unit two- Indigenous peoples of canada

aboriginal

of native history, inhabiting in a land from the earliest of times before european colonies

cedar

calls attention to spirits when burned, used to purify the home

circle

Indigenous people believe that everything in life revolves around a circle. It is the cycle of life, and it shows how anything with life can reflect upon a circle. 

code of ethics

do not interfere, community is important, everything is shared

drums

represents the heartbeat of mother earth

eagle feather

represents power and protection, used as a talking stick

elder

a man or woman of great respect who may teach others

first nations

governments or communities of native people

four directions/seasons

The seasons; winter, spring, summer and fall

The races: red, white, yellow, black

The elements of the universe: water air,fire, air, and earth

The stages of life: child, youth, adult, elder

Human personality: spiritual, physical mental, emotional

great spirit

The Indigenous believed in a Supreme Creator or the “Great Spirit.” However, the power in the universe also consist of spirts with less power. Some being small and great, beneficial or dangerous. The spirit force is a fluid.

gradual civilization act 1857

a state effort to use government policy to assimilate Indigenous peoples to the economic and social customs of European settler society. 

hair

Hair is a big part of their identity and culture. Hair is usually kept long and braided. When braided, the three strands signify body, spirit, and mind. When hair is cut, it can be a sign of mourning or loss. 

handsome lake code

People should be hospitable to each other

Married couples should be faithful and loving

Arguing and gossip should be avoided

Drinking alcohol is not permitted

All lands belonging to Native People should be cultivated with care and preserved for the next generation

indian act 1876

a state effort to use government policy to assimilate Indigenous peoples to the economic and social customs of European settler society.

indigenous

the original inhabitants or belonging to the land

inuit

indigenous peoples of the Arctic, recognized for their adaptations to cold environments and rich cultural heritage.

mother earth

living being that nurtures all life. Indigenous traditions emphasize respect, reciprocity, and balance with nature, recognizing the deep interconnectedness between humans and the Earth.

native

the original inhabitants of north america at any point in history

peace pipe

considered a symbol of peace, unity, and spiritual power, it is passed from person to person as a symbol of spiritual grounding and sharing of common breath. 

potlatch

social gathering that that includes an elaborate gift-giving ritual

powwow

important social gathering of the plains tribes

shaman

religious leaders who call upon the supernatural in order to treat diseases

smudge bowl

a spiritual practice used for purification, healing, and connection to ancestors and the Creator.

smudging

involve burning sacred medicines like sage, sweetgrass, cedar, or tobacco to cleanse energy and offer prayers.

spirituality

a reflection of customary practices or traditional ways of living according to one’s ancestors and ancestral knowledge

sun dance

Celebrated by ONLY the people of the prairies in June or July, during the full moon. Tradition says it began when a warrior’s vision quest showed him a new way to pray to the great spirit. Its purpose is for the renewal of dedication to the great spirit.

supreme being

the highest divine entity, often seen as the creator, ruler, or sustainer of the universe. Great Spirit (ex, Kitchi Manitou in Anishinaabe) or a web of spiritual forces rather than a single, dominant deity.

sweet grass

Sweet aroma reminds people of gentleness, love and kindness of mother earth. Used in healing circle for calming effect. Used in smudging and purification.

sweat lodge

steam filled hut used in a ritual of purification

tobacco

most used offerings for ceremonies or people such as elders, helps communicate to spirt world, tobacco is sacred, used to express gratitude. First plant given by creator, main activator of all plants.

turtle island

Also North America, created the land by placing earth on turtles back in creation story. 

vision quest

A intense solitary spiritual experience for those seeking direction in life. Young people go on Vision quest to become accepted as adults. 

wampum

belt of coloured beads that recognises a treaty or acts as a historical record

know the dates of the Gradual Civilization Act; the Indian Act; and know the current approximate population of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

gradual civilization act-1857
indian act- 1857

pop. 136, 415

What were the Residential Schools and what occurred there? How has this experience shaped the reality for the survivors today?

Colonizers established Residential schools because when first coming to Canada, they saw the Indigenous people as uncivilized and uneducated. They thought they were in need of assimilation into their culture. First opening in 1831, at the mohawk institute, they were no longer allowed to hold onto their old culture and taught to go against their cultures. They were also taught how to fit in with European ways. They faced many accounts of abuse and neglect. Many died at the schools. The last school closed in 1996. 

Who are the "elders" and what is their role?

Elders also known as wisdom and knowledge keepers are teachers, advisors, and Gurdians of traditions. They are not always the oldest. They are respected for their wisdom, experience, teachings, and insights. Younger people look up to elders for guidance. 

List the four sacred plants.

tobacco, sage, cedar, sweetgrass

How do aboriginals measure time?

Tracked through seasons, rotations between sun and moon, and tracking of the moons shape 

What method is used to pass stories down from generation to generation?

They are passed down through storytelling and oral teachings coming from an elder, parent, or simply learned while in a circle. Stories are also passed through lessons and cultural values being taught to a younger person through the medicine wheel

Know the Ojibway/Anishinabe Peoples creation story of Turtle Island.

Summary of creation story #1- Earth is flooded because of evil, nana bush swims to log along with other animals. They all try to get a ball of earth and fail. Then, muskrat tries and was clowned. Turns out, he could do it and died doing so. Turtle also sacrifices himself to be the base foundation for earth allowing his shell to be what is now north America. 

Summary of creation story #2- Sky woman and sky man live in sky land; sky man tries to Dis earth sky tree. Turns out, it pulled along some sky land causing sky woman who is also pregnant, falls off sky land. After what seems like eternity, 2 swans see sky woman and save her from falling. The animals try to find land for sky woman to rest. No land found, so all animals try to grab earth. They all failed. Muskrat went down and succeeded. After that, Muskrat puts earth on turtles back to house the sky woman who eventually gives birth to Nana bush. What once was just a ball of earth on a turtle back is now land, North America. 

What are the Grandfather Teachings? List some of them and explain how they relate to your own life

courage, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, truth