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Orał Tradition

Written vs. Orał culture

"Atthe heart of the American Indian orał tradition is a deep and unconditional belief in the efficacy of language. Words are intrinsically powerful. They are magical. By means of words one can bring about physical change in the universe." from The Mart Madę of Words by N. Scott Momaday

"Ts'its'tsi'nako_; Thought Woman, / is sitting in her room / and whatever she thinks about / appears." from Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko

Legends, myths, stories, chants, songs

Cultural knowledge

The Importance of stories

Origins stories

Historical narratives

Geographical descriptions

Descriptions of customs and traditions

Trickster stories

Tricksters

Coyote - the Great Plains, the Plateau, the Southwest, and California Raven or Mink - the Northwest Coast, Arctic and sub-Arctic Blujay - the area of Washington State,

Rabbit or Hare The Northeast