Stories and Oral Tradition
In “The Badger and the Bear,” why did the badger family offer food to the bear?
They were showing generosity, or oḣáƞwaṡte.
What does oḣáƞwaṡte mean?
Generosity.
What happens first in the ghost wife?
A. The young man falls in love with a ghost-woman.
B. The young man breaks his promise.
B. The young man falls in love with a ghost-woman.
How do Daḳóta people traditionally view time?
a circle
How many Council Fires, or bands, are in the Oc̣éṭi Ṡakówiƞ?
7
Why is oral tradition important to Daḳóta people? Name TWO reasons.
It connects Daḳóta people with their past.
Stories teach important lessons.
What does wóohoda mean?
Respect.
What promise does the young man make to his ghost-wife?
He promises not to raise his voice in the tipi.
What does it mean to think of time as a circle?
Events are connected, and things may return or repeat if they are not resolved.
What does Oc̣éṭi Ṡakówiƞ mean?
Seven Council Fires
What is oral tradition?
Passing knowledge, history, traditions, and stories from one generation to another, often by telling stories.
give an example of showing respect to elders?
Using kinship terms
Speaking softly
Moving carefully in the home
Do not watch others while they sleep
What happens after the young man breaks his promise?
His ghost-wife and children disappear.
Why is history important to Daḳóta people?
History connects people to their ancestors, culture, traditions, and lessons from the past.
Why are the Council Fires important to Daḳóta history?
They represent the seven related groups/bands of the Oc̣éṭi Ṡakówiƞ.
Why can stories be an important way to teach children?
Stories can teach values, traditions, history, and lessons about how people should treat others.
Name TWO ways Daḳóta children can show respect to elders and family.
Use kinship terms.
Speak with soft voices.
Move carefully in the home.
Listen to elders.
Treat family members respectfully.
Put these events in order:
The family disappears.
The young man falls in love with the ghost-woman.
The young man makes a promise.
The young man falls in love with the ghost-woman.
He makes a promise.
The family disappears.
How can stories help preserve history?
Stories pass knowledge and experiences from one generation to the next.
What does the number seven help us understand about Daḳóta people?
It represents the seven Council Fires and the connections among them.
Give one example from a Daḳóta story that teaches a value.
The Badger and the Bear → generosity
The Ghost-Wife → respect/keeping promises
Other appropriate examples from the unit
Explain why generosity is important. Give one example of how a person can show generosity.
Generosity means sharing with and helping others. A person can show generosity by sharing food or helping someone who needs something.
What lesson can be learned from “The Ghost-Wife”?
People should keep their promises and show respect.
Explain how oral tradition and the idea of time as a circle are connected.
Oral traditions preserve stories and lessons from the past so that they can continue to guide people in the present and future.
Why might knowing the seven Council Fires be important when learning about Daḳóta history?
It helps students understand the organization and relationships among Daḳóta and other Oc̣éṭi Ṡakówiƞ peoples.