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Stop and learn about how to use this padlet. 

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Anything in Green is an Creation Story shared by an Elder or  Storyteller

Anything in Blue is a Trickster Tale shared by an Elder or Storyteller

Anything in Red is an activity

Anything in Purple is an article for you to read

Anything in Orange is an interactive website to check out!

Please feel free to comment any questions you might have under any resource!

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In this article published by the Canadian History Hall you will learn the definition of a Creation Myth and have the opportunity to explore various Creation Myths from all across Canada.

Extension Activity: How does knowing a culture's Creation Myth let you know more about how they view the world? Do you have any foundational stories from your childhood that helped shape your view of the world?

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Gallery 1: Early Canada ⟶ Origins ⟶ The First Peoples

First Peoples remember their origins through oral histories passed down by elders in each generation.

These narratives describe the creation of the world and how First Peoples came to live in it. More than legends, they embody a view of how the world fits together, and how human beings should behave in it.

Some oral histories refer to a time before human occupation. Others mark significant geographical, spiritual and life events that have occurred over the millennia.

Listen to traditional stories and creation stories told by six Indigenous storytellers from communities across Canada. Each recording is available in the respective Indigenous language and in English, and French transcripts are available.

Haida - The Creation of Haida Gwaii
GwaaGanad (Diane Brown), Haida HlGaagilda Llnagaay (Skidegate Village), Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Gwi'chin - When Fish Were Men
Joanne Snowshoe, Fort McPherson, Northwest Territories

Piikani - The Story of Napi
Wilfred Yellow Wings, Fort Macleod, Alberta

Anishinabe (Algonquin) - The Otter
Joan Tenasco, Kitigan Zibi, Quebec

Inuit - The Story of Nuliajuk
Peter Irniq, Naujaat, Nunavut

Mi'kmaq - Mi'kmaq Creation Story
Stephen Augustine, Elsipogtog (Big Cove), New Brunswick

A Vital Presence

First Peoples are not the "first immigrants." They are the original peoples, and the fastest-growing population in this land. Over 1 million Indigenous people live in more than 600 villages, towns and cities across the country. They speak more than 50 different Indigenous languages, some as different from one another as English is from Mandarin.

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Traditional Stories and Creation Stories

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Gallery 1: Early Canada ⟶ Origins ⟶ The First Peoples First Peoples remember their origins through oral histories passed down by elders in each generation. These narratives describe the creation of the world and how First Peoples came to live in it.

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Ojibway Creation Story - told by the Pic River First Nations 

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Ojibway Creation Story - told by the Pic River First Nations 

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This creation story, told by the Pic River First Nations, is all about how the world was formed.

Extension Activity: What does this creation story tell you about the Ojibway people and how they view the world?

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An Ojibway Story of Creation - Pic River First Nation

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Sky Woman: A Haudenosaunee Creation Story told by Credible Mohawk Entertainment 

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Sky Woman: A Haudenosaunee Creation Story told by Credible Mohawk Entertainment 

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In this video the Credible Mohawk Entertainment Society retells the creation story of The Sky Woman, as originally told by the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois people.

Extension Activity: What does this creation story tell you about the Iroquois people and how they view the world?

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How the Turtle got it's Shell - told by Elder Hazel

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How the Turtle got it's Shell - told by Elder Hazel

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In this video, Elder Hazel tells us a story about an Cree Creation Myth.

Extension Activity: What are some lessons you can learn from the story? Can you explain any lessons that you can apply to yourself?

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The Inuit Creation Myth - told by Fiona Passantino

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The Inuit Creation Myth - told by Fiona Passantino

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In this video, Fiona Passantino shares the Inuit Creation Story.

Extension Activity: What does this creation story tell you about the Inuit people and how they view the world?

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In this article published by CBC Kids, you will explore what a Trickster Tale is and consider whether or not you have ever heard one.

Extension Activity: Name any Trickster Tales you have read or heard prior to this unit. Can you think of any other stories you have been told throughout your life that are similar in tone and lessons to the First Peoples Trickster Tales?

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A trickster is a character in folktales that usually appears as an animal who has human traits - like being able to talk. Trickster tales are used to entertain and often to teach lessons about how to behave and treat other people. First Nations people have used trickster stories to teach their children for many years. Tricksters are smart and they use their knowledge to play tricks or to try and bend the rules.

Do other cultures have tricksters?

A large lantern figure of the Monkey King trickster celebrates the Lunar New Year festival in Singapore. (Photo credit: on chooyutshing Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA)

Yes! Trickster tales are popular in cultures all over the world. In West Africa and the Caribbean, Anansi the Spider is featured in trickster tales. In China, the trickster is called Sun Wukong, or The Monkey King, and the Eastern European trickster is The Fox. One trickster that doesn't appear as an animal is Loki, the Norse god of mischief.

