The Art of Survivance : Sacred Land, Storytelling & Resistance in Louisiana

Abstract

Grounded in Indigenous research methodologies, this thesis explores the ways in which storytelling and resistance interrelate in Louisiana. Through delving into the historicity and cultural continuity of storytelling, as well as interviews with seven influential storytellers, four themes were uncovered; storytelling, sacred land, resistance and counter-narratives. The historical and cultural contexts of multiple ethnic identities in Louisiana is discussed, however this research is primarily informed by Black and Native storytelling. The findings demonstrate the relevance of protecting sacred lands, such as the Bayous and Congo Square, as they nurture oral tradition and histories of resistance in Louisiana. Further, the data analysis illustrates that storytelling and resistance coexist through the reclamation of silenced histories and cultural traditions cultivated by these sacred lands.

Vuođuštuvvon álgoálbmotmetodologiijain, dát masterbargu guorahallá man láhkái muitaleapmi ja vuostálastin doibmet giehtalága Louisianas, USA:s. Dutkosis guorahallá dárkilit historjjálaš ja kultuvrralaš joatkalašvuođa, ja jearahallá čieža váikkuheaddji muitaleaddji. Daid vehkiin lea gávdnan njeallje fáttá; muitaleami, bassi eatnama, vuostálastima ja vuostemuitalusaid. Das digaštallá máŋggabealat etnihkalaš etnisitehtaid historjjálaš ja kultuvrralaš konteavstta birra Louisianas. Goittotge leat dán dutkamuššii ovddimusat vižžon dieđut main lea vuođđu čáhppes olbmuid ja álgoálbmot olbmuid muitaleamis. Gávdnosat čájehit man áigeguovdil lea suodjalit bassi eatnamiid, dego Bayous ja Congo Square, dannego doppe seailluhit njálmmálaš árbevieruid ja vuostálastinmuitalusaid Louisianas. Dasa lassin čájeha dáhtaanalysa ahte muitaleapmi ja vuostálastin bissu dáinna lágiin ahte olbmot váldet ruovttuluotta jávohuhttán muitalusaid ja kultuvrralaš árbevieruid maid dát bassi eatnamat leat ovddidan.