The Art of Storytelling From the past, through the present, into the future – everlasting stories.

Oral Traditions A work is usually defined as literature when it is a written story that displays creative imagination and artistic skills.A work is usually defined as literature when it is a written story that displays creative imagination and artistic skills. Every culture has its own unique literary expression.Every culture has its own unique literary expression. –Many people assume that the study of literature is about books. –Literature can be defined more broadly to include songs, speeches, stories and invocations (such as prayer or incantation).

The Recording of History The Aboriginal tradition - legends, stories and accounts handed down through the generations in oral form.The Aboriginal tradition - legends, stories and accounts handed down through the generations in oral form. The purpose of repeating oral accounts from the past is broader than the role of written history in western societies.The purpose of repeating oral accounts from the past is broader than the role of written history in western societies.

Oral Traditions Oral traditions are the first way people had of communicating knowledge and beliefs from one generation to the next.Oral traditions are the first way people had of communicating knowledge and beliefs from one generation to the next. Provided cultural continuity in Maliseet & Mi’kmaq communitiesProvided cultural continuity in Maliseet & Mi’kmaq communities –sharing of stories, songs, history, personal experiences and social commentary.

Maliseet and Mi’kmaq Storytellers There were many storytellers in Maliseet and Mi’kmaq communities.There were many storytellers in Maliseet and Mi’kmaq communities. Children hear ancient legends and tales and learn the history of their communities.Children hear ancient legends and tales and learn the history of their communities. The stories they hear may have originated hundreds or even thousands of years ago.The stories they hear may have originated hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

Orature The literature of aboriginal societies was based in oral traditions best described as “orature.” Individuals who were eloquent and had a strong command of the language were highly respected and were often storytellers.

Purpose? educate the listenereducate the listener communicate aspects of culturecommunicate aspects of culture socialize people into a cultural traditionsocialize people into a cultural tradition validate the claims of a particular family to authority and prestige.validate the claims of a particular family to authority and prestige.

A storyteller is… A good storyteller could transport listeners to a particular piece of hunting territory – the lapping of the water on the lakeshore and the smell of tress. A storyteller could evoke the lessons of ancestors long passed away. A storyteller could shape the opinions of people reminding them of past actions and historical events. In any oral tradition, spoken words had the power to capture the imagination and transform reality.

Drawing your own conclusions People draw conclusions in the particular context (time, place and situation) of the telling of the story.People draw conclusions in the particular context (time, place and situation) of the telling of the story. Depends on who is telling it, the circumstances in which the account is told, and the interpretation the listener gives to what has been heard.Depends on who is telling it, the circumstances in which the account is told, and the interpretation the listener gives to what has been heard.

A Vital Ingredient…Part of the Spice of Life In this way, Aboriginals used songs, legends and stories to express their understanding of their world; they were also used to pass on the histories of their people to future generations. In particular, storytelling was a vital ingredient in teaching young children and youths. Stories were often used to discipline children. This was generally done in a humorous way because teasing and joking served as a more effective social mechanism in many Aboriginal cultures than direct reproof, pointing out mistakes.

Oral Accounts Oral accounts of the past include a good deal of subjective experience. They are not simply a detached recounting of factual events but, rather, are facts enmeshed in the stories of a lifetime.Oral accounts of the past include a good deal of subjective experience. They are not simply a detached recounting of factual events but, rather, are facts enmeshed in the stories of a lifetime. They are also likely to be rooted in particular locations, making reference to particular families and communities.They are also likely to be rooted in particular locations, making reference to particular families and communities.

Other characteristics? Characterized HistoryCharacterized History –This contributes to a sense that there are many histories depending on your perspective. each characterized in part by how a people see themselves, how they define their identity in relation to their environment, and how they express their uniqueness as a people.each characterized in part by how a people see themselves, how they define their identity in relation to their environment, and how they express their uniqueness as a people. Immediacy –the tendency of Aboriginal perspectives is to create a sense of immediacy (unlike Western tradition of creating a sense of distance in time). –encouraging listeners to imagine that they are participating in the past event

Categorized as “Inferior” Some Europeans newcomers considered Aboriginal cultures to be inferior because they lacked written forms of communication. However, many earlier colonial administrators soon came to appreciate the verbal skill and artistry of Aboriginal leaders and orators. –At treaty sessions and council meetings, government officials found themselves having to adapt to the complex oratory of Aboriginal spokespersons.

In fact… In reality, the oral traditions were intricate and full of meaning. Aboriginal orators were highly respected, and words had a great deal of power. Orators used wit, metaphor, irony, emotion, imagery and eloquence to enrich their orature.

Contemporary Times Maliseet and Mi’kmaq storytelling in recent years has suffered from some of the same pressures as other Canadian oral traditions. –the passing of elders who knew the stories. –the loss of culture because of assimilation. –increasing use of English in Native communities problem since Maliseet and Mi’kmaq stories are seldom told in English. –fewer times when extended families get together (TV).

Reclaiming the past Nevertheless, the oral traditions of Aboriginal societies continue today. Aboriginal storytellers are reclaiming the stories of their people. –Often relating them in the context of the contemporary lives of Aboriginal societies. –Expanding their audiences through radio, television, theatre, music and books.