Indigenous Studies Flashcards
What is the Great Spirit?
Creator of the universe and sustainer of life
What does it mean that the Great Spirit inhabits all things?
It means that the Great Spirit is present in rocks, land, water, plants, animals, fish, birds, and people
What is a Totem Pole?
A protective entity which acts as a spirit guardian for the person/community
Define the term ‘Trickster’ in Indigenous spirituality
A pleasure-seeking, troublemaker figure credited with giving earth the form it has today
Who are considered Elders in Indigenous communities?
The wisest person in the Indigenous community, also known as Senator in Metis culture
What is Animism?
Belief that all things (human and non-human) have spirits or souls and have spiritual power
What does hair symbolize for Indigenous peoples?
A sacred symbol often braided in 3 strands to represent body, mind, and spirit
What does cutting hair signify in Indigenous culture?
A sign of mourning
What do drums symbolize in Indigenous culture?
The heartbeat of Mother Earth, nation, and universe
Why are eagle feathers special to Indigenous People?
Eagles are believed to be the only animal who touched the face of the Creator; feathers symbolize power and protection
What is the significance of receiving eagle feathers?
It is a great honour given for cultural knowledge, wisdom, and respect
What is the Sacred Pipe Ceremony?
A powerful, sacred ritual to give back harmony, unity, and peace to the world
List the process of the Sacred Pipe Ceremony
- Pipe Carrier says prayer
- Pipe is lit
- Rest can vary
What is a Sweat Lodge?
A cleansing ceremony that restores relationships with self, others, Creator, and Creation
Describe the process of a Sweat Lodge ceremony
- Enter a dome-shaped structure
- Heat rocks to high temperature
- Sing, talk, pray, meditate, be silent
What is the Sun Dance?
A seasonal and ceremonial ritual for renewing dedication to the Great Spirit
What is the process involved in the Sun Dance?
- Dancers purify themselves for 4 days
- Dancers fast for 4 days
- Dancers pierce their body in a dance
- Dancers tear away from the piercing to symbolize renewal
What is a Vision Quest?
A life cycle ritual where males coming of age are sent to the forest without food/water/resources/sleep until they receive a vision
What is the Berry Fast?
A life cycle ritual where females after their first menstrual cycle cannot eat berries for a year
What is a Potlatch?
A seasonal and ceremonial ritual that marks significant family events and increases a host’s standing in the community
What is a Powwow?
A dance of renewal for the restoration of right relationships and healing of all creation
What do Indigenous ethics emphasize?
Beliefs should be reflected in actions, respect for others, and working together towards a common cause
What were Residential Schools?
An education system set up by the government to assimilate Indigenous children, involving abuse and cultural suppression
When did the last Residential School close and where?
In 1996 in Saskatchewan
What actions did the Canadian government take regarding Residential Schools?
Established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and PM Harper issued an official apology
What was the Indian Act?
Canadian legislation aimed at assimilating Indigenous peoples into colonial society
What is the goal of the Indian Act?
To impose limitations and restrictions on Indigenous people to force assimilation
What are the Seven Grandfather Teachings?
Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, Truth
What is the purpose of the Seven Grandfather Teachings?
To provide guidance for respecting others, the earth, and animals to live a good life
How important is the ‘Power of Words’ for Indigenous communities?
Very important as language sustains their culture and identity
What is the Great Law of Peace?
An oral constitution founded by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy discussing principles of peace and righteousness
How did Catholics view Indigenous stories in the past?
Dismissed because they differed from Christian beliefs and were thought to have no meaning
When did the Pope issue an apology?
On July 25, 2022
Name the five narrative stories in Indigenous culture
- Creation
- Trickster
- Hero
- Divine
- Cultural
What does the Creation story explain?
The origin of the world and natural elements of nature
What does the Trickster story explain?
How suffering and misery came into our lives
What does the Hero story describe?
An ideal image of a good and brave person and how one should behave
What does the Divine story describe?
How Gods came to be
What does the Cultural story explain?
How rituals and customs came to be
