Welcome, storytellers! As you have learned, the tradition of storytelling was, and still is, incredibly
important to the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
In this exciting assignment, we're diving into the magical world of Oral Tradition. Imagine sitting
around a cozy campfire, surrounded by friends and family, as stories come to life through the
power of spoken word. Oral Tradition is all about passing down wisdom, culture, and history from
one generation to the next, using storytelling as our guide.
Get ready to explore fascinating tales, legends, and myths from Indigenous cultures around the
country. From ancient legends of ancestors and spirits to personal narratives reflecting resilience
and survival, Oral Tradition anchors us in the rich heritage of Canada's First Nations, Métis, and
Inuit peoples, guiding us forward with wisdom from the past.
Throughout this assignment, you'll have the chance to unleash your creativity, hone your
storytelling skills, and discover the rich tapestry of human experience. So, grab your imagination
and get ready to embark on a journey through the timeless art of storytelling!
Assignment:
In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to engage with Indigenous oral tradition by
creating either a performance or a podcast that highlights a traditional Indigenous story or
legend.
Objective:
To explore and showcase the richness of Indigenous oral tradition through a performance or
podcast, focusing on expressive storytelling techniques and the cultural significance of the chosen
narrative.
To Do:
1. Story Selection: Choose a traditional Indigenous (FNMI) story or legend that
resonates with you. Consider the cultural significance, themes, and messages conveyed in
the narrative.
2. Cultural Context: Research the cultural context of the chosen story, including its
origins, symbolism, and significance within Indigenous culture. Consider how the story
reflects Indigenous worldviews, values, and traditions.
3. Creation: Create your performance or podcast, paying attention to quality, clarity, and
authenticity. Use appropriate language and respectful representation of Indigenous culture
and traditions.
a. Performance: If you choose to create a performance, prepare to present the
story orally for the class or record it as a video. Focus on using expressive
techniques such as voice modulation, gestures, and facial expressions to bring the
story to life.
b. Podcast: If you choose to create a podcast, plan, and script your episode,
incorporating storytelling elements, background music, sound effects, and
narration. You may choose to include additional content such as interviews with
Elders or discussions on the cultural context of the story.
4. Presentation: Present your performance or share your podcast episode to the class.
Reflect on the storytelling techniques used and the cultural relevance of the chosen
narrative.
Curriculum Expectations
B1. The Oral Tradition: demonstrate an understanding of text forms, figures, and practices associated
with the oral traditions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, explaining how these traditions
communicate meaning and how they are used in contemporary communities, and demonstrate the use
of culturally appropriate listening practices;
B3. Speaking to Communicate: use speaking skills and strategies appropriately to communicate with
different audiences, for a variety of purposes, about themes, ideas, and issues related to First Nations,
Métis, and Inuit cultures;
C2. Understanding Form and Style: identify a variety of text forms, text features, and stylistic elements
in texts from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures, and, as appropriate, relevant texts from nonIndigenous sources, and demonstrate an understanding of how they help communicate meaning;
D2. Using Knowledge of Form and Style: draft and revise their writing, using a variety of literary,
informational, and graphic forms and stylistic elements appropriate for the purpose and audience;
E3. Creating Media Texts: create a variety of media texts on subject matter related to First Nations,
Métis, and Inuit cultures, for different purposes and audiences, using appropriate forms, conventions,
and techniques.
 Indigenous Oral Tradition Presentation Rubric
Oral Tradition – Presentation or Podcast Rubric
Categories Level 4
(80-100%)
Level 3
(70-79%)
Level 2
(60-69%)
Level 1
(50 - 59%)
Knowledge
- knowledge & understanding of
selected story, storytelling
techniques, and theme/message
- performance/podcast
demonstrates excellent
understanding of the story,
storytelling techniques, and
the overall theme/message
- performance/podcast
demonstrates considerable
understanding of the story,
storytelling techniques, and
the overall theme/message
- performance/podcast
demonstrates moderate
understanding of the story,
storytelling techniques, and
the overall theme/message
- performance/podcast
demonstrates limited
understanding of the story,
storytelling techniques, and
the overall theme/message
Thinking & Inquiry
- use of critical and creative
thinking skills
- traditional story or legend
is told in a highly creative,
authentic, and engaging
way
- traditional story or legend
is told in a considerably
creative, authentic, and
engaging way
- traditional story or legend
is told in a moderately
creative, authentic, and
engaging way
- traditional story or legend
is told with limited creativity
or authenticity
Application
- application of concepts, skills,
and proceduares
- applies storytelling
techniques with cultural
relevance and sensitivity to
Indigenous perspectives in a
highly effective way
- applies storytelling
techniques with cultural
relevance and sensitivity to
Indigenous perspectives
with considerable
effectiveness
- applies storytelling
techniques with cultural
relevance and sensitivity to
Indigenous perspectives
with some effectiveness
- applies storytelling
techniques with cultural
relevance and sensitivity to
Indigenous perspectives
with limited effectiveness
Communication
- Use of expressive storytelling
techniques (performance) or
effective use of audio elements
(podcast)
- Engagement and connection
with the audience (performance)
or clarity and coherence of the
podcast episode (podcast)
- uses storytelling
techniques or audio
elements with a high degree
of effectiveness
- communicates with a
strong, clear sense of
audience and purpose
- uses storytelling
techniques or audio
elements with considerable
effectiveness
- communicates with a clear
sense of audience and
purpose
- uses storytelling
techniques or audio
elements with moderate
effectiveness
- communicates with some
sense of audience and
purpose
- uses storytelling
techniques or audio
elements with limited
effectiveness
- communicates with a
limited sense of audience
and purpose
A student who receives a mark of less than 50% has not met the expectations of this assignment. do the presentation and try to get a level 4 but write it more human like and in simple terms