How did Indigenous oral traditions influence Canadian literature?
Indigenous oral traditions have significantly influenced Canadian literature, particularly through the work of First Nations, MĂ©tis, and Inuit writers who emerged in the late 20th century. These authors have actively resisted the imposition of Western concepts of history, land, and narrative by centering their work on traditional myths, cultural practices, and oral storytelling.1
By integrating these ancestral forms, Indigenous writers provide powerful alternatives to Western literary conventions. Their narratives often explore the complex, often painful, trajectory of individuals navigating between cultures, combating racial prejudice, and addressing the impacts of colonialism on families and kinship groups. This engagement with oral tradition manifests in various modes, ranging from playful and parodic storytelling to poignant protest literature. Key figures who have utilized these traditions to reshape the Canadian literary landscape include Jeannette Armstrong, Beatrice Culleton, Tomson Highway, Thomas King, and Eden Robinson. Through these efforts, Indigenous oral traditions serve as a vital foundation for contemporary storytelling, challenging traditional boundaries of genre and offering a profound critique of modern society.1