What are Oral Traditions?
*Excerpt from ‘Mythology and Symbols’,
Lana Whiskeyjack, Writer, Native Drums Website
As First Nations youth, we learn about our culture by spending a lot of time
watching and listening to elders - in our homes, at gatherings and at
ceremonies. Over time we learn about who we are and where we fit in.
Knowledge about these important things is transmitted from one generation to
the next through actions and by word of mouth. That is the way it was in the
past. That is the way it is still done today. That is what is meant by oral
traditions.
James Lamouche defines oral tradition as, “the transmission of knowledge
passed down across generations using memory and language.” (Personal
interview 2005) Memory, lived experience and language converge into stories,
myths, legends, songs. Through these we learn about our past, present and
future. It is important to know and understand these things so that we in turn
can pass on this fundamental wisdom to the next generation.
Our Nations have lost a lot of traditional knowledge and languages. In many
families the important connection between generations was broken when
children were forced to go to residential schools where they were forbidden to
speak their language and practise their cultural ways. Many traditional elders
have gone to the spirit world, taking with them all they know and have
experienced. Society and culture has also changed. The way we learn, think,
speak and live is different from the way our ancestors lived.
Today there are new ways of learning about our history and culture. We can look
in a history book, or watch television, rent a DVD or search on the Internet. But
our most valuable source of knowledge is still the elders who are willing to
share their wisdom and experience. All we have to do is respectfully ask and
they will share what they know.
Reference:
James Lamouche-Knibb, personal interview January 3, 2005.
Native Drums Website / Oral Traditions
1
Excerpt from Lana Whiskeyjack, Saddle Lake First Nations (2004)
Lana Whiskeyjack, Writer, “Mythology and Symbols”, Native Drums Website
For a short while I lived with Nohkom (my grandmother) and she would teach
me through her daily experiences. I didn’t know that I was learning until I was
much older. For example, before we would leave for long walks into the bush,
Nohkom would have tea and bannock set on the table in case someone would
come into the house when we were not there to greet them. She said that we
must always feed people, even if we have very little because the Creator will
always supply us with what we need. After setting the table with cups and
utensils we would leave for our walk. On our walks Nohkom would always tell
me something about an animal we would see or we would play a game of
‘whose tracks or droppings?’ She would share funny stories and legends of
animals or the little people.
We would walk to a clearing where Nohkom had poles to stretch her hides.
While she scraped hides, she would share hunting stories, and how the old
people would speak to the animals. Time passed without me even knowing that
I was being taught something.
In the evening the tea and bannock would be gone and whoever drank and ate
left some rabbit meat in the fridge. She would smudge the food we were given
and I would always smile at her magical powers. That was how I learned. My
experiences with Nohkom told me a lot about our people and the way we lived
Native Drums Website / Oral Traditions
2
Questions:
1. How do we learn about our culture?
2. How does James Lamouche define oral tradition?
3. What happens to memory, lived experiences and language?
4. How do we learn about our past, present and future?
5. Name one reason why Nations have lost a lot of traditional knowledge and
languages.
6. Although today there are many new ways of learning, who is still considered
to be the most valuable source of knowledge?
7. What kind of knowledge did Lana Whiskeyjack’s grandmother pass onto her?
Provide three examples.
Native Drums Website / Oral Traditions
3