Who is the trickster in First Nations stories?

There are many tricksters in Indigenous stories! Many trickster stories have a coyote or raven as their trickster because they're usually considered to be clever creatures. Tricksters usually move easily between our world and the spirit world and can appear as animals, humans or even rocks!

Trickster stories can be used to share history or to entertain or to teach a lesson, like the one of Baby Turtle:

The story of Baby Turtle

There was a baby turtle who lived by the river with his mom and brothers and sisters. One day, the turtle decided he wanted to go to the nearby meadow to play and eat the grass that only grew there. But his mother was busy with his brothers and sisters and didn't have time to take him.

Baby Turtle thought he might be able to sneak off to the meadow and be back before anyone knew he was gone. As quietly as he could, he crept away from his family and headed to the meadow. He had a wonderful time chasing butterflies and snacking on the sweet meadow grass.

But before he knew it, it was starting to get dark. Baby Turtle realized his mother might be starting to worry and began the long walk back home. After walking for a while, he looked around. This wasn't the path home! Baby Turtle quickly turned around and started walking the other way. But that wasn't the right way either. Baby Turtle realized he was lost.

A coyote was passing by and heard the turtle crying. "What's the matter, friend?" he asked him. Baby Turtle told the coyote that he was lost. "Oh don't worry about that," the coyote told him. "Because I'm hungry and I feel like a snack. Turtle would really hit the spot." Baby Turtle thought fast - for turtles may be slow but they think very quickly.

"You can't eat me, Mr. Coyote," he said. "I have the strongest shell in the world and if you can't break my shell, you won't be able to eat me." The coyote thought for a minute. "Well... I could try rolling you down that hill," he said. The turtle laughed. "That wouldn't break my shell!"

"Hmmm. I know!" the coyote cried. "I could take you down the river and drop you in!" The turtle looked at him and shouted "NO! Not the river, anything but the river!" The coyote picked the little turtle up in his jaws and ran off to the river. He stood over the water and dropped the turtle in! Baby Turtle swam off, waving and calling over his shoulder, "thanks for taking me home!"

What lesson do you think this story teaches?

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Have you ever heard a trickster tale? | CBC Kids

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A trickster is a character in folktales that usually appears as an animal but that has human traits - like being able to talk. Trickster tales are used to entertain and often to teach lessons about how to behave and treat other people.

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In this video, storyteller Michael Kusugak retells some of the traditional stories from his Innuit culture.

Extension Activity: What are some morals and lessons you have learned from these tales?

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Inuit story telling with Michael Kusugak

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The Raven Steals the Light - a traditional Cree story told by the StoryHive 

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The Raven Steals the Light - a traditional Cree story told by the StoryHive 

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In this video, StoryHive retells the traditional Cree story of how Raven Stole the Light. This is known as a trickster tale, and is used to explain natural phenomenon in First People’s cultures.

Extension Activity: What are the morals or values that this trickster tale explores?

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Coyote and the Buffalo: A Salish Legend 

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Coyote and the Buffalo: A Salish Legend 

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This text tells the Trickster Tale  of The Coyote and the Buffalo which was orally recorded by the Salish People.

Extension Activity: What does this Trickster Tale tell us about the morals and values important to the Salish People?

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Turtle Island - The True Location from the Creation Myth

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Turtle Island - The True Location from the Creation Myth

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In this article, CBC Kids discusses where Turtle Island is on a modern map and how this Creation Myth uses real animals and places to tell a rich story.

Extension Activity: Using a map of Canada can you find the areas where some of the stories we have looked at in the unit took place? How does knowing about the place help you understand the story better?

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The turtle in First Nations creation stories. (Photo manipulation by chiaralily licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Turtle Island might sound like some far away island in the sea, but it's actually what some Indigenous people call the continent of North America, while others, such as the Ojibwa, use it to refer to the whole world.

What is Turtle Island?

The name Turtle Island comes from First Nations. Depending on the storyteller the story is different, but they mostly agree that the turtle is part of the creation story (a story about how everything came to be).

Flooded ground (Pixabay)

Some Nations believe that the Creator of all things flooded the Earth because the people couldn't get along and were fighting. In one version, only the animals and Nanabush (or Nanabozho), a spirit that appears in many Ojibwa (say "oh-JIB-wah") legends, survived. He has an Anishinaabe (say "uh-NISH-ih-NAH-bay") mother and a spirit father, so he is half spirit and half human.

How was Turtle Island created?

