Oral history is based on people’s own experiences

• People learn best when they start from their own experiences and interests.
• Learners see the connection between books and school and their real world when they study their own history.

Leaves a lasting record of the past in your community

• Interviews and learners’ projects can be kept in a library or other public places where the whole community can enjoy and learn from them.

Allows young people to experience being part of the past as well as the present

• Through traditional naming practices, Inuit are part of both the past and the present at the same time. When learners study kinship and naming and learn more about the lives of their namesakes and relatives, they see themselves as a part of history.

Raises the status of literacy and upgrading programs in the community

• Learners who work on oral history projects are performing a valued community service – making important historic information available to the public. It shows the community that learners can do meaningful work.
• Oral history projects highlight information that everyone values and shares.

Oral histories can become resources for literacy and language development

• Other learners can use the resources created by the literacy group working on an oral history project – resources which are interesting and relevant to them.

Promotes communication between the generations

• Sharing time and communicating with Elders helps learners understand the Elders’ points of view, beliefs and values.
• This helps young people develop a sense of identity.

Motivates learners to do their best work

• Learners who are not self-confident will develop a real sense of pride from this important work.
• If learners know the final product is for the community and that their friends and family will find it interesting and enjoyable, they will do their best work.

Learners build new skills and confidence through studying oral histories

• Critical thinking skills
• Improved literacy skills – reading and writing (in any language)
• Listening skills – increased vocabulary and understanding of the complexities of the language
• Speaking, public speaking skills or performance skills
• Personal development and growth
• Interpersonal skills – cooperation and teamwork
• Organizing skills – planning and coordinating
• Research skills
• Interviewing skills
• Technical expertise – using computers, recorders, cameras
• Basic numeracy or math skills