Storytelling as an arts literacy: Use of narrative structure in Aboriginal arts practice and performance

Abstract

This chapter explores the notion that storytelling is an important and integral aspect of arts and literate practice in Indigenous communities. As such, storytelling is an essential element in Indigenous people's process for meaning making, storing and conveying understanding to others whether directly as narrative or more abstractly as works of art. Storytelling is considered from both a historical perspective to more recent examples of artistic expression by prominent Indigenous artists. Indigenous artists' own views of the role of storytelling in meaning making are investigated. The chapter concludes with recommendations to educators about how storytelling may herald new opportunities to redress the continuing educational divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.