1. Native American Background and Mythology The First Americans

2. Native American Background

3. Brainstorm Before we begin, what do you already know about Native Americans and their lifestyle? What have you heard about them in the past? What are some recent controversies surrounding Native American protests?

5. Have your guided notes ready.

6. Basic Beliefs Land is sacred. It is a living entity that must be treated with respect. No one owns the land. All things (man, animals, land) are thought to be connected. Speeches and story telling are important parts of life. Stories are passed down through oral tradition.

7. Oral Tradition Oral literature- nothing was written down; everything was passed down by word of mouth. Stories were told at home and at tribal ceremonies. Native American oral literature (epic narratives, stories, poems, songs, and chants) was not recognized by Western scholars until the late 1800s. Before then, it was thought that Native Americans had no literature. This misconception made it easier to view Native Americans as “savages” and to treat them unjustly.

8. Mythology A myth is a traditional story passed down through generations that is used to explain natural events, beliefs, customs, and human nature. Myths were central to Native American culture and literature.

9. Mythology Purposes Stories taught moral lessons and instilled tribal values. Stories conveyed practical information about the natural world. Stories reflect Native American’s inclusive view of nature. Animals and human beings are interchangeable; humans are not dominant. Stories show the power of words and love of nature through similes and metaphors.

10. Four Functions of Myth To awaken us to the mystery and wonder of creation. To explain the workings of the natural world: every corner, every rock, hill, stone, and flower has its place and its meaning. To pass down the moral and ethical codes that support and validate social customs. To teach and to guide the people through the trials of living.

11. Creation and Origin Myths Creation myths explain the creation of man and the world. (big-picture creation) Origin myths explain how aspects of the world such as landforms, animals, bodies of water, etc. came into being. (specific creations) Origin myths also explain the beginnings of societal beliefs and customs.

12. Archetypes An archetype is an old imaginative pattern that appears across cultures and is repeated through the ages. An archetype can be a character, a plot, or an image. A common archetype in Native American myths is the life giving tree. The coyote is another common archetype, also known as the trickster hero. The trickster hero breaks the rules and causes trouble while also often saving the day in the end.

13. Read “Native American Mythology” on pg. 46 in textbook Then read “The Oral Tradition” box at the top of pg. 47 in textbook

14. Discuss Share your reactions to nature with a small group. Discuss the following: What have you experienced in the natural world, and what is your reaction to it? When have you reacted positively to nature? Negatively?

15. Have your journal ready.

16. Journal Response #1 You should now have a solid understanding of Native American background. After reading about the “totem,” an animal or natural object meant to represent the descendants of a family group or clan, and after discussing nature experiences, you will create your own totem based on the same criteria. Which animal or natural object would you most likely be descended from? How would it represent your personality or spirit? Why? Respond in 6-7 detailed sentences. Follow your written response with a picture of what your totem would look like.

17. “How the World Was Made”- Retold by James Mooney pgs. 48-49 in textbook

18. Passed down by the Cherokee people from the Great Smoky Mountains.

19. “The Sky Tree”- Retold by Joseph Bruchac pgs. 50-51 in textbook

20. Passed down by the Huron people from the Great Lakes region/ Eastern Woodland.

21. Discuss How are the two origin stories different? How are the two origin stories similar? What do both stories say about the Cherokee and Huron people?