HRT3M1 Unit 2: Aboriginal Spirituality

Great Spirit

The creator of the universe and is present in ALL THINGS

Potlach

A ritual that marks significant events in a FAMILY, increases host’s standing in community (shows their wealth, generosity, and power)

Smudging

A ritual that uses sacred herbs are burned in a shell/earthen bowl, and the smoke is brushed or washed over whole body for cleansing

Harvest Feast

A ritual to celebrate harvest from field and forest, recognizes spirits that give them food

Powwow

A ritual for the renewal for restoration of right relationships and healing of all creation (dance), celebrations like dances, music, gifts

Sacred Pipe

A ritual that is a sign of respect and friendship, a connector to the Great Spirit. Purpose is to give back to the world its unity, peace and harmony

Vision Quest

When young kids go without food and sleep in the forest until they encounter a spiritual helper, to give insight to the person’s future life

Wisdom

Beaver uses teeth to build, prevents it from growing longer to survive, sense of community

Love

Eagle flies the highest to the Creator, lifts messages of the people to the creator

Respect

Buffalo uses every part of its body, giving everything he has for people to survive (food, shelter, warmth), giving everything from the heart w/o expecting anything

Courage

The Bear is gentle by nature but become ferocious when someone comes near their cub, is close to the ground

Honesty

The Sabe is a larger than life individual, soul will be as big as the sabe’s if you are honest

Humility

Wolf move in packs, they understand that they need each other to survive + no one is left behind, humble and modest, no more or no less than any being created on Earth

Truth

A turtle is not jumping into conclusion

Cosmocentric

Nature centred world view, care about every component of earth’s surface

Elders

Wisest in the community