Learning Together through Aboriginal Stories

“Never criticize a man until you've walked a mile in his moccasins.”  (Native American proverb)

At Come Walk in My Moccasins events for early learning and childcare professionals, Spiritual Elder and Healer David Jock explained to mainstream educators how Seven Grandfather Teachings can enrich children’s learning regardless of their cultural heritage. Wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth underpin all First Nations teachings. These teachings are ones that we also recognize as transformative in children’s freedom from bullying, and ones that lead to positive learning experiences.

The events held at both Katarokwi Native Friendship Centre in Kingston and at Tahatikonhsotontie Head Start in Tydendinaga were led by Aboriginal leaders who offered participants an historical perspective of Aboriginal people in Canada as well as practical ideas for incorporating Aboriginal culture into preschool and primary school-age programs.

Aboriginal teachings, traditionally shared through oral storytelling, have now found their way into many engaging children’s books. However, some portrayals of stories lack sensitivity. We need to use care when selecting children’s books to ensure the stories we share with children represent history in an accurate, unbiased way. Picture books, especially, need to be previewed for illustrations and wording that use disrespectful stereotypes.

Karen Lewis, librarian with Kanhiote - Tyendinaga Territory Public Library, suggests that finding excellent Aboriginal stories to share with children can begin by visiting www.oyate.org. This website has tips for selecting Aboriginal book and lists good books, categorized by topics and ages. She suggests that anyone unfamiliar with Aboriginal books can also look for books written by well-respected authors, such as Joseph Bruchac, Joseph McLellan, Chief Jake Swamp, and Jan Bordeau Waboose. 

 “The First Strawberries” by Joseph Bruchac is one children’s book recommended by many. It’s a Cherokee story that tells how anger can be turned into forgiveness and why strawberries continue to be a constant reminder of friendship and respect.

“How Chipmunk Got His Stripes” by Joseph Bruchac and his son, James, is a story about a big, overly-confident bear that needs to learn humility, and a little brown squirrel that needs to learn wisdom. Versions of this story have been told in the traditions of Cherokee, Mohawk and Iroquois.

How the Chipmunk Got His Stripes will be featured at the Strawberry Moon Festival in Sharbot Lake on June 19. Anyone interested in attending may call 613-279-2244 for details.

“Did You Hear the Wind Sing Your Name?” by Sandra De Coteau Orie, is a stunningly illustrated Oneida celebration of spring. Simple text guides the reader to imagine seeing, smelling, feeling and hearing the arrival of spring.

Local authors Jane Chartrand and Dionne Nolan have received four nominations for awards including the Governor Generals Award for their new book “I Want to be in the Show”. This modern day story, set in Kingston, tells about a First Nations boy who dreams of playing in the NHL, in spite of physical challenges.

June is celebrated in Canada as National Aboriginal History Month for good reason. First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have an enviable depth of culture that can be enriching to all Canadians. We have been invited to hear and read their stories, to learn from their teachings -- to begin a humble and inspired walk in their moccasins.

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Susan Ramsay is the Early Literacy Specialist for Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. You can contact her at 613-354-6318 (ext 32)