We recommend inviting an Indigenous community member into the learning environment when discussing creation stories with students.
Instructions:
- Review the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen (The Words That Come Before All Else): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJH_5TXzCjw
- To do this teachers can also play short video segment embedded in the ten-minute video accompanying the Indigenous Knowledge Bundle depicting Kanyen’kehá:ka (Akwesasne Mohawk Territory), Wolf Clan educator Liv Rondeau speaking about the significance of the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen. Additionally, teachers can play a short clip embedded on the QUILLS website of Liv Rondeau reciting the Ohèn:ton Karihwatéhkwen.
- Ask students why they think the Haudenosaunee give thanks to the water in addition to the land.
Creation Stories
- Review Creation Stories.
- Haudenosaunee Creation Story (Onondaga Historical Society): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDuO3IPHpP0
- Anishinaabe Creation story- The Great Flood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RYByws56TQ
- Stories can also be accessed in Anishinaabe The Great Flood.pdf and Haudenosaunee Sky Woman Falling.pdf
- Teachers discuss with students how in both Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee cultures water is central to the creation story. Without water there is no life. Water is a gift from the creator.
