Cultures that have no written language pass on their histories through oral traditions. The stories are the way that social values and traditions are taught by one generation to the next. Animals often play a significant character role in these stories. In the Native American traditions of the northwest part of California, the coyote is a very popular character. Dr. Victoria Patterson, an anthropologist based in Ukiah, California, has worked with native peoples for over 30 years. She knows these stories, and she sees them as windows, allowing us to imagine how original native peoples of northern California thought and lived. I met with Dr. Victoria Patterson and asked her about the significance of the story where the coyote jumped off into the sky. Our discussion lead to a two-part program, originally broadcast in February of 1999.
Dr, Victoria Patterson recommends âDeep Valley,â by Bernard W. Aginsky and âUnder the Tuscan Sun,â by Frances Mayes.
Originally Broadcast: February 16, 1999 and February 26, 1999
Barry Vogel, Esq. is the host and producer. Ignacio Ayala is the assistant producer.
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Dr. Victoria Patterson â Native American Life, Before and After Europeans Part 2
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