#12: Native Canadian Religion

What is the official symbol of native spirituality in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the USA? There is no official symbol. Approximately how many First Nations people are in Canada and the USA?

Approximately 3 million.

Identify three places that are considered holy to First Nations people.

Burial grounds of ancestors and places of significance such as, visions, teachings, or battles. Where do First Nations people worship? Open-air worship or at a lodge During religious ceremonies there is a certain protocol for visitors. Identify the three rules that you see as most important

Do not walk across ritual grounds, do not touch regalia, drums, or other items without permission, and show special respect for elders.

Identify the four sacred medicines of First Nations people.

Sweetgrass, cedar, sage, and tobacco What is the significance of smoking a pipe to First Nations people?

Symbol of spiritual grounding and sharing of common breath.

What is the significance of the following items to First Nations people? a) Drum

A powerful and resonant symbol of Native identity and spirituality. It is the heart beat of creation and a spiritual messenger that voices the collective prayers of the people to the world of spirits

b) Pow Wow

An important social and spiritual gathering that includes singing, dancing, competitions, and sharing of food.

c) Sweat Lodge

Purge impurities (physical and emotional) and reconnect to our spirituality

How did Chief Dan George's views of the environment relate to humans?

Chief Dan George's views of the environment relates to humans as a way of saying that the earth is only as healthy as we make, and we have to live on earth whether or not it is healthy.