The Intersection of Karuk Storytelling and Education

Fig. 2. The sacred sweathouse at Ka’tim’îin.
According to Sweet William of Ishipishi, sweathouse was instituted by Great Dentalia,
who travels downriver creating wealth and people to accumulate and appreciate it. (79)
Since indigenous concepts of wealth have a direct bearing on classic education and the
stories told as part of it, as well as standing in juxtaposition to latter Euro-American
capitalism, they bear a closer look.
The basic currency before the influx of the American dollar was the dentalia shells
traded down from the Puget Sound. In fact, the word for “dentalia” and “money” are both
ishpuk. But besides this, other materials and composite creations, generally related in
some way to the High Dance or World Renewal ceremonies, were and are considered
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