The Nlhaykapmx Oral Tradition of the Three Bears: Interpretations Old And New

Abstract

First Nations oral traditions have been subjected to European interpretations for cen­turies. The early interpretations rarely considered the opinions and views of the Na­tions themselves and concluded that the purpose of the oral traditions was to explain the physical world through a primitive ‘'protoscience." This article examines how the Nlhaykapmx oral tradition of the Three Bears was similarly interpreted. However, it also offers a Nlhaykapmx interpretation of the oral tradition that is more instructive. This oral tradition is not simply etiological, but is an important link to the rich spiritual life of the Nation and to traditional rituals and ceremonies. The interpreta­tion of oral traditions is vital not only to the recovery of the cultural heritage of the Nlhaykapmx, but also of their identity. The rediscovery and reinterpretation of oral traditions is also important for education and a return to traditional customs.