Oral Traditions- Metis
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Métis Oral Traditions
Tricksters
Tricksters
- Common part of Métis stories.
- Tricksters in Métis stories are Wiisakaychak, Nanabush, and Chi-Jean.
- Tricksters are good characters with human flaws.
- Allow humans to relate to characters and not have the expectation to be perfect.
Ghost Story- Gilbert Pelletier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFhxA0iG4R4
Ghost Story
Elders
Elders
- Oral tradition is commonly passed on by elders.
- Elders are those who share extensive knowledge and understanding of Métis culture, history and teachings.
- Elders pass on vital information to young people through their experiences.
- Elders and their stories should be treated with respect.
Stories
Stories
- Super common form of oral tradition.
- Usually do not have a beginning, middle and end like European stories do.
- Stories may be sacred.
- MUST ask the storyteller permission before you can tell that story to others.
Stories
- Metis stories are not "make believe".
- Most stories have an underlying meaning, not told just for entertainment.
- Should not be classified as myths
- Deserve to be treated with respect
What is Oral Tradition?
What is oral tradition?
-"The cultural knowledge and information that has been passed down through speech from one generation to the next." -dictionary.com
- It is the teaching of history, and sharing of lessons to new generations.
- Primary source and allows people to speak in their own words.
- Types of oral tradition are: stories, songs, poems, riddles, dramatic performances, prayers, and so much more.
- Storytelling is the most common type of oral tradition within Métis culture
- Help Métis people connect with their culture and ancestral ways
- Rooted in spirituality
- Mostly told by Elders, or "Old People"
Oral Traditions Today
Oral Traditions Today
- Oral tradition is still alive today.
- Is not easy to keep this sacred tradition alive.
- Oral tradition has been challenged by colonization.
- Western belief is that writing is the most reliable source of information.
- Attempts to take away oral tradition (eg. residential schools).
Sources
Sources
Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. "Oral Tradition." Atlas/ Métis. Last Modified: unknown.
https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/article/oral-tradition/.
Walking Together- First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Perspectives in Curriculum. "Oral Tradition." Last modified: unknown.
https://www.learnalberta.ca/content/aswt/oral_tradition/#respecting-wisdom-freidel.
The Canadian Encyclopedia. "Indigenous Oral Histories and Primary Sources". Last modified: January 16th, 2021.
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indigenous-oral-histories-and-primary-sources.
Gabriel Dumont Institute. "Pelletier, Gilbert, Ghost Story." Filmed June 24, 2000 at Crescent Lake, Saskatchewan. Video, 3:34.
https://www.metismuseum.ca/resource.php/02623.