Native Voices

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Native Americans had established a rich and highly developed tradition of oral literature long before the writings of the European colonists. This program explores that richness by introducing Native American oral traditions through the work of three contemporary authors: Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna Pueblo), Simon Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo), and Luci Tapahonso (Navajo).

* What are some of the elements of "oral tradition"?
* In what ways do the authors featured in this video incorporate those elements into their writing?
* One of the writers says that Native American narratives have "three voices". What are the three voices, and why are they important in discussing Native American literature?
* How do these writers talk about Native Americans? What names do they use? What descriptions do they give?