Diving down trying to reach the bottom. Pixabay

Here's how one creation story, based on an Ojibwa version, goes: When the Creator flooded the Earth, Nanabush was left floating with the animals. He had the amazing idea to dive down to the bottom of the water and bring back some earth to create new land. Nanabush dove down into the water over and over but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't reach the bottom. When he grew too tired, animals that were used to diving down into the water tried.

The loon

The loon tried to reach the bottom but the water was too deep. When he was too tired, the turtle tried. But he couldn't reach the bottom either. Finally there was no one left to take a turn.

The muskrat

Muskrats drying off (Pixabay)

The muskrat came forward and offered to try. The other animals laughed at him because he wasn't used to diving. But the muskrat took a deep breath and dove down into the water. The other animals and Nanabush waited. They looked in the water for the muskrat. But the muskrat didn't appear. They waited a very long time and had given up when they finally saw the muskrat! They rushed to him as he breathed his last breath. As the muskrat died, they noticed that he was clutching earth that he had brought up from the water.

The turtle

The turtle told them that if the muskrat was willing to give his life, then he could give them his shell. They could put the earth that the Muskrat had brought them on his back and he would carry it for them. The winds blew and spread the earth around. That little bit of earth that the Muskrat had brought back became Turtle Island.

Did you know?

Turtle statue in the Forbidden City in China. Pixabay

Did you know many cultures all over the world celebrate turtles? In African stories, the turtle is the smartest animal. In Chinese mythology, the turtle is a very powerful symbol. And in Tahiti, the turtle is the lord of the oceans.

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Turtle Island - where's that? | CBC Kids

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The turtle in First Nations creation stories. (Photo manipulation by chiaralily licensed CC BY-NC 2.0) Turtle Island might sound like some far away island in the sea, but it's actually what some Indigenous people call the continent of North America, while others, such as the Ojibwa, use it to refer to the whole world.

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Indigenous Peoples and Lands - Interactive Maps from the Government of Canada 

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Indigenous Peoples and Lands - Interactive Maps from the Government of Canada 

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This link will take you to a Government of Canada webpage that will show a variety of interactive maps that you can explore. Each maps shows information on where different Indigenous groups live and have traditional territory.

Extension Activity: Find some of the traditional territories of the various Creation Myths and Trickster Tales we have looked at throughout the unit. Record this information in your ongoing journal.

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First Nations in Canada

These maps show the status of First Nations in Canada symbolized as the Indian Act, the Land Management Act or Self-Government.

Static maps, data
Static maps

Maps of Canada

Largest wall size (6,975 KB PDF) (42 inches by 50 inches or 106.68 centimeters by 127 centimeters)

Tabloid size (1,867 KB PDF) (11 inches by 17 inches or 27.94 centimeters by 43.18 centimeters)

Regional maps

British Columbia (2,173 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Alberta (1,266 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Saskatchewan (1,342 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Manitoba (1,362 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Ontario (1,726 KB PDF) (11 inches by 17 inches or 27.94 centimeters by 43.18 centimeters)

Quebec (1,824 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Atlantic (1,790 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Yukon (1,146 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Northwest Territories (1,474 KB PDF) (17 inches by 11 inches or 43.18 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

For additional map formats, please contact aadnc.infopubs.aandc@canada.ca.
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First Nation Profiles

This interactive map shows a collection of information that describes individual First Nation communities across Canada.

Interactive map, data
Interactive map

The profiles include general information on a First Nation along with more detailed information about its reserve(s), governance, federal funding, geography, registered population statistics and various Census statistics.
Data

Métis population

These maps show the density of Métis identity population by Dissemination Areas from Statistics Canada Census of Population for 2006.

Static maps
Statistic maps

2006 Census

British Columbia (9,890 KB PDF) (60 inches by 36 inches or 152.4 centimeters by 91.44 centimeters)

Alberta (5,775 KB PDF) (60 inches by 36 inches or 152.4 centimeters by 91.44 centimeters)

Saskatchewan (4,577 KB PDF) (60 inches by 36 inches or 152.4 centimeters by 91.44 centimeters)

Manitoba (6,057 KB PDF) (60 inches by 36 inches or 152.4 centimeters by 91.44 centimeters)

Ontario (13,460 KB PDF) (60 inches by 36 inches or 152.4 centimeters by 91.44 centimeters)

Quebec (17,068 KB PDF) (60 inches by 36 inches or 152.4 centimeters by 91.44 centimeters)

Atlantic (10,413 KB PDF) (60 inches by 36 inches or 152.4 centimeters by 91.44 centimeters)

North (10,258 KB PDF) (36 inches by 60 inches or 91.44 centimeters by 152.4 centimeters)

Land registries

Indigenous Services Canada has three web-based land registries accessible to First Nations, departmental employees and the general public.

