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Intro to Native American Studies
Table of Contents
Unit 12 Overview: Native American Arts and Media
12.1 Traditional and contemporary Native American art forms
12.2 Native American literature and storytelling
12.3 Representation of Native Americans in mainstream media
12.4 Native-produced media and digital sovereignty

Native American literature and storytelling are deeply rooted in oral traditions. These practices have preserved tribal histories, values, and spiritual beliefs for generations, often through ritualistic performances and creation stories that explain the origins of the world.

Modern Native American literature blends traditional storytelling with Western forms. The Native American Renaissance of the late 1960s brought indigenous voices to the mainstream, exploring themes of identity, cultural conflict, and historical trauma through various genres and styles.

Oral Traditions and Storytelling

Ancient Storytelling Practices

  • Oral tradition forms backbone of Native American cultural transmission
  • Stories passed down through generations by skilled storytellers
  • Narratives preserve history, values, and spiritual beliefs of tribes
  • Storytelling often involves ritualistic elements (ceremonial objects, specific times of day)
  • Performance aspects include gestures, vocal inflections, and audience participation

Creation Stories and Cosmology

  • Creation stories explain origins of the world, humans, and natural phenomena
  • Vary widely among different tribes, reflecting diverse cultural perspectives
  • Often feature divine beings, animal spirits, or supernatural forces
  • Emphasize interconnectedness between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm
  • Serve as foundational texts for tribal worldviews and ethical systems

Trickster Tales and Moral Lessons

  • Trickster characters central to many Native American folktales
  • Embody both positive and negative traits, often shape-shifting beings
  • Coyote, Raven, and Rabbit common trickster figures in various tribal traditions
  • Tales teach moral lessons through humor, irony, and unexpected outcomes
  • Trickster stories address social norms, taboos, and human nature

Tribal-Specific Literary Traditions

  • Each tribe maintains unique storytelling styles and narrative structures
  • Stories reflect specific geographic locations, historical events, and cultural practices
  • Linguistic features of tribal languages influence narrative techniques
  • Ceremonial stories often restricted to certain seasons or sacred occasions
  • Contemporary efforts focus on preserving and revitalizing endangered tribal stories

Modern Native American Literature

Native American Renaissance

  • Period of increased Native American literary production beginning in late 1960s
  • Marked by publication of N. Scott Momaday's House Made of Dawn in 1968
  • Characterized by blending of traditional storytelling with Western literary forms
  • Authors explored themes of identity, cultural conflict, and historical trauma
  • Brought Native American voices to mainstream literary consciousness

Contemporary Native American Authors

  • Louise Erdrich explores Ojibwe culture and history in multi-generational narratives
  • Sherman Alexie addresses contemporary Native American experiences with humor and pathos
  • Leslie Marmon Silko incorporates Laguna Pueblo oral traditions into her novels
  • Joy Harjo, current U.S. Poet Laureate, combines poetry with music and performance art
  • Tommy Orange's There There examines urban Native American identities in Oakland, California

Indigenous Poetry and Oral Traditions

  • Contemporary Native poets draw inspiration from traditional oral storytelling
  • Use of repetition, rhythm, and imagery reflects ancestral narrative techniques
  • Poets often incorporate tribal languages and concepts into English-language works
  • Themes include land rights, environmental justice, and cultural revitalization
  • Performance poetry gaining popularity, bridging gap between oral and written traditions

Decolonial Literature and Resistance

  • Decolonial literature challenges dominant narratives about Native American history and culture
  • Authors reclaim indigenous perspectives on colonization, assimilation, and sovereignty
  • Works often critique stereotypes and misrepresentations in mainstream media
  • Emphasis on healing intergenerational trauma through storytelling
  • Growing movement of indigenous futurism imagines Native-centered visions of the future

Key Terms to Review (19)

