How prepared are you for a storytelling session with a tribal elder?
- I’m ready to listen and learn.
- I know a few stories, but I’m eager to hear more.
- I’m a complete novice, but I’m curious to learn.
- I’d rather stick to written tales.
What is your absolute favorite campfire story from the Southwest?
- The one where Coyote steals fire.
- Tales of lost treasures hidden in the desert.
- Stories about the creation of the world.
- I’m more of a scary story person.
How do you handle encountering a trickster spirit like Coyote in a dream?
- I’d try to outsmart it, of course!
- I’d be wary of its tricks and try to learn from its wisdom.
- I’d be a little frightened, but also intrigued.
- It was just a dream, no need to overthink it.
Which of these Southwestern mythical creatures would you enjoy encountering the most?
- A wise and ancient talking animal.
- A mischievous spirit who plays pranks.
- A powerful guardian of a sacred place.
- I’d prefer to admire them from afar.
What’s your favorite memory of learning about mythology and folklore?
- Hearing stories from my grandparents.
- Reading captivating myths in a book.
- Visiting a museum exhibit with ancient artifacts.
- Learning about different cultures in school.
What comes to mind when you think of the vast deserts of the Southwest?
- Ancient secrets hidden beneath the sand.
- The resilient spirit of the people who call it home.
- The beauty and danger of the natural world.
- A sense of adventure and exploration.
What do you think you need to deepen your understanding of Native American myths and legends?
- To listen to more stories told by tribal members.
- To read more books and research the cultures.
- To visit historical sites and museums.
- To approach these stories with respect and an open mind.
What is your current biggest challenge in appreciating the diversity of these ancient tales?
- Finding authentic sources and respecting cultural sensitivities.
- Understanding the symbolism and deeper meanings within the stories.
- Reconciling different versions of the same myth from various tribes.
- Overcoming my own biases and preconceptions.
How comfortable are you with the idea of oral storytelling as a way to pass down knowledge?
- It’s a beautiful and effective tradition.
- It’s valuable, but written records are also important.
- It’s interesting, but I prefer more factual accounts.
- It can be unreliable, as stories change over time.
What happened in the past when you first encountered a particularly striking detail in a Native American myth?
- I felt a sense of wonder and curiosity about its meaning.
- It sparked a desire to learn more about the culture it came from.
- It made me reflect on my own beliefs and worldview.
- I appreciated it as a creative element of the story.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect way to preserve these stories for future generations be?
- To have every tribal elder record their stories in their own voice.
- To create interactive museums dedicated to Native American cultures.
- To integrate these stories into school curricula in a respectful way.
- To inspire more people to learn about and appreciate these cultures.
How do you feel about the role of trickster figures like Coyote in Native American mythology?
- They’re entertaining, but their actions often have serious consequences.
- They represent the chaos and unpredictability of life.
- They teach valuable lessons through their mistakes.
- They challenge societal norms and keep things interesting.
Which of these themes found in California and Southwest myths resonates most with you?
- The interconnectedness of all living things.
- The importance of respecting the natural world.
- The consequences of human actions.
- The power of storytelling.
When you were a kid, how did you experience storytelling?
- Bedtime stories from family.
- Reading myths and fairy tales.
- Watching movies and shows based on mythology.
- I wasn’t exposed to many stories growing up.
What’s your favorite character archetype in Native American mythology?
- The wise elder who guides others.
- The brave warrior who protects their people.
- The cunning trickster who disrupts the status quo.
- The compassionate healer who mends wounds.
You have a choice of attending a lecture on Southwestern archaeology or a storytelling performance with a tribal elder. Which do you choose?
- The storytelling performance, as I value lived experience.
- The archaeology lecture, as I prefer a more scientific approach.
- A combination of both, to gain a more holistic understanding.
- I’m not particularly drawn to either option.
A specific situation arises: You find an artifact that seems significant while hiking on tribal land. How do you react?
- Leave it undisturbed and report it to the proper authorities.
- Carefully document its location and appearance.
- Take a photo but leave it untouched.
- I wouldn’t even notice, I’m not very observant.
What is the trickiest part about understanding the cultural context of these myths and legends?
- Avoiding generalizations and recognizing the diversity of tribal beliefs.
- Overcoming my own biases and cultural lens.
- Accessing accurate information from reputable sources.
- I find it relatively easy to understand different cultural contexts.
Do you believe that these ancient stories still hold relevance in the modern world?
- Absolutely, they offer timeless wisdom and lessons.
- Yes, but we should adapt their messages to contemporary issues.
- To some extent, but we shouldn’t rely on them solely.
- Not really, they reflect a bygone era.
Which of these topics related to Native American cultures is most likely to be a struggle for you?
- Understanding the historical trauma and injustices they’ve faced.
- Navigating cultural appropriation and respecting boundaries.
- Finding trustworthy resources and avoiding misinformation.
- I feel confident in my knowledge and sensitivity towards these issues.
New information related to the topic of Native American mythology comes up in conversation. What is your first response?
- I’m eager to learn more and expand my knowledge.
- I listen respectfully but might not fully understand.
- I try to relate it to something I already know.
- I politely change the subject, as it’s not my area of expertise.
What keeps you up at night about the future of these ancient stories?
- The possibility of them being lost or forgotten.
- The potential for their misinterpretation or misuse.
- The lack of awareness and appreciation for indigenous cultures.
- I’m not particularly concerned about this issue.
Which of these best describes your current level of engagement with Native American mythology and folklore?
- I’m actively learning and seeking out new information.
