Story and Narrative Writing

All that we are is story…

“All that we are is story. From the moment we are born to the time we continue on our spirit journey, we are involved in the creation of the story of our time here, It is what we arrive with. It is all that we leave behind. We are not the things we accumulate. We are not the things we deem important. We are story. All of us. What comes to matter then is the creation of the best possible story we can while we’re here; you, me, us, together. When we can do that and we take the time to share those stories with each other, we get bigger inside, we see each other, we recognize our kinship- we change the world, one story at a time…” (Wagamese, 2014)

“Richard Wagamese, Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) novelist, journalist, mentor (born 4 October 1955 in northwestern ON; died 10 March 2017 in Kamloops, BC). A well-known Indigenous writer in Canada, his works speak about the historical and contemporary socio-economic issues affecting Indigenous communities in Canada. They also bring attention to issues regarding Indigenous identity, culture and Truth and Reconciliation. A beloved writer, Wagamese’’s work have inspired many Indigenous and non-Indignenous people and writers alike.” (Lewis, 2017)

To learn more about the history of Indigenous Peoples of Canada, check out these resources:

• Indigenous peoples atlas of Canada. Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. (n.d.). https://indigenouspeoplesatlasofcanada.ca/
• Indigneous people. The Canada Guide. (2021, June 21). https://thecanadaguide.com/basics/aboriginals/

If you are a newcomer to Canada, this is a helpful resource in general:

• In-depth reference website for all things canadian. The Canada Guide. (2020, November 30). https://thecanadaguide.com/

“In many Indigenous cultures, the Medicine Wheel metaphor contains all of the traditional teachings and can therefore be used as a guide on any journey, including the educational process. While there is some variation in its teachings and representations, the underlying web of meaning to Medicine Wheels remains the same: the importance of appreciating and respecting the ongoing interconnectedness and interrelatedness of all things.” (Bell et al, 2019)

JerriLynn Orr (Indigenous Curriculum Specialist at Lakehead University) uses the Medicine Wheel metaphor as a powerful tool when telling her story in a presentation she shared with first-year university students. Using the Medicine Wheel as a teaching tool is a meaningful way of integrating Indigenous perspectives as we begin thinking about telling our own stories.

The Medicine Wheel and Sense of Self^[1]

“PURPOSE: By reflecting on the following key questions, we can deeply explore our personal identities. By using the Medicine Wheel, we can learn how to develop a deeper sense of self, and understand how the Medicine Wheel can be used, through role modeling, and with guidance and encouragement, to help fellow teachers and future students learn more about themselves.” (Orr, 2021)

Step 1: East 

Who am I?

• We begin in the East because this is where the sun rises and where a new day begins.
• This section of the Medicine Wheel represents the physical, and the start of something new.
• When we are reflecting on our direction or vision, it is important to understand ourselves first, and so, that is why we are here.

Step 2: South 

Where have I been?

• The South represents the mental aspect of our being, where we reflect on where we have been.
• Making and reflecting on these kinds of connections is important because it shows how everything is connected, illustrating the holistic benefit of using the Medicine Wheel.

Step 3: West

Where am I going?

• The West represents the spirit world, which signifies death. However, death is not necessarily a bad thing, as it represents the ending of one thing, but the beginning of something else.
• In this sense, we can use the West to talk about our future.

Step 4: North

What are my roles and responsibilities?

• The North represents knowledge and wisdom, and this is where we discuss our roles and responsibilities.
• You could think ahead as well and anticipate what some of your roles and responsibilities may become.

Step 5: Centre

What tools do I already have? What tools do I feel I still need to help me in my role?

• Using the four directions questions as a guide, consider the responses to help determine what tools you have and what tools you still need to help you in your role.
• You could think ahead as well and anticipate what some of your roles and responsibilities may become.

As you consider your own story and prepare to write your Life Map Narrative, view Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED talk (2009), to consider The Danger of a Single Story.

“Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice — and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.”

 REVIEW these resources for writing an autobiographical essay or personal narrative:

• How to write an autobiography essay: Step-by-step guide. How to write an autobiography essay: Step-by-step guide – PapersOwl.com. (2021, November 19). Retrieved January 30, 2022, from How To Write An Autobiography Essay: Step-by-Step Guide – PapersOwl.com
• Purdue Writing Lab. (n.d.). Narrative essays // purdue writing lab. Purdue Writing Lab. Retrieved January 30, 2022, from Purdue Online Writing Lab

Lewis, J. (2017) Richard Wagamese. In the Canadian encyclopedia. (April 2017). Historica Canada. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/richard-wagamese

Bell, N. (2014, June 9 ). Teaching by the medicine wheel: An Anishinaabe framework for Indigenous education. Education Canada Magazine. EdCan Network. Retrieved February 16, 2022, from https://www.edcan.ca/articles/teaching-by-the-medicine-wheel/#:~:text=This%20knowledge%20is%20crucial%20to,journey%2C%20including%20the%20educational%20process

Orr, J. L. (2021). Introduction to education. [PowerPoint Slides]. Teaching Commons, Lakehead University.

Adichi, C.N. (2009). The danger of a single story [Video]. TEDGlobal. https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?language=en