On Native American Spirituality

Spirituality is extremely prevalent in Native American culture. It is in their songs, their dances, and even their stories. Native American myths about Badger and Coyote have survived thousands of years and are as much a part of Native American life today as they were back then.

The story Yellow Woman by Leslie Marmon Silko presents a modern-day twist on the story of Badger and Coyote with the spirit of Coyote, or someone claiming to be him, taking who he claims to be Yellow woman, a woman whom he meets on the beach complete with her own family back home as well as her own name. Throughout the story, the woman attempts to find out who the man Silva really is all the while falling for his charms and being compelled by some means to follow him. It is up to the reader to decide whether this is a tale of manipulation and kidnapping or one of spirituality and reincarnation.

The Navajo Night Chant chooses to go a different, more traditional route. The speaker in the story is seen asking the Great Spirit for rain, corn and other things needed for a good harvest and life. As the poem goes deeper into detail we get the feeling that the Great Spirit is being worshipped and will be greatly appreciated for all that he is able to do, even all that he is not able to do as they know that the Great Spirit is with them regardless. Unlike in the Yellow Woman, the Great Spirit is not seen as a physical being.

The Yellow Woman brings about ideas of modern day stories focused on Shape Shifters, some of which have been inspired by Native American myths. Think of the werewolves in Twilight or the Skin Walker in Moon Called by Patricia Briggs, a book centered around a Native American character who can transform into a coyote at will. While the spirituality may not be as prevalent in these stories the determination and the curiosity sparked within the tales can certainly lead young high schoolers towards their nearest library on a constant search for the inspiration behind the tale.

An easy way to bring about interest in such a thing or to discuss the subject of spirituality with your class would be to have an open discussion on their own beliefs, possibly even creating a Venn diagram or a spreadsheet listing the differences and common themes within the religions/beliefs listed.