How did storytelling impact

Native Americans in the past

and present?
Meghan Gibson, Bethanie McCarty, Sierra Moran, and
Cade Prater-Burgess
How did storytelling impact Native
Americans in the past and present?

∗ Thesis: Storytelling was very important in the lives of

Native Americans centuries ago, and still is to them in
this day and age. The stories they passed down
through time were used in the place of written
language to keep their culture alive.
∗ Reasons- Regardless of the culture and civilization, it
has been important for the myths and legends of
these various tribes to be passed down from
generation to generation, so that these stories may
survive even in the darkest of times.
 Evidence used to build product and
answer thesis (Cade)

∗ “Caddo Creation Story.” Indians of Arkansas, Feb. 27, 2007

http://archeology.uark.edu/indiansofarkansas/index.html?p
ageName=Creation%20of%20the%20World%20(Caddo)
∗ “Groups such as the Caddos, who depend on
agriculture as their main food source, maintain close
relations with the Earth and its capacity to bring forth
domesticated plants. These groups often tell stories
identifying the Earth as the source of all life.”
 Evidence used to build product and
answer thesis (Meghan)
∗ Rajotte, Mary. “An Introduction to the Role of Storytelling in Native American Tribes”. Bright
Hub Education, http://www.brighthubeducation.com/
social-studies-help/97047-importance-of-native-american-storytelling/. Social Studies Help, edited
by Elizabeth Wistrom. 16 Oct. 2013. Accessed 1 Feb 2017.

“Mythology plays an important part in Native American religion. Creation

myths are one of the most well-known traditions for Native American
tribes. Much of the natural world was a sacred mystery. In creating and
sharing these myths, native peoples were able to explain everyday natural
occurrences such as weather-related events, as well as their own
beginnings. Each tribe seems to have its own unique creation myth --
stories that explained how their tribe came to be in the world. These myths
speak to the importance of storytelling in Native Americans' culture as well
as to the individuality of the tribe and its beliefs. These myths also show
their respect for ancient wisdom, and how nature played an important and
reverential role.”
 Continued: evidence used to build
product and answer thesis (Meghan)

∗ This source was useful in developing our understanding

of our topic because it discusses the past impact of
storytelling on the Native Americans’ culture and
understanding of the world. It also describes the
reasons and meaning behind Creation Stories which we
applied to our final presentation at Zilker.
 Evidence used to build product and
answer thesis (Bethanie)

∗ Source (MLA citation)

∗ Specific quote that relates to the information in your
product and helped you answer your question. (may
be 1-6 sentences in length)
∗ Rhetorical analysis paragraph
∗ Paragraph which explains specifically how the source
was useful in developing your understanding/answer
and how the quote you used above was applied in your
product
 Evidence used to build product and
answer thesis (Sierra)

∗ Klinekole, Bruce. "Re: Storytelling" Received by Sierra Moran, 22 Jan. 2017.

∗ However, the Native American people also have to find a
balance between the traditional ways of living and what
they learn in the stories with contemporary lifestyles,
beliefs and modern practices. One may find it difficult or
challenging to hold onto an old teaching while at the same
time learning or experiencing newer contemporary social
change.
Evidence used to build product and
answer thesis (Sierra)

∗ This source was very interesting because it explored a

different perspective on the issue. Native Americans do
not have to choose between the past and the present
but some may feel this way. Klinekole didn’t want his
family and friends to miss out on new ideas and
practices that could be beneficial. This shows that
modern day Native Americans have inherited a legacy
concerning how they fit into society. They are the ones
who have to push to make their culture what they want
it to be especially because their is a lack of Native
American influence in mainstream society.
 Audience and Product

∗ Our audience was a 5th grade class at Zilker

Elementary. We decided to present for them because
they’re really creative and take to our storytelling
plans seriously.
∗ Considerable research was conducted to determine
which Creation Story would be the most appropriate
for their grade, as well as for which would be the
easiest for them to understand. When we finally
decided which story to use, we created a book with
illustrations to help the audience better understand
the plot as well as keep them attentive throughout
our presentation.
 The Lesson Plan

● Introductions
● Give Background on Topic
○ Sierra - emphasis on modern day importance / talk about email
interview
○ Meghan - importance in the past / impact on culture
● Read origin story (Bethanie)
● Give instructions to create origin story
● Walk around and talk to kids while they work
● Share
● Conclusion
Some examples of their stories
 Evidence of Product delivery

∗ We presented in Judy Thompson’s 5th grade class at

Zilker Elementary on Friday, February 3rd.
∗ The students loved the activity so much, that they
dragged it out almost to the next period.
 Group Reflection

∗ We learned the deep mythological roots of many Native

American stories. The symbolic nature of creatures-such
as the coyote as the trickster or the raven as a benevolent
transformative god-was fascinating to learn.
∗ We wish we could have better elaborated on the
importance of stories and myths to Native Americans,
especially in the modern era.
∗ We could have probably interviewed real-life Native
Americans and asked for their opinions on storytelling.
Works Cited and Consulted (MLA)

∗ Klinkole, Bruce. "Re: Storytelling" Received by Sierra Moran, 22 Jan. 2017.

∗ Rajotte, Mary. “An Introduction to the Role of Storytelling in Native American Tribes”. Bright Hub Education, Social
Studies Help, edited by Elizabeth Wistrom. 16 Oct. 2013. Accessed 1 Feb 2017.
∗ “Caddo Creation Story.” Indians of Arkansas, Feb. 27, 2007. Accessed 22 Jan. 2017.