The Legend of the ‘Talking Feather’
The Story Teller by Howard Terpning
The “Talking Feather” (sometimes also referred to as Talking Stick) originated among Indian tribes during important *Council Circles, and served as a way for all present in the council an equal amount of time for speaking their thoughts. The Elder in charge of the council circle would begin the talk by holding the talking feather (or stick) as a signal that the meeting had begun. Once he had finished speaking, the talking feather would then be passed on to the next person who wished to speak.There were tribes who used a “Talking Stick” which served the same purpose as the feather. These Talking Feathers and Talking Sticks carried with them respect for the right of members to speak their thoughts freely without retaliation or ridicule from the other members.
The colors and decorations used on the Talking instruments carry significance and meaning, and are therefore important. Material such as Eagle feathers, buffalo hair or hide, rabbit fur, shells, stones, and colors (red, yellow, blue, white, green) each carries a specific meaning.
*A council or talking circle was a method used by Indians when there were matters of importance to discuss that concerned the tribe. The goal was to hold these meetings in an equal and non- threatening manner. All deserved an opportunity to speak, hence, the idea of the Talking Feather (or another object ) was used to insure each speaker had a chance to share his thoughts, without interruption or reprisal from the other members. The person holding the object spoke, and after he was through, the object was passed to their neighbor, who may speak or may, in silence, pass the object on to the next person.
Legend of the Talking Feather: Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei Bestow the Gift of The Talking Feather
There are many legends about how the Indians learned about the Talking Feather”. Here is one of them…
Long years ago, when gods walked this earth and the land beyond, Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei, were together enjoying the warm summer day. It was a day when the crickets chirrupted in the waving, green grass,when they noticed a figure moving towards them.
As the figure approached closer Kanati said “Look, that woman is crying, what could be the matter?” “I can not imagine why anyone would cry on such a glorious day.” Replied Asgaya Gigagei. “Let’s ask her.”
As the woman drew nearer, they could see her buckskin was decorated with beautiful designs and colors. She carried a bundle filled with leaves, sage, and colorful stones and feathers. They knew immediately this woman was a holy being.
Kanati asked her “Holy mother, why are you crying so?” The woman looked up in wonder, because she had been walking with her head down. “I’m crying because the men of my village are fighting constantly! Each thinks his ideas for leading the tribe is the best!” Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei glanced at one another, in perplexity. “Why, if there are so many good ideas for leading your tribe, why are the men fighting? And why aren’t you and the other members happy!” The poor woman shook her head sadly and replied, “Yes, you are right, the men do have very good ideas, but every man wants to speak his own ideas, and not listen to anyone else. They all shout and scream at one another so loudly, that it frightens the children who run and hide behind their mothers. The women are sad because their husbands come to the house upset and angry. Furthermore, the tribe is suffering, because no one can seem to make a decision.” Just then a beautiful Eagle was soaring overhead, Kanati called out “Brother Eagle, may I have one of your feathers, there are poor humans in desperate need!”
Bother Eagle replied “Yes” and shook himself until a single iridescent, large feather fell to the ground. “Many thanks and Blessings on you” said Kanati. Kanati made secret signs and prayers over the Feather. Asgaya Gigagei helped him with the blessings. Kanati then said to the woman “This is the sacred Talking Father, it holds great power for the one who holds it. Go back to your people, hold this feather up in the air, all who see it will fall silent, and listen to what you have to say. Tell all who listen that from now on, who ever holds this feather, all present within the Circle Council must listen to his words. The feather must then be passed on to the next speaker.”
The woman thanked Kanati and Asgaya Gigagei and hurried back to her village where there was total chaos!. Everyone was talking at once, children were crying, men were screaming at each other. As soon as she held the feather over her head, all became quiet! No one could utter a sound! the holy woman proceeded to give the directions given to her by the gods. She then passed the feather to the first man. He called the Talking Circle together, and each man had his say as he held the feather. From that time on that tribe flourished because they now had direction, and each person could hear and understand what their peers said. The people worked together, to build a great nation. Along the way, they shared the wonders of the Talking Feather with other tribes they met. “And that my friends is the true story of how the Talking Feather came to be!”
The Shaman and his Magic Feathers by Howard Terpning
Talking Stick photo: Wikipedia
Significance of ”The Talking Feather” in the ESL Classroom
The Talking Feather method is still used in many American schools, especially with very young children. Although the object the speaker holds may not always be a Feather, or a Stick, it is something equally symbolic to the children. It is effective as a tool to teach children the benefits of listening to others. As teachers we are constantly listening to our students. It was by listening to my students the idea of this site was created. Here is an excerpt from a teacher who discusses the value of applying the “Talking Feather” method in the classroom.
The Talking Stick: An American Indian Tradition in the ESL Classroom by Kimberly Fujioka-
In this paper, I will overview the scholarship which calls for a more democratic teaching practice in the classroom. Secondly, “The Talking Stick”, will be introduced as a listening and speaking methodology that is “transformative”1 and serves as a bridge to cross-cultural understanding in the ESL classroom…
The Talking Stick is based on Native American Tradition
The Talking Stick was a method used by native Americans, to let everyone speak their mind during a council meeting, a type of tribal meeting. According to the indigenous American’s tradition, the stick was imbued with spiritual qualities, that called up the spirit of their ancestors to guide them in making good decisions. The stick ensured that all members, who wished to speak, had their ideas heard. All members of the circle were valued equally…
Talking Stick Rules
“Whoever holds the talking stick has within his hands the power of words. Only he can speak while he holds the stick, and the other council members must remain silent. The eagle feather tied to the stick gives him the courage and wisdom to speak truthfully and wisely. The rabbit fur on the end of the stick, reminds him that his words must come from his heart. ” (Locust, 1998)
Implications for Teaching
Use this method when you want the students to listen to others as part of a learner-centered curriculum. This method takes the focus off the teacher, as the sole purveyor of knowledge. And by using it, students are encouraged to learn from each other…
The teacher can provide language materials with simple, everyday dialog and situations, whereby the students can role-play the parts while in possession of the talking stick…
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