🪶Native American Literature Unit 12 – Native American Lit: Identity & Culture

Key Themes in Native American Literature

• Connection to the land and environment plays a central role in Native American literature, emphasizing the spiritual and cultural significance of nature
• Oral storytelling traditions heavily influence the structure and style of Native American writing, often incorporating myths, legends, and folktales
  • These stories frequently feature trickster figures, such as Coyote or Raven, who embody both wisdom and mischief
• Identity and belonging are recurring themes, as characters navigate the complexities of being Native American in a changing world
• Resistance to colonization and the preservation of cultural heritage are prominent themes, highlighting the resilience of Native American communities
• Spirituality and the interconnectedness of all living things are woven throughout Native American literature, reflecting a holistic worldview
• The impact of historical trauma, including forced relocation and assimilation policies, is explored in many works, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities
• Family and community relationships are emphasized, showcasing the importance of kinship ties and collective identity in Native American cultures

Historical Context and Cultural Background

• Native American literature is rooted in the diverse cultures and traditions of indigenous peoples across North America, each with their own unique histories and belief systems
• The arrival of European colonizers in the 15th century marked a turning point for Native American societies, leading to widespread displacement, disease, and cultural suppression
  • The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced many Native American tribes to relocate from their ancestral lands to designated reservations, often under harsh conditions
• Boarding schools, such as the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, were established in the late 19th century to assimilate Native American children into Euro-American culture, stripping them of their language and traditions
• The American Indian Movement (AIM) emerged in the 1960s as a civil rights organization advocating for Native American sovereignty and cultural preservation
• Federal policies like the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 and the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 have sought to restore tribal autonomy and support cultural revitalization efforts
• Contemporary Native American literature often grapples with the ongoing legacy of colonialism, including issues of land rights, cultural appropriation, and environmental justice
• The diversity of Native American cultures is reflected in the wide range of literary traditions, from the oral narratives of the Navajo to the written works of the Cherokee

Notable Authors and Works

• N. Scott Momaday, a Kiowa writer, is known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "House Made of Dawn" (1968), which explores themes of identity and cultural dislocation
• Leslie Marmon Silko, a Laguna Pueblo author, is renowned for her novels "Ceremony" (1977) and "Almanac of the Dead" (1991), which blend traditional storytelling with contemporary issues
• Louise Erdrich, an Ojibwe writer, has produced a wide body of work, including the novels "Love Medicine" (1984) and "The Round House" (2012), which delve into the complexities of Native American family life and identity
• Sherman Alexie, a Spokane-Coeur d'Alene author, is known for his short story collections, such as "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" (1993), and his semi-autobiographical novel "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" (2007)
  • Alexie's works often employ humor and irony to address issues of poverty, addiction, and cultural identity on reservations
• James Welch, a Blackfeet and A'aninin writer, is celebrated for his novels "Winter in the Blood" (1974) and "Fools Crow" (1986), which explore the challenges faced by Native American communities in the face of cultural and economic change
• Joy Harjo, a Muscogee Creek poet, is the first Native American to serve as the U.S. Poet Laureate, known for her collections "In Mad Love and War" (1990) and "An American Sunrise" (2019)
• Simon J. Ortiz, an Acoma Pueblo poet and writer, is recognized for his collections "From Sand Creek" (1981) and "Woven Stone" (1992), which address themes of land, language, and cultural survival

Literary Techniques and Storytelling Traditions

• Native American literature often incorporates oral storytelling techniques, such as repetition, formulaic phrases, and a circular narrative structure
• The use of symbolism and metaphor is prevalent, with elements of nature (animals, plants, natural phenomena) frequently serving as symbols for human experiences and emotions
  • For example, the coyote is often portrayed as a trickster figure, representing both wisdom and chaos
• Nonlinear narratives are common, reflecting the cyclical nature of time in many Native American worldviews
• The incorporation of Native American languages and phrases adds depth and authenticity to the works, preserving linguistic heritage
• Storytelling often serves a didactic purpose, imparting moral lessons and cultural values to the audience
• The use of humor and irony is a powerful tool for addressing serious issues and challenging stereotypes
• Intertextuality, or the referencing of other texts and stories, is common, creating a rich tapestry of cultural allusions and connections

