All Indigenous stories have purpose. The storyteller (teacher) selects a story with intent. The storyteller tells the story and the listener listens to the story.
WHY TELL A STORY?
All Indigenous stories are tailored to the environment. The storyteller selects stories that connect and expand the understanding of self, the community, the world, and time.
WHAT STORY IS TOLD?
All indigenous stories are embedded with teachings. What a listener learns from a story is dependent upon their individual development. The storyteller selects stories that lead to deeper character development.
WHO IS THE STORY TOLD TO?
Most Indigenous stories are told when it is time to learn. Historically, stories were told when there was not much activity due to weather or season. However, winter stories must only be told in the winter.
WHEN DO YOU TELL THE STORY?
Storytellers tell the story. The voice is powerful. Words are spoken with emotion. The lister feels the emotion with every word. Stories, whether orally told or read are enhanced with physical gestures and images.
HOW DO YOU TELL THE STORY?
Stories may be told anywhere. Students may be forced to image the unknown, or images may be displayed for students. Where ever the story is told, the storyteller paints the setting and actions by carefully selecting the words.