Learning Goals:•I will understand the historical influence and the political, economic, social, and geographical impact of Aboriginals in Canada.•I will understand the concept of “animism” on Aboriginal Spirituality.•I will have an understanding of the 6 Aboriginal Cultural Groups in CanadaAgenda:•A short introductory lecture and show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxZpUueDAvc (Olympic Opening Ceremony)•Independent Work (Blue Text book)-Read pages 66-75-Answer # 1-2 (p. 72), # 1a and b (p.77), and # 3-5 (p.77)-Orange Text Book: Read 35-37 for further explanation on the belief of Animism and other beliefs.-Read the section on “The Tree of Peace” on p. 41 and answer 1-2.•Group ActivityThere will be 6 groups and each group will be assigned one of the 6 Aboriginal cultural groups in Canada. Read pages 32-33 for information on each of the 6 areas. (Note: There is additional info. on pages 36-37 for The Arctic, North East Woodlands, and North West Pacific Coast)

Success Criteria: (Each group must)Identify the area the group exists in

Identify any specific beliefs or practices associated with that groupIdentify any major Aboriginal trademarks (if any) that originated from this specific group.

Present all these findings to the class.

Learning Goals:

•I will have an understanding of the historical story and impact of colonization on Aboriginal families.

•I will understand the central beliefs and morality of Aboriginal Spirituality.

•I will understand Aboriginal Spirituality as a faith tradition filled with richness in ritual and practice.

Success Criteria:Work through the package given to you one section at a time using your time wisely.Ask questions for clarification if needed.Be sure to read the instructions carefully so that you are writing out the sections that need to be written and answering all questions.

Learning Goals:•I will understand the 5 Types of Aboriginal myths and will be able to identify each type of myth.

•I will understand the meaning and significance of 4 main Aboriginal artifacts.

Agenda:

Group work

•Read through the 5 Types of myths. (Each person keeps a handout)

•Read the myths you have been given as a group and identify what type of myth it is.

•Lecture and note: The 4 Main Aboriginal artifacts

 

Aboriginal Spirituality includes a number of stories and legends that are mythological. These myths help to explain or symbolizes Aboriginal beliefs.

Creation: These myths explain the origins of the earth and individual aspects of nature. Different tribes have different creation stories. A popular creation myth in the tribes that inhabit the Great Lakes Region was that the creator built North America on the back of a giant turtle. This continent was called, ‘Turtle Island’.  Trickster: These myths explain how suffering and misery came into our lives. These myths usually have a protagonist, often in animal form, who has magical powers and is characterized in such a way that a lesson is taught. Often, ravens are seen in these myths and rather than being seen as a devilish figure, the raven is lovable. Hero: These myths put forth an idealized image of the good and brave person. The hero goes on a journey to find a mystical reward and return it to the people. A well known hero myth would be that of the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls.  Divine: These myths describe how the gods came to be. As such, they are often linked with creation myths. There are many such myths in Aboriginal Spirituality because there is a belief in a multiplicity of gods. Cultural: These myths explain how rituals and customs came to be. For example, they may be myths explaining how the sound of a flute came to a particular tribe, how dancing originated, etc. 

The Mandala

*The history of the Mandala varies from tribe to tribe. In some tribes they were originally war shields made from leather, fur, wool, and feather. With this shield Aboriginals believed the gods would protect them. It has been a common belief that having a Mandala in their dwelling would bring health, prosperity and happiness. Mandalas also have a special meaning to the owner or the maker.

*Today, a Mandala is a religious symbol, created as a circular image or design. The circle represents the universe and the unity of all of creation with the Creator. The design that fills the circle may vary according to the spirituality of the one making it.

*Mandala making is a prayer form that helps us to see patterns and to recognize that God has a pattern for each of our lives. When we examine our lives we see that there are times when everything just works out great. When things work out, it is like a thread connection, one event to another.

The Medicine Wheel

*The Medicine Wheel is an important symbol in Aboriginal culture. It is believed to provide spiritual protection from illness. It consists of a circle which represents the cycle of life in that all life travels in a circular path. It has four spokes in the middle which represent the four directions of north, south, east, and west: the four elements of the sky, water, wind, and earth, the four colours of people, and the four faces of people (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.) The centre of the wheel is believed to be the centre of spiritual power. The wheel is believed to bring good feelings and serve as a reminder that we are one with our mother earth and each other.

