Indigenous Storytelling Slam

SCHOOL LEVEL

Introduction

The Indigenous Storytelling Slam aims to celebrate Indigenous folklore, legends, oral traditions, and community experiences through the art of storytelling. The competition encourages participants to preserve and share cultural heritage while promoting respect, diversity, and authentic representation.

Eligibility

• Open to students of Classes VII–XII.
• Participation is individual only.
• Only 2 student representatives from each participating school.

Registration

• Participants must register through their respective schools as per the prescribed procedure and deadline mentioned on the website.
• Each participant may submit only one entry.
• Required information and documents, including consent forms and contact details, must be submitted with the application.

Performance Rules

Story Requirements

• The story must be based on indigenous folklore, legends, oral traditions, or community experiences.
• Stories must respect cultural authenticity and community values.
• Offensive, discriminatory, or plagiarized content will result in disqualification.
• Participants must acknowledge the source of traditional stories.

Language

• Stories must be presented in English.

Duration

• Performance time: 5–7 minutes

Presentation Format

• Solo storytelling only.
• Reading directly from a script during the performance is not permitted.
• Props, costumes, makeup, and screen displays can be used to support the performance.

Judging (100 Marks)

• Content - 30 Marks
• Story structure - 20 Marks
• Delivery & Expression - 30 Marks
• Time Management - 10 Marks
• Audience Engagement - 10 Marks

The judges’ decision shall be final and binding.

Code of Respect

All participants are expected to:

• Respect the cultural integrity of indigenous communities.
• Avoid stereotypes, cultural appropriation, or inaccurate representations.
• Use inclusive and respectful language.
• Celebrate diversity, heritage, and community knowledge through storytelling.

Prohibited Items
To preserve the authenticity of oral storytelling:

• Stories must be performed without background music, instruments, or pre-recorded audio.
• Content that is offensive, discriminatory, hateful, or obscene is not allowed.

Logistics

• Participants must report at the venue at least 30 minutes before the event.
• Time penalties may apply for exceeding the prescribed time limit.
• Participants must follow all instructions issued by the organizers.

Declaration / Undertaking

By participating in the competition, participants declare that:

• The story presented is their own work or is based on a properly acknowledged traditional source.
• The content does not violate cultural sensitivities or intellectual property rights.
• They agree to abide by all competition rules and accept the decisions of the judges and organizers as final.

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION LEVEL

Introduction

The Indigenous Storytelling Slam provides a platform for students in higher education institutions to showcase indigenous narratives, oral traditions, folklore, and community experiences through compelling storytelling while promoting cultural appreciation and preservation.

Eligibility

• Open to undergraduate and postgraduate students of the participating colleges and universities.
• Individual participation only.
• Only 2 student representatives from each participating college.

Registration

• Participants must register through their institution within the stipulated deadline.
• Only one entry per participant is permitted.

Performance Rules

Story Requirements:

• The story must be based on indigenous folklore, legends, oral traditions, or community experiences.
• Stories must respect cultural authenticity and community values.
• Offensive, discriminatory, or plagiarized content will result in disqualification.
• Participants are required to acknowledge the source of traditional stories.

Language

• Stories must be presented in English.

Duration

• Performance time: 5–7 minutes.

Presentation Format

• Live storytelling performance.
• Reading directly from a script during the performance is not permitted.
• Props, costumes, and screen displays may be used to support the performance.

Judging (100 Marks)

• Content - 30 Marks
• Story structure - 20 Marks
• Delivery & Expression - 30 Marks
• Time Management - 10 Marks
• Audience Engagement - 10 Marks

The judges’ decision shall be final and binding.

Conduct

Code of Respect

All participants are expected to:

• Respect the cultural integrity of indigenous communities.
• Avoid stereotypes, cultural appropriation, or inaccurate representations.
• Use inclusive and respectful language.
• Celebrate diversity, heritage, and community knowledge through storytelling.

Prohibited Items

To preserve the authenticity of oral storytelling:

• Stories must be performed without background music, instruments, or pre-recorded audio unless specifically approved by the organizers.
• Content that is offensive, discriminatory, hateful, or obscene is not allowed.

Logistics

• Participants must arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled performance slot.
• Participants are encouraged to include authentic Indigenous perspectives and voices.
• Time violations may incur score deductions.
• Participants must comply with all instructions issued by the organizers.

Declaration / Undertaking

By participating in the competition, participants declare that:

• The story presented is original or based on a properly acknowledged traditional source.
• The content respects indigenous cultures and communities.
• They agree to abide by all competition rules and accept the decisions of the judges and organizers as final.

Faculty Incharge:
Tenipumei Phom (tenipumei@tetsocollege.org)

For Enquiries:

9362705471/8974809392/8798570921