- I’m interested but haven’t dedicated much time to it.
- I’m aware of it, but it’s not a significant interest.
- I haven’t had much exposure to it.
How often do you seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures and their stories?
- Regularly, I find it enriching and important.
- Occasionally, when something piques my interest.
- Rarely, I tend to stick to what I know.
- Never, it’s not a priority for me.
You are at a party, and someone makes a disrespectful joke about Native American stereotypes. What do you do?
- Politely challenge their assumptions and educate them.
- Subtly express your discomfort with their humor.
- Ignore it, as it’s not worth the confrontation.
- Laugh along, not wanting to cause a scene.
How do you determine your learning goals when it comes to exploring different cultures?
- I prioritize understanding their values and beliefs.
- I focus on their historical experiences and struggles.
- I’m drawn to their art, music, and storytelling traditions.
- I don’t have specific goals; I learn as I go.
What do you think is missing in your quest to connect with the spirit of these ancient tales?
- A deeper understanding of the cultural context.
- More opportunities to learn from authentic sources.
- A willingness to challenge my own biases and perspectives.
- I feel a strong connection already.
What is your “go-to” resource for learning about Native American mythology?
- Books by indigenous authors and scholars.
- Documentaries and films made by Native American filmmakers.
- Museums and cultural centers dedicated to indigenous cultures.
- I don’t have a specific resource yet.
What place do you most want to visit to experience the power of these stories firsthand?
- A sacred site mentioned in a myth.
- A reservation to connect with a local community.
- A museum with a collection of tribal artifacts.
- I’m content to experience them through books and stories.
How confident are you in your ability to distinguish between respectful appreciation and cultural appropriation?
- Very confident, I understand the nuances of cultural exchange.
- Somewhat confident, but I’m always learning and checking myself.
- Not very confident, it’s a complex issue.
- I’m not sure, it doesn’t concern me much.
What aspect of Native American storytelling makes you the most happy?
- The connection to nature and the spirit world.
- The humor and wisdom woven into the tales.
- The emphasis on community and shared history.
- The diversity of perspectives and storytelling styles.
What is most likely to make you feel discouraged about the preservation of these stories?
- The ongoing threat of cultural assimilation and loss of language.
- The lack of funding and support for indigenous communities.
- The spread of misinformation and stereotypes.
- I remain hopeful about the future of these stories.
In a perfect world, what would education about Native American history and culture look like?
- Integrated into school curricula from a young age.
- Taught by indigenous educators and knowledge holders.
- Presented in a way that is engaging and accurate.
- Accessible to everyone who wants to learn.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “oral tradition”?
- A rich tapestry of stories passed down through generations.
- A vital part of preserving cultural heritage.
- A valuable but sometimes unreliable source of information.
- An outdated practice in the digital age.
How well do you understand the symbolism found in Native American art and storytelling?
- Very well, I’ve studied the iconography and motifs.
- Somewhat well, I’m able to interpret some of the meanings.
- Not very well, but I’m interested in learning more.
- I don’t have much knowledge about this aspect.
How would you describe your relationship to Native American myths and legends?
- I’m a lifelong learner, always eager to deepen my understanding.
- I’m a respectful admirer, appreciating their beauty and wisdom.
- I’m a curious newcomer, just beginning to explore.
- I’m a distant observer, not yet personally invested.
How do you think your friends and family would describe your level of knowledge about this topic?
- As someone who’s quite knowledgeable and passionate about it.
- As someone who has a general understanding.
- As someone who’s still learning the basics.
- As someone who doesn’t know much about it.
What happens if you find yourself questioning your own biases and assumptions while learning about another culture?
- That’s a sign of growth! I try to remain open-minded and adjust my perspective.
- I feel a bit uncomfortable, but I see it as part of the learning process.
- I tend to dismiss those feelings and focus on the positive aspects.
- I don’t usually experience this, as I’m already very open-minded.
What is your myth and legend goal?
- To become well-versed in the mythology of various Native American tribes.
- To incorporate their wisdom into my own life and values.
- To share these stories with others and promote cultural understanding.
- To simply enjoy them as captivating tales.
If you could choose any superpower inspired by these stories, which one would you choose and why?
- Shapeshifting, to experience the world from different perspectives.
- Talking to animals, to connect with nature on a deeper level.
- Healing powers, to alleviate suffering and restore balance.
- Invisibility, to observe the world unseen and learn its secrets.
Tell us a little about your approach to learning new things, especially about cultures different from your own.
- I’m a hands-on learner, preferring interactive experiences.
- I’m a visual learner, drawn to images and symbols.
- I’m an auditory learner, favoring podcasts and lectures.
- I’m a kinesthetic learner, needing to move and experience things physically.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you are challenged to reconsider a long-held belief?
- I welcome the opportunity to grow and evolve.
- I get a little defensive at first, but I’m open to listening.
- I resist change and prefer to stick with what I know.
- It depends on the topic and who’s challenging me.
What affects you the most: logic, emotion, or intuition?
- Logic, I rely on facts and evidence.
- Emotion, I’m guided by my feelings.
- Intuition, I trust my gut instincts.
- A balance of all three.
What’s your idea of a respectful and meaningful way to engage with Native American cultures today?
- Supporting indigenous-owned businesses and organizations.
- Attending cultural events and celebrations with an open mind.
- Educating myself about their history and current struggles.
- All of the above and more.
What is your strongest takeaway from these timeless stories?
- The importance of listening to and learning from elders.
- The power of nature and the need to respect it.
- The consequences of our actions, both good and bad.
- The enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit.