Native American Literature

American Literature begins with the American Experience

• Before Colonists (1600s), Columbus (1492), Northmen (1000)

• Native Americanso Each tribe’s literature is tightly woven into fabric

of daily lifeo Living with the land; nature’s part in orgino Differences: language, government, social

customs, survival

Literature told through a variety of ways

• Myths• Songs, ritual chants• Oral tradition===> word of mouth to young• Timeless

Modoc – “When Grizzlies Walked Upright

• Story of origin of all Native American peopleo Chief of the Sky Spirits – lives in mountaino Daughter disobeys – stranded on mountaino Raised by grizzly-bear peopleoMarries grizzly bearo Chief puts curse on bearso Grandchildren are the ancestors of Native

American people

Navajo – “Navajo Origin Legend”

• Creation story• Wind and corn

wind = lifecorn = sustenance

Contemporary – “Museum Indians”

• Modern rememberance of days past

• Personal recollection

• Negative representation of Native Americans (according to Power’s mother)

Iroquois Constitution

• Define “constitution”• 5 Nations: Mohawk, Seneca, Onondaga,

Oneida, Cayuga• Dekanawida

1. Chiefpromote “Great Binding Law”2. Organize the confederacyGreat Peace

• METAPHOR – focus upon NATURE & TREE

IroquoisFACTS• Abodarho in charge of council fire• Specific laws regarding business before the

council• People in clan must recognize all members of

that clan• Female line of descent• Leaders shall be members for all time• Constitution reinforces idea of harmony

between the tribes of the Iroquois

• Festivals continue• Symbols

shell strings – completeness of the union5 arrows – strongly bound togethereach one represents one nationrepresents complete union: head, body,

mindTHEME: Constitution reinforces idea of harmony between the tribes of the Iroquois