Historical trauma: Historical trauma refers to the cumulative emotional and psychological wounds experienced by a group due to traumatic events in their past, which can be passed down through generations. This concept highlights how the experiences of ancestors can shape the mental health, social dynamics, and overall well-being of descendants, often leading to ongoing cycles of grief, loss, and identity struggles.
Cultural preservation: Cultural preservation refers to the efforts and practices aimed at maintaining and protecting the cultural heritage, traditions, languages, and identities of a group or community. This concept is vital in safeguarding the unique aspects of Native American cultures against the pressures of modernization and assimilation, ensuring that future generations can experience and connect with their rich history and traditions.
Oral traditions: Oral traditions are the ways in which cultures pass down their history, beliefs, and knowledge through storytelling, songs, and rituals rather than written texts. These traditions play a crucial role in shaping cultural identities and preserving the values and teachings of a community, often influencing various aspects such as worldview, education, adaptation strategies, literature, and environmental perspectives.
Indian Removal Act: The Indian Removal Act, enacted in 1830, was a U.S. law that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated 'Indian Territory' west of the Mississippi River. This act symbolizes a broader pattern of governmental policies aimed at displacing Indigenous peoples, leading to significant historical and contemporary consequences for Native American communities.
Storytelling as a pedagogy: Storytelling as a pedagogy refers to the use of narrative techniques and oral traditions to facilitate learning and convey cultural knowledge. This method emphasizes engagement through relatable stories, allowing learners to connect with the material on a deeper level, while also preserving and passing down important cultural values and lessons through generations. It serves as an effective educational tool that enhances understanding and retention by incorporating creativity and personal experiences into the learning process.
Post-colonial literature: Post-colonial literature refers to the body of literary work produced in response to the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism. This genre often explores themes of identity, power dynamics, and the legacy of colonial rule, reflecting the experiences of individuals and communities who have been affected by colonization. It critically examines the ways in which colonial narratives have shaped cultural expressions and seeks to reclaim voices that were marginalized or suppressed during colonial times.
Native American Renaissance: The Native American Renaissance refers to a period of renewed cultural expression and literary production among Native American communities from the 1960s to the 1980s. This movement was characterized by a resurgence in the celebration of Native American identity, traditions, and storytelling, leading to the creation of significant literary works that conveyed Indigenous experiences and perspectives. It played a crucial role in reshaping how Native American voices were represented in literature and broader society.
Narrative erasure: Narrative erasure refers to the systematic exclusion or marginalization of certain voices, stories, or perspectives from cultural narratives, often resulting in the loss of history and identity for the communities affected. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the context of Native American literature and storytelling, where indigenous voices have been historically silenced or misrepresented, leading to a skewed understanding of their cultures and experiences.
Ancestry: Ancestry refers to the lineage or heritage of an individual, encompassing the various generations of ancestors from whom one descends. In Native American literature and storytelling, ancestry plays a vital role in shaping cultural identity and passing down traditions, beliefs, and histories. It connects individuals to their roots, emphasizing the importance of family and community ties across generations.
Metaphor of the land: The metaphor of the land refers to the symbolic significance and deep connections that Indigenous peoples have with their ancestral territories, viewing the land as a living entity that embodies their cultural identity, spirituality, and relationship with nature. This metaphor captures the idea that land is not merely a physical space but a source of sustenance, history, and community, shaping the narratives and storytelling traditions within Native American cultures.
Reservation life: Reservation life refers to the social, cultural, and economic conditions experienced by Native American communities living on designated land areas known as reservations. These lands were established through treaties and policies that often involved the forced relocation of tribes, resulting in a unique way of life that intertwines traditional practices with the challenges posed by modernity and government policies.
Community: Community refers to a group of individuals who share common interests, values, or experiences, often bound by geographical location or cultural identity. In Native American literature and storytelling, the concept of community plays a vital role, as these narratives often emphasize the interconnectedness of individuals within a tribe or society, highlighting the importance of collective memory and shared traditions.
Circular narrative: A circular narrative is a storytelling structure that begins and ends at the same point, creating a sense of closure while emphasizing themes and messages within the story. This technique often reflects the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of events, allowing for deeper exploration of characters and their experiences. In this way, circular narratives can convey profound cultural values and insights, particularly within Native American storytelling traditions.
Spirituality: Spirituality refers to the personal quest for understanding and connection with the sacred, often involving beliefs and practices related to the nature of existence, the universe, and one's place within it. In many Native American cultures, spirituality is deeply interwoven with daily life, traditions, and storytelling, creating a rich tapestry that reflects the interconnectedness of all beings and the environment.
Joy Harjo: Joy Harjo is a renowned Native American poet, author, and musician, recognized for her powerful contributions to Native American literature. As a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, her work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the connection between the natural world and indigenous spirituality. Harjo's storytelling incorporates elements of Native American oral traditions, bridging the gap between contemporary and traditional forms of expression.
Identity: Identity refers to the sense of self that encompasses the beliefs, values, experiences, and cultural connections that shape an individual's understanding of who they are. It is a multifaceted concept, often influenced by factors such as ethnicity, language, community, and personal history, making it a critical aspect of storytelling and literature.
Cultural conflict: Cultural conflict refers to the clash that occurs when different cultural values, beliefs, and practices come into opposition. This often arises in situations where one group's cultural identity is threatened or challenged by another, leading to misunderstandings and tension. The complexities of cultural conflict can be seen in literature and storytelling, where narratives reflect the struggles between indigenous and dominant cultures, revealing deeper themes of identity, resilience, and resistance.
N. Scott Momaday: N. Scott Momaday is a prominent Native American author, poet, and storyteller known for his significant contributions to Native American literature. His works often explore themes of identity, culture, and the connection to the land, making him a key figure in the revitalization of Native American storytelling traditions. Through his narratives, he weaves personal experiences with broader cultural histories, capturing the essence of Native American life and spirituality.
Cultural Appropriation: Cultural appropriation refers to the act of taking or borrowing elements from one culture by members of another culture, often without permission and usually in a way that overlooks the original meaning or significance. This practice can lead to the commodification and misrepresentation of the original culture, and raises concerns about power dynamics, respect, and representation.