Indigenous Vocabulary

Question 1

Define Assimilate

Answer 1

Absorb one ground into the culture of another

Question 2

Define Aurora borealis

Answer 2

Also known as the northern lights, the Cree nation believes they are the spirt of the dead dancing in the night sky

Question 3

Define elders

Answer 3

Indigenous men or women, who are recognized, respected and consulted for their wisdom, experience, knowledge, background and insight ( not always the oldest Person in the community)

Question 4

Define faith keeper

Answer 4

Member of the nation selected to maintain the traditional ceremonies and rituals

Question 5

Define indigenous

Answer 5

Refers to native, original or earliest known inhabitants of a region

Question 6

Define Inuksuit

Answer 6

Stone monuments and structures used in the far north for navigation and communication purposes also have a great spiritual meaning

Question 7

Define polytheism

Answer 7

Belief or worship in more than one god

Question 8

Define powwow

Answer 8

Gathering of people with ritual dances, drumming and chanting

Question 9

Define shaman

Answer 9

An indigenous spiritual leader

Question 10

Define Smudging ceremony

Answer 10

A purification ritual that includes the burning of sweet grass and drawing of smoke over one’s body

Question 11

Define tipi

Answer 11

Cone shaped tent

Question 12

Define totem pole

Answer 12

A long pole, in which several totems are carved, often used to recount history

Question 13

Define vision quest

Answer 13

The process of purifying and fasting in order to be sensitive to possible spiritual guide. A sacred ceremony