Creation stories shared by Canada

1
How was Earth Created?

• Creation stories shared by Canadas Aboriginal
  People

2
The Essential Questions Origins

• Who are the first people?
• How did the first people come to be in the
  Americas?
• How did life on Earth begin?

3
Answers Theories

• There are different ideas about the origins of
  the First People. Many First Nations believe that
  the First People were placed in North America by
  the Creator. All First Nations people have
  similar stories. Elders pass their peoples
  history from one generation to another through
  stories.
• Here is an example

4
Haida Creation Story

• Find the story on my website

5
Some Background

• The basic premises of Native American creation
  mythology are intertwined with the natural world
  and frequently include animals that act as
  creators, messengers, protectors, guardians, and
  advisers. They were often thought to possess
  human qualities and had the ability to speak,
  think, and act like humans. Animals such as the
  coyote, bear, raven, spider, and turtle are often
  found in stories recounting the origin of a
  tribe. They were thought of as spiritual guides
  or important players in the community's daily
  existence.

6
Background Continued

• An origin story that includes the Raven is that
  of the Haida tribe, whose homeland is located in
  present-day British Columbia. To the Haida, Raven
  is the Bringer of Light. This is one version of
  their tale.

7
The Haida Creation Story

• One day, long ago, Raven was on a desolate beach.
  Alone, he needed company and came upon a
  half-open clamshell. When he examined the shell,
  he saw tiny people inside. The people were shy
  and slowly peeked out of the shell. "Come out!
  Come out!" called Raven. The tiny beings opened
  the shell and climbed onto the sandy earth. These
  were the first Haida.

8
Activity Somebody Wanted But So
A STRATEGY FOR SUMMARIZING A STORY
SOMEBODY WANTED BUT SO
- Who? - Plot - Conflict or challenge the somebody faces Outcome or Resolution
- Main character(s) - Motivation that somebody is involved in

9
The Haida Creation Story

• One day, long ago, Raven was on a desolate beach.
  Alone, he needed company and came upon a
  half-open clamshell. When he examined the shell,
  he saw tiny people inside. The people were shy
  and slowly peeked out of the shell. "Come out!
  Come out!" called Raven. The tiny beings opened
  the shell and climbed onto the sandy earth. These
  were the first Haida.

Somebody
Wanted
But
So
10
Activity Somebody Wanted But So
A STRATEGY FOR SUMMARIZING A STORY
SOMEBODY WANTED BUT SO
- Raven - needed company - the people were shy and slowly peeked out of the shell, Raven called Come out. Come Out!
- He was lonely! The Beings climbed out and became the first Haida people
- A friend
Use this to complete a summary paragraph on the
other two creation stories