Storytelling: indigenous cultures

Overview: 

Storytelling has no greater impact on any society than it does with indigenous cultures ranging from the Aboriginals to Native Americans.

How does it affect them:

For these cultures storytelling is used as an oral form of language associated with practices and values essential to developing one's identity. This is because everyone in the community can add their own touch and perspective to the narrative collaboratively both individual and culturally shared perspectives have a place in the co-creation of the story. Oral storytelling in indigenous communities differs from other forms of stories because they are told not only for entertainment, but for teaching values. For example cultures like the Sto:lo community in Canada focuses on reinforcing children's identity by telling stories about the land to explain their roles.

 Storytelling is a way to teach younger members of indigenous communities about their culture and their identities. In studies such as Donna Eder's, Navajos were interviewed about storytelling practices that they have had in the past and what changes they want to see in the future. They notice that storytelling makes an impact on the lives of the children of the Navajos. According to some of the Navajos that were interviewed, storytelling is one of many main practices that teaches children the important principles to live a good life. Also in indigenous communities, stories are in many ways used to pass knowledge on from generation to generation.

What are some of the types of Storytelling in Indigenous cultures:  With various types of stories in each culture and communities, richness of stories is vast ranging from stories of mythology to philosophies and stories to exchange information. 
Example include: 

•  In the Lakota Tribe of North America,  young girls are often told the story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, who is said to be a spiritual figure that protects young girls from the whims of men.
• In the Odawa Tribe, young boys are often told the story of a young man who never took care of his body, and as a result, his feet fail to run when he tries to escape predators. 

 Narratives can be shared to express the values or morals among family, relatives, or people who are considered part of the close-knit community. Many stories in indigenous American communities all have a "surface" story, that entails knowing certain information and clues to unlocking the metaphors in the story. Such as the Odawa Tribe story which is obviously a metaphor for keeping/watching after yourself and to take care of your body. The underlying message of the story being told, can be understood and interpreted with clues that hint to a certain interpretation. (Reference)









Donna Eder's Study:  Bringing Navajo Storytelling Practices into Schools: The Importance of Maintaining Cultural Integrity

Jo-Ann Archibald: Indigenous Storywork: Educating the Heart, Mind, and Spirit.