Canadian Indians have long been represented by stereotypes presented by non-native writers. Only recently have Indians begun to create their own literature and re-examine historic sources of native speech and tales. This paper traces early European views of the bloodthirsty native and the noble savage, but contrasts them with recorded comments of…

While Native myths and legends were educational tools to transmit tribal beliefs and history, traditional American Indian poetry served a ritualistic function in everyday life. Few traditional Native songs, which all poems were, survive; only Mayan and Aztec poems were written, and most of these were burned by a Spanish bishop. In addition, many…

Explores the differences between mainline feminism and Native feminism, the sparsity of information on Native women in history, the recent increase in the publication of female Canadian Native authors, the form of contemporary myths and legends, and the wisdom of elders as a source for writing. Includes excerpts from poetry and other literature.…

This paper reviews Native American materials on current Canadian textbook lists and discusses a new anthology of works by and about Canada Natives. The "Circle Program," a kit of story books and English-as-a-Second-Language instructional materials for Native children in grades K-3, is recommended for children of all cultures and…

Literature is a powerful vehicle for the transmission and interpretation of culture. Reading a variety of literature helps students to understand the principles underpinning values and traditions of their own culture and the cultures of others. Studying the myths, legends, and songs of traditional Native literature helps readers understand…

Including Native literature in school curricula is an important way of enhancing the Native student's self-concept and providing accurate Native cultural knowledge to Native and non-Native students alike. Nevertheless, Canadian school literature programs generally contain neither contemporary nor traditional Native literature. Some programs…