Storytelling And The Relevance Of Indigenous Lens

What is a story? What is a gift? Both of these questions were raised in class, and I initially felt they were simple to answer. I used to believe that stories were simply forms of entertainment and that gifts were just presents we gave to others. Yet that was from my Westernized perspective, which did not hold any deep meaning towards these concepts. By exploring various sources in class and being introduced to a new profound understanding of these ideas, my perspective has since been shifted. Reflecting on these two key concepts, stories and gifts, through an Indigenous lens has led me to believe that they are a pivotal tool in building stronger individuals. They taught me to appreciate my gifts and life experiences, emphasized the significance

Storytelling through an Indigenous lens challenged my understanding through a Westernized lens as I viewed them as a means of entertainment or a source of information, without recognizing their broader cultural significance. The more I delved deeper into the topic, I also realized the relevance of Indigenous storytelling to modern societies. In today's world, stories are widely used through various sources like music, shows, and other media. By analyzing Indigenous storytelling traditions, I was able to recognize the power of stories in building relationships, fostering empathy, and promoting understanding across cultures and communities. Charlene Bearhead's statement in Stories are Resurgence, “There is power in story; when we share stories, we build understanding and relationships. We connect with one another on a whole different level,” further emphasized the significance of storytelling in Indigenous culture and its relevance in today's society. Indigenous storytelling traditions also allowed me to gain a more profound appreciation for the experiences and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and contributed to my identity and a better understanding of Indigenous culture. By recognizing the value of sharing stories with others, I am

I have learned that perfect lives do not exist and that everyone goes through hardships. This is particularly true for Indigenous Peoples who have faced oppression, particularly during the times of colonialism. However, survivors tell stories, and these stories have a life, living on from generation to generation. These stories are a testament to the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and their ability to overcome adversity. This can be depicted as education systems have begun to recognize the trauma Indigenous Peoples have faced and the need for reconciliation. An article about the Toronto District School Board has replaced the English course with Indigenous culture, recognizing the importance of educating students about the wrongdoings Indigenous Peoples experienced. As journalist Isabel Teotonio wrote about this topic, “When we educate students on the lived realities and experiences of Indigenous Peoples, we as a society can become more aware of the injustices that have taken place, and continue to take place, and that leads towards reconciliation and truth.” This quote resonates with me because it highlights the power of stories to build connections and foster empathy between individuals and communities. Indigenous stories are a valuable part of our cultural heritage and should be read with