For hundreds of years storytelling has been an important part of the Native American culture. It has been the responsibility of the elders to pass on the history, customs, and genealogy of their people. This knowledge is shared not only to inform about the past, but in hopes of carrying the culture into the future. It is of utmost importance to the tribal elders that the youth carry on the voice of respect for family, the land, and the deep spirituality that has defined their culture. With our fast-paced world and the continuous advancement of technology, it would be easy to lose important aspects of a culture. Their focus of keeping this proud culture alive is a challenge and is evident in the stories they share.

When Native Americans talk and write about family members, the sense of pride in their voice is unmistakable. In a 1996 gathering, a group of tribal men discussed seven philosophies of their culture. One philosophy relating to women said, “I will treat women in a sacred manner. The Creator gave women the responsibility for bringing new life into the world. Life is sacred, so I will look upon the women in a sacred manner” (Shayna). The philosophy referring to family depicts the role of the responsibility of family members in handing down the culture when it says, “The Creator gave to us the family, which is the place where all teachings are handed down from the grandparent, to the parent, and to the child” (Shayna).

The storytelling itself is part of the culture the elders want to see passed down. “I learned those stories from my grandfather. Someday, Grandson, if your memory is as sharp as your eyes, you will be able to tell them to your grandchildren” (Thirteen 3). Chief Seattle says, “The voice of my grandmother said to me, teach your children what you have been taught” (Brother). Many Native Americans have childhood memories of sitting by the campfire with family members sharing stories of creation and survival. Unfortunately many painful recollections are also shared concerning the struggles over land, but the Native Americans use that to gain strength and chose to focus on the future.

Much of the Native American culture is centered on the land. It is obvious when reading about these people, that nature is an integral part of who they are. In Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, many examples of their respect for nature is apparent. “The voice of my ancestors said to me, the shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not simply water but the blood of your grandfather’s grandfather” (Brother 11). The children are taught that they are one with nature, as though they are family members (Hucko 4). It is their dependence on the land for survival that is the reason for this respect. They do not want to take more than they need. This is a fact they are proud of and wish that others would follow, “The white people never cared for land or deer or bear. When we Indians kill meat, we eat it all up.” They sense the lack of respect others show for the earth when they say, “They don’t care how much the ground cries out. How can the spirit of the earth like the white man? Everywhere the white man has touched it, it is sore” (Philip 27). Their deep commitment to protecting the earth is expressed in the seven philosophies, “Just as I would protect my own mother, so will I protect the Earth. I will ensure that the land, water, and air will be intact for my children and my children’s children – unborn” (Shayna).

The respect for the earth is tied in with the spirituality of the Native Americans. No one person is given credit for the founding of religion; however, it was strongly influenced by the Christians arrival from Europe. The worship was not conducted in conventional ways, but the deepness of their spirituality can be felt. Rituals are predominant with this culture. They are used in gathering food with the ceremonial blessings of the animals they kill. There are childbirth rituals, and rituals which attempt to control the weather (Native). They do not take their relationship with the spirits lightly.

Myths of creation and the intertwined existence between man and nature are common. Plants, animals, and man all understand each other (Native). These stories are shared with the youth as a way of expressing the respect for land. The elders expect these stories to be passed on to future generations. These stories relay the power and tradition of the Native American people.

The nature of storytelling in the Native American culture will be the driving force for carrying on the culture. These are a people rich in tradition. With such an importance on keeping their history alive, only time will tell if future generations understand the deepness of commitment felt by their ancestors. The Native Americans have a strong and powerful voice. The determination of the elders should make a strong enough impression on the youth, that they too will see the necessity of carrying on such a rich culture.