Aboriginal unit Flashcards
Aboriginal Peoples
are people who are First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. 1 million people in Canada are Aboriginal
Animism
they believe that all things, human and non-human, and that the person or animal lives on after death
Assimilation
Indigenous had to take in Christianity
Circle
circle dancing intended for the renewal of all creation is done in a circle. The sacred pipe is passed in a circular motion.
First Nations
a common title used in Canada to describe indigenous people
Inuit
people of Arctic Canada who live primarily in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Northern parts of Quebec and throughout most of Labrador.
Medicine Wheel
the circle represents the continuous cycles of life and the connection among all species. The cross points in the 4 directions. The powers of the four directions organize everything: the seasons, the races, the elements of the universe, the stages of life, etc.
Metis
a person with a mix European and First nation descent
Shaman
Certain men and women who possess a greater quantity of power than others
Smudging
Sacred herbs are burned in a shell or earthen bowl, and the smoke is brushed over the participants. It is used to purify people and places, such as before a wedding or powwow.
Sun Dance
a sacred practice with preparation such as purifying, fasting, dancing, and feasting, the purpose is renewal of dedication to the Great Spirit.
Talking Stick
Talking sticks are carved wooden staffs, which can either bear a single crest at the top or be fully carved
passed around from member to member
lets everyone be heard
Vision Quest
young people go on a vision quest—an intense, solitary spiritual experience for those seeking direction in life. They must undertake the vision quest to be accepted as adults in the community.
creation myth
Explain the origins of the earth and individual aspects of nature.
cultural myth
Explain how rituals and customs came to be.
divine myth
Describe how the gods came to be
heroic myth
Place an image of the good and brave heroes.
trickster myth
Explain how suffering and mystery come into our lives that steals the elements
Circle symbol
unbroken line with no beginning or end
represents completeness
Drum symbol
usedin Rituals heartbeat of motherland, changes natural elements
provide life through its beat.
Dream Catcher symbol
protects from evil
feather = movements of life
web filters bad dreams, centre hole allows good
totem pole symbol
carved with symbolic meanings, recount legends, heritage
Hair
three strands of a braid signify the body, mind, and spirit
long uncut hair is sacred
The Vision Quest study 1 by 1
Meaning: journey into nature, done by young members seeking to connect to the spiritual world and receive guidance
Artifacts: sacred clothing with symbolic meaning, herbs; sage, cedar, Tobacco, Sweetgrass, drums, animal totems
Connections: nature connection; alone in nature. Self-connection: loneliness develops connection with ancestors. Spiritual connection, connection with community
3 types of visions: Rite of Passage, Spirit Animal, Symbolic vision
Performance: individual fasts and goes to a peaceful place, they have a mentor nearby to guide them, and will see a vision like a Spiritual animal to give them advice.
The Potlatch
study 1 by 1
Meaning: gift giving and feasting, distribution of wealth, memorial ceremonies
Artifacts: drums, copper plates, cedar, masks, gifts and payments, feasts
Performance: gifts are disturbed, singing and dancing commence, feasts all at once
Connections: Nature Connection: gifts derived from Nature. Spiritual Connection: paying respects. Community Connection: people gather to give gifts and expect one in return.
