Terms - "Generally Accepted", "General Agreement"

These phrases are used to describe history as we know it from theories put forth by scholars and academics who have studied the subject in great detail. They rely on artifacts that have been "dated" using scientific methods to determine their age. These artifacts may be ancient tools, utensils, weapons or bones that have been found in areas which could have been used as hunting, burial, or gathering sites. Using common scientific methods of study is necessary in order to have agreement with the stated conclusions of any study. These conclusions are therefore generally accepted to be correct.

But what of the history that has not been recorded in writing? Traditionally, Aboriginal history was taught to younger generations through a well established system of story telling. And these accounts of historical happenings are also generally accepted as the truth.

The Aboriginal peoples have always told stories to explain their origins. Most Nations have stories which are unique to their particular Nation. However, the belief that is common to all is that the Great Spirit was involved in the origins of their people. These creation stories are then accepted as the truth about the beginnings of their people.

On the following pages we have presented two creation stories, one from the Iroquois Nation and another from the Blackfoot Nation.