The Nlhaykapmx Oral Tradition of the Three Bears: Interpretations Old And New
First Nations oral traditions have been subjected to European interpretations for centuries. The early interpretations rarely considered the opinions and views of the Nations themselves and concluded that the purpose of the oral traditions was to explain the physical world through a primitive ‘�...
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| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
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UBC Faculty of Education
2021
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| Online Access: | http://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/CJNE/article/view/195901 https://doi.org/10.14288/cjne.v25i1.195901 |
| Summary: | First Nations oral traditions have been subjected to European interpretations for centuries. The early interpretations rarely considered the opinions and views of the Nations themselves and concluded that the purpose of the oral traditions was to explain the physical world through a primitive ‘'protoscience." This article examines how the Nlhaykapmx oral tradition of the Three Bears was similarly interpreted. However, it also offers a Nlhaykapmx interpretation of the oral tradition that is more instructive. This oral tradition is not simply etiological, but is an important link to the rich spiritual life of the Nation and to traditional rituals and ceremonies. The interpretation of oral traditions is vital not only to the recovery of the cultural heritage of the Nlhaykapmx, but also of their identity. The rediscovery and reinterpretation of oral traditions is also important for education and a return to traditional customs. |
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