INDG 101: Introduction to Indigenous Studies - Oral Traditions

Flashcards reviewing key concepts from the lecture on Oral Traditions: Artistic & Political Expression.

On whose traditional territories is SFU Burnaby located?

The shared traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nations.

Name three key dates related to Indigenous history mentioned in the lecture.

1763 (Royal Proclamation), 1876 (Indian Act), 1982 (The Constitution Act)

When did the Supreme Court of Canada rule that oral traditions are allowed in court as evidence?

1997

What is a key characteristic of Oral Treaties?

They are ratified through oral traditions, told and retold through stories, and sealed with ceremony.

What were Peace & Friendship Treaties primarily about?

Creating safe passage for settlers and protecting First Nations’ rights to hunt/fish, NOT about settling land.

What was the purpose of Historic Treaties?

Title extinguishment in exchange for money, reserve lands, agricultural supplies, etc.

Where are Modern Treaties negotiated?

In places where First Peoples’ land & resources have not yet been negotiated (i.e. unceded lands).

What are the four types of treaties discussed?

Oral, Peace and Friendship, Historic, and Modern.

What is the Wind Spirit video about?

The original understanding of treaties from a Cree perspective.

Define oral traditions.

The means by which knowledge is reproduced, preserved and conveyed from generation to generation, forming the foundation of Aboriginal societies.

How are authors of written documents typically perceived compared to keepers of oral stories?

Authors of written documents tend to be received automatically as authorities, while keepers of oral stories reflect community consensus.

Why is it important for Indigenous Peoples to maintain oral traditions?

Some information (gestures, body language, tone of voice, audience reactions) is lost when moving from oral to written forms.

Give an example of a non-oral form of Indigenous storytelling.

Wampum Belts, Story Sticks, or Komqwejwi’kasikl (Sucker fish writings)

What is Kokopelli a metaphor for?

A seed gatherer who shares thoughts and ideas (seeds).

What is the significance of the painting by John Gast?

Manifest Destiny