Creation stories shared by Canada’s Aboriginal People

How was Earth Created?

Who are the first people?How did the first people come to be in the

Americas?How did life on Earth begin?

Origins

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 people’s history from one generation to another through stories.

Here is an example…

Answers = Theories

Read AloudListen to the Haida Creation Story, point form

notes are provided for you. Your task is to add a picture that may help you to remember the story.

Haida Creation Story

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.

Some Background

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.

Background Continued…

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.

The Haida Creation 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

Activity: Somebody Wanted But So

A STRATEGY FOR SUMMARIZING A 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.

The Haida Creation Story

Somebody Wanted But So

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

Activity: Somebody Wanted But So

A STRATEGY FOR SUMMARIZING A STORY

Use this to complete a summary paragraph

The Haida people believe that Raven needed company. Suddenly he noticed a shell full of little beings. At first the beings were shy so he called them out. The beings came out and became the first Haida people.

The Haida people believed that there creator was a Raven. This Raven possessed human-like qualities. The Raven lived on the Earth by itself and eventually became lonely. One day while lying on the beach a clam shell washed ashore; it was full of tiny beings. Raven called them out, joined Raven and became the first people of Haida. They still believe that Raven is their creator and protector.

Sample Summary Paragraph

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