Module 2- Social and Political Organization Flashcards
What was the basic social unit for most Indigenous groups in Saskatchewan?
The family, which included immediate and extended family members, kinship networks, and even non-human entities.
How was “band” defined before the Indian Act?
A kin-based social and political unit with fluid membership, ranging in size from 50 to 1000 people, where members depended on each other for survival.
How did bands differ between northern and Plains groups in Saskatchewan?
Northern groups (e.g., Dene) had smaller bands, while Plains groups (e.g., Plains Cree) had larger bands due to buffalo hunting’s ability to sustain more people.
What does it mean that First Nations societies were egalitarian?
Individuals had equal access to economic, political, and social rights, and decision-making was done by consensus rather than centralized power.
What were the roles of Civil Chiefs and Warrior Chiefs in First Nations leadership?
Civil Chiefs led in times of peace, while Warrior Chiefs led during conflicts, with their authority superseding that of the Civil Chief during wartime.
What was the principle of Wahkotowin?
A Cree concept emphasizing kinship, interconnectedness, and reciprocal obligations between humans, the land, animals, and all of creation.
What role did names play in Indigenous kinship systems?
Names reflected connections to ancestors, the land, and spiritual beings. They were given with spiritual guidance and often had ties to animals or other elements of nature.
What is the Anishinaabe concept of Bimaadiziwin, and how does it relate to Wahkotowin?
Bimaadiziwin refers to living a “good life” with balance, while Wahkotowin emphasizes interconnected relationships. Both stress maintaining harmony with all creation.
How were children viewed in Cree family structures?
Children were seen as gifts from the Creator, central to the community, and the future of the nation, with teachings focused on making them good human beings and relatives.
What responsibilities did old people have in Cree family structures?
They taught children cultural values, practical skills, and stories, serving as primary educators while parents worked to provide for the community.
What roles did women and men have in Cree circle teachings?
Women nurtured and protected children and elders, while men provided for and protected the family, community, and nation.
What were the main responsibilities of Plains Cree warriors?
Policing buffalo hunts, protecting the band, and accumulating and distributing wealth to support the weakest in society.
What was the significance of warrior societies, such as the Bear Clan, in modern contexts?
Groups like the Bear Clan adopt aspects of warrior culture to promote community well-being, patrolling neighborhoods to ensure safety.
