Indigenous Spirituality includes a number of stories and legends that are mythological. These myths help to explain or symbolizes Indigenous beliefs.

There are 5 common types of myths in Aboriginal Spirituality.

Creation: These myths explain the origins of the earth and individual aspects of nature. Different tribes have different creation stories. A popular creation myth in the tribes that inhabit the Great Lakes Region was that the creator built North America on the back of a giant turtle. This continent is called, ‘Turtle Island’.

Trickster: These myths explain how suffering and misery came into our lives.

These myths usually have a protagonist, often in animal form, who has magical powers and is characterized in such a way that a lesson is taught. Often, ravens are seen in these myths and rather than being seen as a devilish figure, the raven is lovable.

Hero: These myths put forth an idealized image of the good and brave person. The hero goes on a journey to find a mystical reward and return it to the people.

A well known hero myth would be that of the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls.

Divine: These myths describe how the gods came to be. As such, they are often linked with creation myths. There are many such myths in Aboriginal Spirituality because there is a belief in a multiplicity of gods.

Cultural: These myths explain how rituals and customs came to be. For example, they may be myths explaining how the sound of a flute came to a particular tribe, how dancing originated, etc.