TURNING THE SOUL---THREE STORIES OF THE TSALAGI

Abstract

This Capstone is a creative work comprised of three fictional short stories, which focus on the experiences of a Tsalagi family in twentieth century America. The primary theme is the exploration of identity in the midst of a shifting social atmosphere and loss of culture, and how that identity is related to the environment. The stories highlight the importance of familial relationships in preserving and maintaining a sense of belonging within a dwindling culture. Spanning the twentieth century and using numerous techniques of traditional Native storytelling, both oral and written, these stories reflect the dynamic nature of Tsalagi culture and its relationship to the environment, as perceived by those within the culture as well as those outside of it.