Creativity in a Cultural Context

Abstract

This paper describes a study of 20 Ojibwe Native Canadians' conceptions of creativity. The findings suggest that creative thought processes of individuals, although liberating, are tied to and defined by social, cultural, ethical, and historical contexts or systems within the culture. The Ojibwe respondents elaborated on conditions that are necessary for fostering creativity. Time, material, an atmosphere of cooperation, psychological safety, and psycho­ logical freedom are conditions under which all persons may be creative and under which creativity is an all-pervasive aspect of life.