Module 2 - Ceremony and Spirituality Flashcards
How were spirituality and daily life connected in Indigenous worldviews?
Spirituality was integrated into daily practices, with ceremonial aspects present in everyday life and more formal rituals for special occasions.
What were some common ceremonies among Indigenous groups in Saskatchewan?
The Sun Dance (or Thirst Dance for Cree peoples), the Sweat Lodge, and rites of passage such as puberty ceremonies for girls and vision quests for boys.
What was the purpose of ceremonies in Indigenous cultures?
Ceremonies aimed to maintain balance, health, and well-being, often involving thanksgiving, offerings, and prayers.
What are medicine bundles, and what might they contain?
Sacred objects kept in a bag, including items like ceremonial pipes, eagle feathers, tobacco, sage, or sweetgrass, used for protection or ceremonial purposes.
Who were medicine men and women, and what were their roles?
They were respected individuals with strong spirit powers who could foretell the future, communicate with spirits, and treat illness, though spirits were the ultimate source of healing.
What is the Midewiwin Society?
A religious institution of the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) specializing in ritual healing and herbal remedies, with initiates progressing through multiple levels of training.
How many levels of initiation exist in the Midewiwin Society, and what do they signify?
There are at least four levels (up to eight in some groups), with each level represented by special symbols and medicine bags.
What was the sacred role of the buffalo in Plains cosmology?
The buffalo was seen as the most sacred animal and a central figure in ceremonies and spirituality due to its life-sustaining role.
How did spiritual practices differ between Plains and Woodlands peoples?
Plains peoples focused on the buffalo’s sacred role, while Woodlands peoples emphasized individual spiritual connections through personal spirit-helpers.
How did Métis spiritual practices evolve?
Métis spirituality blended traditional First Nations beliefs with Christian practices due to shared experiences, fur trade participation, and community living.
How did colonization influence Indigenous spiritual practices?
Colonization introduced Christianity, which was blended with traditional spirituality by some, while others were forced to adopt it through residential schools.
