The Importance of Symbolism and Traditions in FNMI Culture

http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/aswt/#/oral_tradition
http://www.lib.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=2824be3a-68da-4ecb-8492-49a2db4737fb


What is the significance of oral traditions in FNMI culture?

The oral passing of stories, teachings, and stories containing teachings, is a tradition going back thousands of years. According to John Janvier the Dené has stories that date back to before their people was said to have arrive in North America, and tell of creatures that no longer exist; he believes that this is an indicator that not only does story-passing keep the spirit of ancient things alive, it also can disprove some current popular ideas.
In the above article from Saskatchewan Libraries, storytelling has a much different meaning in Aboriginal cultures than modern culture. The stories we tell are mostly either for entertainment or a recollection of current events. They have no lesson or historic roots, and they are soon forgotten. Stories that take place in Indigenous cultures are different in that they have those roots, and those roots are attached to every member's identity and way of life. They can teach how we came to be, how other creatures or things came to be, and how we should live and why. Whether perceived to be historically accurate or not, its symbolism hold true to many as sacred remnants of the world they live in and strive every single day to appreciate, understand and care for.
With the growth of modern Western society, it has become harder and harder to balance the traditional way of life with with the modern. Today, not all descendants of First Nations, Metis, or Inuit people have the same attachment to the land of their ancestors or their traditions. Some barely have any connection at all, and others struggle to reconcile the things they have been taught by their families growing up, with the materialistic, self-interested lifestyles of their non -Indigenous peers.

What is the significance of symbols?
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/aswt/#/symbolism_and_traditions

Symbols and their importance in everyday life are not solely limited to Aboriginal cultures. Symbols are used around the world to give specific, and often metaphorical, meanings to objects or images.
 In the above link, we see some education-related symbols to do with graduation/convocation and how their meaning compare between First Nations, Metis, and Non-Aboriginal systems.
Looking at the chart, you can see that the Non-Aboriginal symbols indicated by the mortarboard cap, gown, hood and Doctorate hood are standard throughout all systems. These symbols did not previously exist in Aboriginal cultures prior to the European colonization and reformation of the North American education system.
However, on top of the standard grad apparel, Metis and First Nations grads have their own symbols to add:
Metis grads add a Sash on top of their gown, no matter which degree they are receiving. It serves as a reminder for Metis students to be proud of their Metis heritage and identity.
First Nations have two extra items to add (excluding the Metis sash) - first, the Eagle Feather (presented for all degrees) - a symbol of "courage, bravery, wisdom and accomplishment." Second, a blanket (presented to holders of Master's and Doctorate degrees) to show the community's embracing and supporting the individual.

These symbols are essentially what make things like graduation so special and important. The meaning behind the items worn and the ceremonies performed are what give the tradition its purpose - the celebration of a massive milestone in all walks of life.