Interactive tool

The ILRS is a database of instruments registered in the Indian Lands Registry relating to Reserve Lands and Crown Lands. The FNLRS is a database of instruments registered in the Indian Lands Registry relating to Reserve Lands under the First Nation Land Management Act. The SGFNLR is a database of instruments that are registered/recorded in a First Nation's Land Registry established according to its specific Self Government Land Management Act.
Interactive tool

Aboriginal Lands of Canada

The Aboriginal Lands of Canada include legislative boundaries of Indian Reserves, Land Claim Settlement Lands (lands created under Comprehensive Land Claims Process that do not or will not have Indian Reserve status under the Indian Act) and Indian Lands.

Data
Data

The Canada Lands Survey

The Canada Lands Survey System map browser is a location-based search tool that illustrates information from Canada Lands Surveys Records in an interactive map.

Interactive map
Interactive map

Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS) Interactive Map

The Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System (ATRIS) is a Web-based information system intended to map out the location of Indigenous communities and conveniently displays information pertaining to potential and/or established Aboriginal or treaty rights.

Interactive map, data
Interactive map

The Government of Canada has a duty to consult, and where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous groups when it considers conduct that might adversely impact potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights.
Data

Historic Treaties (Pre-1975 Treaties)

This map illustrates the boundaries of historic treaties concluded between First Nations and the British and Canadian governments from 1701 to 1930.

Static maps, data
Static maps Maps of Canada

Largest Wall size (6,876 KB PDF) (42 inches by 50 inches or 106.68 centimeters by 127 centimeters)

Letter size (735 KB PDF) (8.5 inches by 11 inches or 21.59 centimeters by 27.94 centimeters)

Regional maps Data

Modern Treaties - Comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements

This map illustrates the boundaries of signed comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements between First Nations and the Canadian government.

Static map, data

These agreements have been ratified and brought into effect since the announcement of the Government of Canada's Comprehensive Land Claims Policy in 1973 and the establishment of the BC Treaty Process (1992).

More information on Modern Agreements.
Static map Data

Specific Claim Settlements

The Government of Canada has a policy and process in place for resolving specific claims through negotiations. Explore to learn about specific claims settled through negotiations with First Nations since 1973.

Interactive map
Interactive map

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First Nations in Canada These maps show the status of First Nations in Canada symbolized as the Indian Act, the Land Management Act or Self-Government.

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Learn about what characteristics make up the character of a traditional Indigenous Trickster

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Activity: Using this article, written by children's author and teacher Amy MacDonald, start the rough draft for your very own Trickster Tale. Make sure to look back on the Trickster Tales we looked at throughout the unit to act as inspiration!

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What makes a Trickster Tale?

Read a few to get an idea of some of their key elements. (Please, Malese! is an example of a classic trickster tale. So are the Anansi and Brer Rabbit stories.) Some of the characters that show up in trickster tales are:

1. Strong One. He or she is powerful and might be a little arrogant or evil-out to get the Trickster figure.

2. Slow One. Easily fooled (think of Bouki!)

3. Trickster. This is often a character without power (strength or money) who has to live by his or her wits (think Malese or Brer Rabbit).

How to write your own:
1. Start by picking a setting:
* a school
* a jungle
* under the sea
* Antarctica
* any place you like!

2. Now brainstorm characters, both weak and strong. What animals or people might live in such a setting? For example in Antarctica you might have:

seals * whales * killer whales * polar bears * penguins * fish * sharks * sea gulls * crabs *jelly fish

3. Pick a Trickster. Choose one of the characters who doesn't have any power.

4. Pick a Strong Character. This character IS powerful (big, or rich).

5. Give Personal or Physical Traits to all the Characters. Here are some examples of traits:

Lazy * Selfish * Greedy * Sly * Charming * Liar * Boastful * Sneaky * Vain, stuck up * Hard-working * Loyal * Near-sighted * Thief * Generous * Power-hungry, ambitious * Backstabber * Stubborn * Proud

6. Create a Problem for the Trickster. (For example, Malese needed new shoes, or ingredients for a rum cake, or a ride home.)

The problem might come from the Strong Character who has lots of power.Maybe he is making the Trickster's life miserable. Or maybe the Trickster has done something to mess up his own life.

Remember your Setting and your Character Traits and try using them to create a problem.

7. Solve the Problem. How can the Trickster use his or her wits to solve the problem? Or to outwit the Evil Character? Remember: Tricksters survive by their wits-by tricking people.

Writing a Trickster Tale takes good problem-solving skills!

Now that you have an outline for the story- try writing it!

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What makes a Trickster Tale? Read a few to get an idea of some of their key elements. (Please, Malese! is an example of a classic trickster tale. So are the Anansi and Brer Rabbit stories.) Some of the characters that show up in trickster tales are: Strong One.