Knowledge of Family Tree
Written by: Chris Meier, Director, Educational Services, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc.
My wife tells my sons stories about her great-grandfather who lived on the Bering Sea coast and was a good shaman known for healing and helping people. My grandmother told me stories about her mother who at the age of sixteen began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in rural western Michigan. Our family would pass by the old schoolhouse building on our way fishing. My grandmother also told me stories of her uncle who was a principal in a small rural town in northern Michigan way out in the sticks. Today, I am an educator, and I like to think of my boys as good people willing to help others. Those stories have influenced us.
An important part of oral history common to indigenous people are the stories of great deeds and wonderful things done by relatives and ancestors in familiar places. These stories not only teach the family tree and local lore but help children find their place in the world and can inspire people to do great things.
Another important message passed on to indigenous youth is to be careful who they court. In the village, the youth are told that if they become attracted to a person they must first ask their parents and family members about their family relationship to that person to make sure they are not too closely related.
Family trees are important in closely knit societies, and children benefit from hearing stories about their relatives and local places.
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