.png)
By: Sarah Herr
“Tell me a FACT and I’ll learn, tell me a TRUTH and I’ll believe, but tell me a STORY and it will remain in my heart.”
This quote is as much ‘history’ as it is ‘science.’ What started centuries ago as a way of sharing the present and past, is today being proved by neurologists around the world. I am talking about storytelling - the fine craft of handing down the history, culture, and ways of life from one community to another.
Neurology today strongly backs the art of storytelling as one of the most effective ways of not just telling a story (as the name suggests) but also of persuasion and creating connection. It is deemed as one of the most efficient tools in learning by academicians, and one of the most competent ways of healing mental disorders by psychologists. Stories are known to generate empathy on a chemical level –proof that they have a huge impact on our lives.
In his book titled, The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative, Thomas King sums this up in a beautiful manner – “The truth about stories is that that’s all we are.”
Indigenous storytelling by definition is the oral storytelling heritage handed down within Indigenous communities. These stories have for generations helped in the preservation of cultural heritage, the transmission of moral values, and historical events. In the Indigenous context, storytelling is a collaborative activity in many Indigenous cultures, with storytellers sharing their experiences and knowledge with others and listeners having the opportunity to learn, ask questions, and offer their own interpretations.
Mythology, legends, tales, song, dance, and visual arts can all be used as a way of indigenous storytelling with elements from nature, animals, and the spiritual world weaved into the narration. Growing up in an Indigenous household, I’ve had the chance to listen to hundreds of stories. All of them have shaped me in some way or the other. We, the Indigenous people, believe strongly in the power of stories and their ability to change, shape, and empower lives.
In my earliest memories, I would sit with my great grandmother and be captivated by her stories. She would share tales of her experiences, recounting moments of cleaning fish and working side by side with her loved ones to support their home. At night, as she gently rubbed my back, I would eagerly request another story from my dear Grandma.
And during our daytime strolls along the lengthy path outside our reservation, she would paint vivid pictures of her childhood, allowing me to glimpse into her past. I remember the fragrant scent of wild irises carried by the wind as I listened intently. Through these cherished stories, I discovered how my grandmother perceived the world and what truly mattered to her. Some narratives served as cautionary reminders, urging me not to venture too far into the wilderness, while others taught me about her resourcefulness in finding food, often foraging for lamb's quarters to cook when we returned home.
These tales became my lessons in attentive listening and gradually gained deeper significance as I matured. As I grew older, my classmates and I embarked on a journey to our reservation, where we had the privilege of hearing stories from Jasper Hill at the Fairfield Mission Farm. These were our stories, filled with profound meaning that we could apply to our own lives. They were not just mere tales; they held valuable teachings, guiding us along our individual paths. Over time, I discovered the profound wisdom hidden within those words, and they became a source of deep personal significance.
In this section of our website, we plan on taking the centuries- and generation-old tradition forward. We’ll be sharing stories, incidents, episodes, and anecdotes behind certain Indigenous traditions in an effort to bridge the gaps between the Indigenous peoples and other residents of this beautiful country, and beyond.
Keep watching this space for interesting reads, as we share slices of our lives with you.
Why are we doing this?
Because here at Three Sisters Consulting, we believe – stories are the best ways of knowledge sharing, connecting, and empathizing with each other. Stories are simply the ONLY way of creating a LOVEFUL and ENRICHING world!
Anushiik
Sarah Herr
Matriarch and Founder