Come Closer around the Fire. Using Tribal Legends, Myths, and Stories in Preventing Drug Abuse [microform]

Intended for people working in drug abuse prevention or trying to help American Indian youth feel pride in themselves and their culture, the booklet provides specific guidelines on how to use tribal stories in preventing drug abuse. Following a brief introduction to drug abuse problems and prevention strategies, the booklet explains three kinds of American Indian stories: the "How It Came to Be" stories, which explain almost everything; the Hero stories, which tell how young people overcome great obstacles to achieve their goals; and the Trickster stories, which are humorous reminders not to take life too seriously. According to the guide, the stories are good drug prevention tools because they touch the heart, spirit, and mind; give examples of how to deal with problems; help develop self-awareness and self-esteem; and can be the basis of many activities. The booklet includes specific guidelines for telling, dramatizing, collecting, and illustrating the stories. It includes four sample stories to use in drug abuse prevention: the Cherokee story "How the Raccoon Got Rings on His Tail," the Nez Perce story "Coyote Breaks the Fish Dam at Celilo," the Blackfeet story "Scarface," and the Micmac story "The Invisible Hunter." (SB)