We can teach children and should teach our children about Native American Totems along with sharing tribal stories and lore with them. Back in December of 2009, we talked about Raven as one of the birth totems. We learned that Raven is considered to be a balance between man and nature.
Raven has a story in just about every Tribal Tradition. Some look at Raven as an omen of good luck while others see him as bad luck. Brother Raven can shape-shift and sometimes in his stories he can be a bit of a trickster. For young children to learn the old stories it is helpful to read them a book with good visuals for them to relate to.
I found a book on Amazon that I think would be good to share with children ages 4 to 8. The story originated with the Pacific Coast Natives and is retold and illustrated by Gerald McDermott. It tells about how Raven brought light and warmth to the humans on Mother Earth who were living in darkness. Raven took pity on them and devises a plan.
Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
This wonderful story takes children on a picture adventure along with a story that they can easily comprehend and enjoy. It can be purchased in both hardcover or paperback.
Gerald McDermott is an award winning illustrator and weaver of tales from ancient myths and legends from many cultures. I think he helps children to not only enjoy a delightful tale but to understand different cultures and be more accepting of the differences and similarities.
Raven A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest would be a good book to begin sharing with your children or grandchildren stories of the Native American Totems.
~Mitakuye Oyasin! We are all related
Hello! Perhaps you are just the ear I have been looking for?
I too, believe in teaching where one is from to their children and grandchildren, and to admire the good points of that culture, and be proud. My dilemma follows.
Our son married into a Samoan family. She has, in my opinion, convinced our son, that his Heinz 57 Heritage is of no importance. And that her FAMILY IS TRUE FAMILY. Our side is crushed. Our traditions are
non-important. You know mythologies, thus you know our sad issue. I am: Welsh, and German-Dutch. Husband: Scandinavian.Basically the same. My daughter is truly crushed, because my daughter-in-law by- passes her house w/the kids on the way to her family. PEACE.
Awww, bless your heart, Judy. It is not fair but something tells me that your daughter-in-law would be this way even if your family was also from Samoa. I would recommend teaching the grandchildren as much about your cultures when you have the opportunity and to be as kind and loving as you can be to the daughter-in-law. Perhaps suggest to your son that your feelings are hurt, but that does not mean that things will change. Sadly, this happens a lot with families everywhere and even though ancestry may be blamed it rarely is the real reason for the behavior. That doesn’t make it right just a reality. I went through much the same thing with my first husband (his family was better than mine). Some will base their opinion according to wealth or the lack there of. My heart feels heavy for those who decide to be this way, they miss so much in life and cause their children to miss out, too. Hang in there!
I think teaching children about native Americans, stories, and symbols will have a big impact on education.
Thanks Bev,
Michey
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It is something that many cultures have gotten away from, teaching their children about where they come from and the history, folklore, and belief systems of their ancestors. Native Americans have known and practiced this for centuries.