Religious Education Update: January 11, 2009
Lessons from the First Nations
Last Sunday, the children and I huddled around a “campfire” in the upstairs classroom, as I read a Native American story transcribed by Jan Ogren. Our “campfire” was made of real logs, but the “flame” was red cloth backlit with flashlights. I asked the children to pretend that they were in America 300 years ago, and that they were tribal children listening to one of their elders. Jan told a good story in her writing, and I had their rapt attention.
I explained to the children about how many tribes had an oral tradition, rather than keeping sacred books. In this tradition, all of the legends would need to memorized perfectly, word for word, so they could transmitted flawlessly to the next generation. From my perspective, it seems so much easier to have access to endless text resources. However, for many tribes with the oral tradition, white man’s writing seemed inferior, without the emotions that are part of the storyteller’s craft. They worried that much of the power of the stories would be lost if reduced to mere words on paper. As someone who loves books and libraries, how challenging it is for me to see their valid, but divergent, perspective! However, I also know the power of a good story, and have watched children and adults alike entranced by a gifted storyteller.
The people of the First Nations have so much wisdom to share with us now: how is respect the earth and the web of life; how to live lightly on the land; and how to feel gratitude for the many gifts that our earth provides. I believe that white men and women have much to learn from the stories and traditions of these first inhabitants, and I feel blessed to be part of today’s service. The First Nations preserved their land for future generations. Their spirituality emphasized their connection with the animals and plants that share our planet. It is my fervent hope that today’s Americans can learn to be better stewards of our earth, in order to leave beauty for today’s children and their descendants.
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
Last Sunday, the children and I huddled around a “campfire” in the upstairs classroom, as I read a Native American story transcribed by Jan Ogren. Our “campfire” was made of real logs, but the “flame” was red cloth backlit with flashlights. I asked the children to pretend that they were in America 300 years ago, and that they were tribal children listening to one of their elders. Jan told a good story in her writing, and I had their rapt attention.
I explained to the children about how many tribes had an oral tradition, rather than keeping sacred books. In this tradition, all of the legends would need to memorized perfectly, word for word, so they could transmitted flawlessly to the next generation. From my perspective, it seems so much easier to have access to endless text resources. However, for many tribes with the oral tradition, white man’s writing seemed inferior, without the emotions that are part of the storyteller’s craft. They worried that much of the power of the stories would be lost if reduced to mere words on paper. As someone who loves books and libraries, how challenging it is for me to see their valid, but divergent, perspective! However, I also know the power of a good story, and have watched children and adults alike entranced by a gifted storyteller.
The people of the First Nations have so much wisdom to share with us now: how is respect the earth and the web of life; how to live lightly on the land; and how to feel gratitude for the many gifts that our earth provides. I believe that white men and women have much to learn from the stories and traditions of these first inhabitants, and I feel blessed to be part of today’s service. The First Nations preserved their land for future generations. Their spirituality emphasized their connection with the animals and plants that share our planet. It is my fervent hope that today’s Americans can learn to be better stewards of our earth, in order to leave beauty for today’s children and their descendants.
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
posted by ddodd @ 1:35 PM
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