regarding business before the council
People in clan must recognize all members of that clan
Female line of descent
Leaders shall be members for all time
Constitution reinforces idea of harmony between the tribes of the Iroquois

9. Festivals continue
Symbols
shell strings – completeness of the union
5 arrows – strongly bound together
each one represents one nation
represents complete union: head, body, mind
THEME: Constitution reinforces idea of harmony between the tribes of the Iroquois