Reflections on Native American Reading: A Seed, a Tool, and a Weapon

Oral tradition has a long and valued history in Native American cultures and communities. In the past and still today, reading has had lesser value among many Native Americans. But oral tradition can be a vehicle toward improved literacy. This article uses literacy stories from Native American people, as well as quotes from prominent Native American writers, as a rationale for increased personal reading among Native Americans. Each literacy story describes or explains the positive impact reading has had on that particular person's life. Also, a theory that discusses how people attain literary appreciation, as they move from the earliest stages in preschool into adulthood, is used as a framework. From the stories and voices of the people quoted comes the message that oral literacy and print literacy can and should work together to affect positive reading practices and attitudes. Implications and examples of literacy activities are given at the end of the article for teachers and other adults to promote reading as a valuable and necessary activity.