Identity and Representation in Native American Writing

• Native American literature grapples with the complexities of identity, exploring what it means to be Native American in a post-colonial world
• Many works address the challenges of navigating between traditional cultural values and the demands of modern society, often resulting in a sense of cultural dislocation or "split identity"
• The representation of Native American characters by non-Native writers has been a contentious issue, with concerns about stereotyping, cultural appropriation, and the perpetuation of harmful tropes
  • Works by Native American authors offer authentic and nuanced portrayals of Native American experiences and perspectives
• The reclamation of Native American identity and pride is a central theme, with characters often embarking on journeys of self-discovery and cultural reconnection
• The intersection of Native American identity with other aspects of identity, such as gender, sexuality, and class, is increasingly explored in contemporary works
• The representation of Native American communities as diverse and dynamic, rather than monolithic or static, is an important aspect of Native American literature
• The use of self-representation and autobiographical elements is common, allowing Native American writers to assert control over their own narratives and challenge dominant cultural discourses

Contemporary Issues and Social Commentary

• Native American literature often addresses pressing social and political issues affecting Native American communities, such as land rights, environmental justice, and cultural preservation
• The ongoing impact of historical trauma, including the legacy of boarding schools and forced assimilation policies, is a recurring theme
  • Works like "The Round House" by Louise Erdrich explore the intergenerational effects of trauma and the struggle for healing and justice
• The fight for tribal sovereignty and self-determination is a central concern, with many works advocating for the recognition of Native American rights and the protection of cultural heritage
• Environmental themes, such as the impact of resource extraction and climate change on Native American lands, are increasingly prevalent in contemporary works
• The intersection of Native American issues with broader social justice movements, such as Black Lives Matter and the fight against pipeline projects (Dakota Access Pipeline), is explored in recent literature
• The representation of urban Native American experiences and the challenges of maintaining cultural connections in city environments is a growing area of focus
• Contemporary Native American literature also grapples with issues of language revitalization, as many Native American languages face the threat of extinction due to historical suppression and assimilation policies

Influence on American Literature

• Native American literature has had a significant impact on the broader American literary landscape, challenging dominant narratives and expanding the canon
• The incorporation of Native American storytelling traditions and worldviews has enriched American literature, introducing new perspectives and narrative techniques
• Native American authors have paved the way for greater diversity and representation in American literature, inspiring and mentoring new generations of writers
• The success of Native American authors like N. Scott Momaday and Louise Erdrich has helped to bring Native American voices and experiences to a wider audience
• Native American literature has contributed to a more nuanced and complex understanding of American history and identity, challenging the myth of the "vanishing Indian" and asserting the continued presence and resilience of Native American communities
• The influence of Native American literature can be seen in the works of non-Native writers who have been inspired by Native American themes and storytelling traditions (Leslie Silko's influence on Maxine Hong Kingston)
• Native American literature has played a crucial role in the broader movement for social justice and cultural recognition, serving as a powerful tool for activism and education

Critical Analysis and Interpretation

• Critical analysis of Native American literature often focuses on themes of identity, cultural survival, and resistance to colonialism
• Postcolonial theory is frequently applied to Native American texts, examining the ways in which Native American authors navigate and subvert colonial power structures
• Ecocriticism, which explores the relationship between literature and the environment, is particularly relevant to Native American literature, given the centrality of land and nature in Native American cultures
• Feminist and gender-based approaches to Native American literature examine the representation of women and gender roles, as well as the intersection of gender with other aspects of identity
• The concept of "survivance," coined by Anishinaabe scholar Gerald Vizenor, is often used to describe the active presence and resistance of Native American communities in the face of ongoing colonialism
• The role of language and translation in Native American literature is a key area of critical inquiry, with scholars examining the ways in which Native American authors incorporate and preserve indigenous languages
• Comparative approaches to Native American literature explore the connections and divergences between Native American writing and other indigenous literatures worldwide, as well as the influence of Native American literature on other marginalized or oppressed groups
• The growing field of Indigenous literary criticism centers Native American voices and perspectives in the interpretation and analysis of Native American texts, challenging Western academic paradigms and asserting the importance of cultural context and community engagement in the study of Native American literature