Twenty-first-century skeptics would say that there are really no such things as beauty and truth and certainly not goodness. A Pueblo poet seemed to think there was--"the corn people have a song / it is very good"--and unless people think they know better, they'd better listen up. This article begins with a short piece, set down by the…

To speak about separatism as a Canadian is to use a loaded term, one that invokes a significant yet historically specific sociocultural moment. Winners and losers emerged, and in the process, the word "separatism" received a bad rap. Consequently, as a white Canadian who still believes in at least the optimism of the multiculturalist…

These seven tales were collected in Davis Inlet, Labrador, during 1987-88 from the Naskapi, the most traditional of the Algonquin-speaking Indians. The tales describe origins or illuminate morals, several feature Tchakapesh, a hero-trickster. (SV)

Presents a modern retelling of a St:lo (Coast Salish) legend about the origin of a tribal treasure, the wondrous Sxwaixwe mask. Discusses the legend's origins, the process of transforming essentially oral sources into an accessible contemporary form, and the educational value of storytelling. Contains 13 references. (SV)

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…

This paper analyzes religious, psychological, artistic, and environmental elements in one Naskapi myth, and provides a means of understanding the world of the Montagnais and Naskapi hunting tribes of the Labrador Peninsula. In "Ayas'i's Son," the (unnamed) hero is falsely accused of rape by his father's youngest wife. The son is exiled…

Examines the incidence of frightening figures and unhappy endings in traditional and modern Inuit stories and identifies purpose for these elements. Monsters and unhappy endings apparently are tools to help children come to terms with Eskimo environment and values. Studies the conclusions and implications for Indian education. (TES)

Describes the problems inherent in teaching native Canadian Indian literature selections and explores the problems in finding high quality native literature to use in classes with increasing numbers of native Indians enrolled. (CRH)

Non-Native scholarly interpretations of The Three Bears--a traditional story of the Nlha7kapmx Nation--focus on mythology as simplistic science to explain the physical world. In contrast, a Nlha7kapmx interpretation illuminates connections of land to people. Such stories reinforce cultural identity and teach young people about the spiritual power…

Discusses how Lord Tennyson's poetry and Chief Seathl's writings reflect radically different world views and presuppositions about man's relationship to other animals and the environment. Advocates schools either teach students techniques enabling them to uncover bias or have them read materials more in accord with ecologically sound…

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…

This bibliography was prepared to assist teachers in selecting appropriate learning resources for students of Cree as a second language. The bibliography, which contains 39 entries, includes both print and non-print learning resources (films, videos, prints, and audiotapes), selected for use in Cree language and cultural programs for Alberta,…

Written in three sections, this guide has two purposes: one is to assist English and Social Studies teachers who would like to encourage students to understand and appreciate mythology; to do this it provides a guide to Yukon mythology, following guidelines in the British Columbia programme of studies. The second purpose is to provide some…

This book contains 13 essays on Canadian Aboriginal literature. Topics include literary criticism, pedagogical issues, and the experiences of Native authors and of faculty teaching Aboriginal literature in mainstream institutions. Entries are: (1) "Natives on Native Literature: What Do We Rightly Write? Or: Shot Headfirst from the Canon"…