definitions Flashcards
cleanse
the removal of negative energy, negative thoughts, and negative intentions to open up the mind and heart to positive ways.
purification
when the mind, body and soul become clear and at peace with no negative feelings.
smudge
the burning of one or more medicines gathered from the earth
sage
used for ceremonies and cleansing in order to remove negative energy. It is represented by the direction West and the colour black on the medicine wheel.
cedar
a medicine that is often used for protection. It is represented by the direction South and the colour red on the medicine wheel.
sweetgrass
used for smudging and purification, similar to sage and cedar. It is represented by the direction North and the colour white.
tobacco
used as an offering in every ceremony and is used to communicate with the spirit world. It is represented by the direction East and the colour yellow.
ceremony
when Indigenous people share a tradition of regularly giving thanks, through everyday acts or rituals. These ceremonies are based on nature and connections.
great spirit
the Indigenous version of a deity or God. Everything from the grass to the water is a gift from the great spirit
inuit
Indigenous people of the Arctic. The word Inuit means “the people” in the Inuit language of Inuktitut.
miigwech
is an Ojibwe way of saying “thanks you”. It can also be used in prayer.
metis
individuals mixed with both European and Indigenous ancestry
elder
an Indigenous person is someone who possesses great knowledge in life, spirituality and the grandfather teachings. Elders are usually older in age.
oral traditions
in Indigenous culture, an oral story or narrative is used to teach skills, transmit cultural values, convey news, record family and community histories, and explain the natural world.
aboriginal
an aboriginal person is someone who is a descendant of Indigenous ancestry.
