Native Spirituality Flashcards
Rituals
Rite or ceremony designed to honour or bring good fortune to a person or group
Totem Pole
Long pole with several totems carved into it
Oral Tradition
Stories, prayers, and lessons are passed down through generations by word of mouth (the elders).
Animism
The belief that every living thing, human and non-human, has a soul or spirit.
Totem
A protective being in the form of an animal, plant, or natural object. Clans are identified by their totem.
Sweat Lodge
- common in Great Plains
- renews the soul & helps regain focus
- cleanses the physical & spiritual body
- recite prayers
- sauna-like ritual
Ancestor Veneration
Honouring deceased family members through memorials, shrines, or prayers.
Residential Schools
Children were taken from their families and places in schools, where they were not allowed to speak their own language or talk about their culture.
(Forced assimilation)
Sun Dance
- honours the sun
- pierce themselves with wooden hooks to sacrifice themselves to keep others from suffering
- prayers are said for all
Potlatch
- northwest pacific coast
- celebrates a big event
- distribution of food, wealth, etc
- songs and dance honour the great spirit
Divination
Predicting the future through magic
Magic
Influencing nature through special practices, rituals, and dances
Tree of Peace
Tree that was planted and roots grew in four directions, uniting all the people.
Wampum belt
Belt of coloured beads that is given to confirm a treaty or help with oracy.
Medicine Wheel
- teaching tool
- 4 colours represent: races, directions, stages of life
- centre represent Mother Earth and the creator
- illustrates how life is all interconnected
