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Introduction to . Native american literature. Before Columbus reached North America, probably 1 million “Indians” Speculation that they arrived by way of Bering Land Bridge 12,000 years before Columbus arrived Several hundred tribes More than 500 languages and cultures.
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Introduction to Native american literature
Before Columbus reached North America, probably 1 million “Indians” Speculation that they arrived by way of Bering Land Bridge 12,000 years before Columbus arrived Several hundred tribes More than 500 languages and cultures Early America...Who was here first?
1.Nature and man have a deeply intimate relationship; they are inseparably linked 2.There is one Almighty God and life is his precious gift 3. All life (including the land, sky, animals) should be revered and respected 4.Rituals are a necessary part of life; they are reminders of the link between man and spirit world. 5.The earth will provide all a man needs. Culture
Strong belief in spirit world. Spirits could inhabit • Animals • Plants • Places Religion
Connection to a higher power God in everything Close to transcendentalism Most worshipped one main God Nature
Europeans arrived in 16th-17th Century For most part, welcomed by natives Regarded as a bit of a marvel—beards, clothing, technology First encounters were positive… April showers bring mayflowers…
Squanto was an Indian that had been to Europe and learned to speak English Came upon the starving colonists and fed them through winter and taught to farm Not just “friendly”—had already encountered white slave traders raiding their villages for hundreds of years Providing for those in need was their “way” April showers bring mayflowers…
Pilgrims saw the Indians as heathens, of the Devil Saw Squanto, not as equal, but as instrument of God to help them as chosen people Real reason for Thanksgiving—Indian tribe signed treaty granting them rights to Plymouth Natives provided a great deal for them… …what do mayflowers bring?
What did they get for their troubles? • Sickness • Death • Rape • Pillage • Destruction • Broken Dreams …what do mayflowers bring?
Within 20 yrs. European disease decimated the tribes Came from domesticated animals Spread through diseased blankets given as gifts Some estimates say almost 90% of pop. killed by disease By 1623, Pilgrim leaders were giving thanks to God for destroying the heathen savages to make way for a better growth for his people …what do mayflowers bring?
Whites appeared oblivious to spirit of nature Thought of land as an obstacle, enemy, commodity Viewed with measure of contempt Killing in the name of…
Forest was just timber for use in building Beaver colony was just many pelts to trade Herd of Buffalo was so many robes and furs Even Indians were a resource—souls ripe for religious conversion Europeans were culturally arrogant Killing in the name of…
Often gave in to settlers, government peacefully. Gave up rights to lands held by their ancestors for centuries. Signed many treaties that were broken Forced to live on reservations of government-appointed lands where hunting was restricted “I will fight no more forever.” - chief joseph
Wars broke out because of broken promises • Led to Indian Removal Act of 1830 • Trail of Tears • 15,000 Cherokees forced to move • Almost half died making the trip • Battle of Wounded Knee was a Massacre “I will fight no more forever.” - chief joseph
Famous native americans:Chief Joseph • Born 1840 • Leader of the Nez Perce tribe in • Oregon • Government took over their land after Treaty of 1855 promised they could stay • Led to Nez Perce war in 1877 • Joseph surrendered and Nez Perce were moved to Kansas, then Oklahoma, then Washington where Joseph died in 1904
Famous native americans:Geronimo • Born in 1829 • Apache name Gokhlayeh means “One who Yawns.” • Led raids on Mexican and American settlers • May have gotten his name, Geronimo, from Spanish word for Jerome, as in St. Jerome • Captured in 1877 placed on Indian reservation • Escaped in 1880 • Convinced to return in 1883, but escaped again in 1885 • 3,000 soldiers searched for him for nearly a year • Died 1909
Famous native americans:Black Elk • Born 1863 • 13 years old at Battle of Little Big Horn • 27 years old during the Wounded Knee massacre • At 23 travelled with the “Buffalo Bill Cody Wild West Show” for 3 years • Considered a shaman • Most famous for his visions at age 9 of his people’s future • Dictated to John Niehardt in 1931 • Book, Black Elk Speaks, is written as a result
Local ties to native americans:Chief John Ross • Born 1790 near Lookout Mountain • Tried to promote education among Cherokee • Drafted Cherokee Constitution • Chief of Eastern Cherokee Tribe • Andrew Jackson sent treaty to pay Indians to leave Georgia …Ross and the Cherokee refused and was arrested • Davy Crockett also opposed and lost his Senate seat • While Ross incarcerated, acting chief Major Ridge signed • 1838 Andrew Jackson sent 7,000 soldiers to remove the Cherokee…Trail of Tears
Local ties to native americans:Sequoyah • Born in 1770 in Taskigi, Tennessee • Became curious about “talking leaves” • Believed if Cherokees had a system of written communication, they could retain their independence from the white man • Developed the Cherokee alphabet • John Ross encouraged Cherokees to adopt his alphabet • Tried to interpret other Native American languages into written form • Died 1843 tracing Pre-Revolution Cherokee heritage
A body of written works related by subject-matter by language or place of origin, or by prevailing cultural standards of merit. In this last sense, “literature” is taken to include oral, dramatic, and broadcast compositions that may not have been published in written form but which have been (or deserved to be) preserved. • * Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms What is literature?
No written literature • More than 500 different languages/cultures before first European settlers arrived • Early contribution comes from • Myths • Legends • Tales • Prayers • Songs Campfire stories: Native american contribution to literature
