Storytelling to Educate

Nicole O’Bomsawin
January 18, 2011
Odanak

"It was a great audio book."

Nicole O’Bomsawin, Waban-Aki

In Indigenous cultures, legends aren’t used to put children to sleep, but to awaken them. They’re an integral part of education and are told from an early age and repeated many times. They provide knowledge about the territory and its wealth. Legends often include animals and give small life lessons by feeding the imagination. They warn fearless minds, teach obedience and instill respect for others. As a heritage of oral tradition, they now provide a platform for speaking out and shed light on current issues with their wisdom. Their goal remains the same, "to promote values", as Nicole O'Bomsawin nicely puts it.