CCS Foundation Mini-Grant Brings Storyteller to Max Larsen

    Third grade students at Lincoln Elementary and Max Larsen Elementary were offered a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Native Americans through storyteller, Jane Murray (Shawanah , her Ojibwe name). Jane told the third graders stories of the Anishinabeg, the Woodland Indians of Michigan. Her storytelling offered students a unique experience to discover Native American culture and history in Michigan.

    Jane was attired in a long, traditional dress, which she explained to the students was a ribbon dress. She shared how the Native Americans traded for cloth from the Europeans. She spoke how the People could not marry from the same clan, so there would be Pow Wows to introduce others from different clans.

    One student asked Ms. Murray, “How did storytelling become such a way of life for the Native Americans?” She replied, “The Birch Indians didn’t have books, TV, or video games, so they watched animals to learn about their surroundings.”

    She told the students three different tales: The Birch Tree and the Wood pecker, Nanaboozoo Goes Hunting, and the First Firefly. In the story, Nanaboozoo Goes Hunting, she talked about how Nanaboozoo, a trickster, lived in a Menominee village in Michigan. Students heard how Chicago means, place of the skunk, Turtle Island is what we know as Mackinaw Island, and Milwaukee means “the Good Earth”.

    Throughout her storytelling, she was able to intertwine what each story means, including how the First Firefly found out it is better to be patient and wait your turn.

    At the close of her storytelling, students were able to ask questions and view the artifacts she brought: corn husk doll; real turtle shelled pouch; blue earrings made from buffalo bones; birchbark basket, and many beaded items.

    This opportunity was provided by the Coldwater Community Schools Foundation mini-grant, which Susan Merkle, third grade teacher at Max Larsen Elementary School had received earlier this school year.