Trickster & Windigo: Origins of the Windigo/Witiko Stories
The Windigo is a significant creature in the oral history of the Algonquian-speaking peoples of North America.
Commonly linked with the harsh winters of northern forests, especially in Canada and the northern U.S.
Believed to have originated as a human driven to cannibalism due to extreme hunger, leading to transformation into a monstrous Windigo.
Cursed to eternally wander the wilderness, driven by an unquenchable hunger for human flesh.
How to Become a Windigo
Starvation/Cannibalism: Engaging in cannibalism during desperate situations can lead to becoming a Windigo.
Dreams: Interpreted as messages or signs of transformation or impending danger.
Spirit Power: Associated with the spiritual consequences of actions, highlighting the intersection of humanity and monstrosity.
Common Windigo Metaphor
Serves as a moral warning against greed and excess.
Represents the idea that unchecked greed leads to destruction: "The more a Windigo eats, the hungrier it becomes."
Symbolizes eternal dissatisfaction and curse for those who succumb to their basest desires.
History of the Trickster
Trickster stories are intrinsic to Indigenous cultures, embodying roles as creator-destroyers, transformers, and jokesters.
Tricksters blur the lines between classifications of human and animal, cultural and natural worlds.
Stories change with shifts in environment and mobility, reflecting contemporary issues.
Trickster as an Archetype
Nowadays, many contemporary authors use trickster characters to critique and define dominant cultural practices,
Allowing for literary devices such as dramatic irony.
Types of Tricksters
Blue Jay: Represents trickster traits in various narratives.
Chakapish: Michif name for the trickster.
Coyote: Known trickster in high plains cultures across a wide region from Canada to Mexico.
Paakuk/Pakakosh: Known as “The Skeleton”—a boogeyman figure.
Raven: Important trickster in Northwest Coast and Métis stories.
Wisakaychak: Trickster figure in Cree/Michif culture.
Napi: Trickster figure in Blackfoot narratives.
Nanabush: Anishnabee trickster with multifaceted representations.
Wisakechak & Nanaboshoo
Embody the transformer trickster as cultural heroes in Indigenous literature, possessing supernatural abilities.
Attributes of Tricksters
Exhibit a mix of sacredness, spiritual power, altruism, maliciousness, cleverness, and stupidity.
Short Prose
Definition: Prose is normal language adhering to grammatical conventions without a formal metric structure; can be fiction or non-fiction.
Characteristics: Less formal than poetry though capable of poetic language; encompasses both speech and writing.
Short Prose: Typically under 1,000 words; can include creative essays and prose fiction.
Prose Poetry
Attributes:
Short (1-4 pages), unconfined (no line breaks), sonic (rhythmic and musical).
Highly concise; each word contributes meaning and tension.
Experimental in form, relying on unique word choice while eschewing traditional poetic structures.
Spoken Word Poetry
A contemporary art form linking back to ancient oral traditions, focused on performance and cultural commentary.
Visual Literacy
The ability to interpret and effectively utilize images; encompasses both visual and language skills.
Good visual literacy also indicates strong critical thinking abilities.
Five Little Indians: Themes
Explores trauma, the impact of residential schools, survivance, addiction, spirit-beings, and rage.
Cognitive Dissonance
The phenomenon where understanding a truth does not lead to actions consistent with that understanding.
Survival and Trauma in Five Little Indians
Character Study: Howie exemplifying survivance through coping and confronting trauma rather than being subdued by it.
Critical Pedagogy of Place
Aims for decolonization and rehabilitation, urging educators to reflect on the educational relationship with the environments we inhabit.
Indigenous Diaspora
Characterized by forced displacement unlike voluntary migration, often due to oppressive colonial policies.
Two Types of Stories in Indigenous Narratives
Âtayohkêwin: Trickster-transformer tales featuring animals with human traits.
Acimowina: More historical human narratives celebrating ancestors, told at any time.
Indigenous Graphic Novels
Emerged significantly in the past 15 years, with a focus on encapsulating histories and dreams.
Trudell: A Case Study
American Indian Movement activist noted for impactful storytelling and survivance, even in the face of personal tragedy.
Literary Devices - Magic(al) Realism
Merges reality with magical elements, differing from fantasy by maintaining a realistic backdrop.
Common Elements of Magic Realism
Realistic settings with a matter-of-fact tone often layered with symbolism and subtle magic.
Cultural Appropriation
Involves taking cultural elements belonging to others, leading to dialogues around policy and identity protection in various fields like film and academia.
Themes from The Unplugging
Focuses on survivance, community, kinship, aging, sexuality, loss of culture, and revitalization.
Indigenous Theatre Characteristics
A multidisciplinary approach that may blend theatre, dance, and other art forms grounded in Indigenous concepts.
The Indian Appraoch to Theatre
Emphasizes storytelling and community engagement, with a focus on the narratives that reflect contemporary issues.
Reservation Dogs Overview
Follows a group involved in a gang, featuring moments where characters engage in spiritual realms and cultural practices.
Autobiography in Indigenous Literature
Reflects identity, reshaping experiences through recollection; categorized into thematic and fictionalized types.