Esther Stutzman

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2012-2013 TAAP AWARDEE

Traditional skill/art/craft: Storytelling
Ethnic Background: Kalapuya, Coos
Apprentice: Salista Williams

Contact Information

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Describe your traditional skill/craft/art, when and why it is done, and your history with it:

Traditional storytelling in the tradition of the Kalapuya/Coos.  I have been telling stories all my life.  I work with Indian youth to encourage the art of storytelling.

Why is this cultural tradition important to your community?

Stories pass on history and lessons. Often, the stories detail epic adventures of tribal ‘heroes and heroines’ who possess moral values that are important to tribal unity. These stories were once passed along as a reminder of the values of tribal groups, who would refer to the stories to teach and reinforce lessons. Unfortunately, today’s world often calls for a more straightforward approach in teaching life’s lessons, with very directive laws and policies that are unbendable. Within the Native culture, the ties to tribal and family teachings are strong and those lessons that need to be at the forefront of Native Society must sometimes be gentle reminders in order to respect an individual’s right to make choices. Because the art of storytelling is so important to retaining the past, these ancient stories cannot be lost or forgotten and our elders constantly worry that this tradition will disappear within a few generations.

Esther Stutzman Biography

Birthplace: North Bend, OR
Birthdate: 12/1/42

I am American Indian, Kalapuya and Coos, from tribal groups in Western Oregon and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. The focus of my study throughout my life has been Indian history and culture and especially storytelling.

I am a former classroom teacher, curriculum developer and program administrator for several Indian programs and projects. Currently, I work as a cultural consultant, artist-in-residence and lecturer for museums, libraries and universities.

My work with Indian Education Programs over the past thirty-nine years has led me to a deep belief in the cultural enhancement of American Indian Youth. It is because of this that I am also deeply involved in traditional youth camps, leadership programs and projects that offer Indian youth a positive self-image and the tools to become leaders and carriers of culture.

Experience/Honors

Founding member Northwest Indian Storyteller’s Association

Longtime Oregon Folklife Program participant

Primary Storyteller for Mother Earth’s Children, an American Indian repertory theater

 

3 Responses to Esther Stutzman Comments (RSS) Comments (RSS)

  1. Hi Our class is looking for a story teller to come visit our school. James Florendez suggest you we the best in town.’
    Can you come visit our class and do you cost $$ how much > thank you Marsha

    Reply

  2. April 28 2022

    Dear Esther and Staff, Roseburg BLM just put out for public comment of a timbersale located near Yoncalla called
    ‘Blue and Gold’ timbersale. on April 27, 2022. The Roseburg BLM has posted the EA for public review.
    Eugene and Area conservation volunteers have been surveying this timbersale and have posted 41 photo on flicker from their review of some of the sale.
    There is more then one alternative for this timber sale and the worst alternative allows cut of 3400 acres with old growth age class mixed into these stands. I thought of you and your family as a long time, Yoncalla resident if you can share this with local area volunteers to work together to protest and stop this timber sale. The more locals working on this the better. This sale may be in everyone’s back yard here.
    I will email the link to the ea and the link to the flicker photos.
    Thanks, Rana

    Reply

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