The Dream Catcher

*Although dream catchers are made by a variety of people other than natives, and although there are many stories and legends, the Ojibwe originated the dream catcher. Sometimes they were carried by Aboriginals during dances and ceremonies. However, dream catchers were normally hung over a baby’s cradleboard or near the sleeping area. Aboriginals believe that dreams are very meaningful. The night air would bring dreams to people, both good and bad. So the web was made to catch the bad dreams as they passed. Not being as smart as the good dreams, the bad dreams became entangled in the web.

“I let your good dreams pass on through

But bad dreams all, I catch for you

I’ll hold them fast till morning light,

Then let those bad dreams all take flight”

The Story Bag or Medicine Pouch

*The story bag is a small leather pouch usually made of soft buckskin or small animal skins. In the pouch are small, personal valuables such as tobacco, sweet grass, mineral paints and pebbles. They often were used to carry good luck charms by Aboriginal warriors as they went into battle.

*Sometimes these bags were used as medicine bags. Then they contained herbs, bark, feathers, buffalo, horn, claws, rattlesnake tails, or other medicinal or magical objects. These pouches were a sign of status and were often hung from a belt or in a special place at home. The more powerful the medicine the person could perform, the greater their status within the community. 

*Whatever was placed in this pouch was very carefully selected and was of great meaning to the owner. Objects were often selected after a great search guided by a spirit guide or star. Often the objects were gifts from elders to a young person upon coming of age.

 

 

Learning Goals:I will have an understanding of the main Aboriginal Festivals and Milestones.

In groups of 2-4, please read through the following:Blue Book- pages 78-85Orange Book- page 43-44As a group, discuss which festival or milestone you have most appreciation for and which one you find most confusing to understand.

Independently and based on this reading,Summarize: Powwow, Harvest Feast, Potlatch Ceremony, Sundance, The Morning Dance, The Sweat Lodge, Smudging, Vision Quest, Spirit Guide.

The Creator gave seven Grandfathers, who were very powerful spirits, the responsibility to watch over the people. The Grandfathers saw that people were living a hard life. They sent their helper to spend time amongst the people and find a person who could be taught how to live in harmony with Creation. Their helper went to the four directions to find a person worthy enough to bring to the Grandfathers. While the boy was travelling with Otter they were visited seven times by spirits who told them about the gifts. Here is what they said: 

To cherish knowledge is to know wisdom;To know love is to know peace;

To honour all of Creation is to have respect;Bravery is to face the foe with integrity;

Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave;Humility is to know your self as a sacred part of Creation;

Truth is to know all of these things. Otter returned to his friend, who, because of all the time spent in the spirit world, was now an old man. The Old Man gathered all the people around and told them of his journey to the Seven Grandfather's lodge. He explained how to use the gifts. He explained that the opposite of any of the gifts would lead to ruin. He gave them the understanding of opposites. It was now up to the people to follow the path laid out before them. The Old Man gave them all they needed for the development of the spiritual side of life.Excerpts from the "Mishomis Book: Voice of the Ojibway," were printed with permission from Indian Country Communications Incorporated.

Each explained in more depth: http://deelexlyn.wordpress.com/sevens/

Learning Goals:

I will be able to apply the concepts of animism, cosmocentricsm, cyclical worldview, and interdepence of creation to the movie Brother Bear.

Agenda:

Brother Bear today instead?

YES! Because I am that awesome!

Watch the video:Silent Thunder: The Search for Truth and Reconciliation

-Written reflection and discussion as a class

-What was most shocking to you about the video?

-How would something like this impact you personally? 

-How does what happened at that time influence Aboriginal and Canadian culture today?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-2MdpTBZJ4

“We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive”

Learning Goals:I will have an understanding of the impact of Aboriginal Worldview vs. secular worldview on ecology.I will understand the moral aspect of ecology and the 4 responses humans can take that are in line with the Aboriginal calling in their golden rule.Agenda:•Read excerpt “To the Government of the United States”•Watch video clips from “Inconvenient Truth”•Lecture on Aboriginal Spirituality and Ecology•Re-call Family Life (p.90-92 Blue Book) Take note of the “recent changes” in Canadian society attacking Aboriginal values.

Learning Goals:I will have an understanding of the impact of Aboriginal Worldview vs. secular worldview on ecology.I will understand the moral aspect of ecology and the 4 responses humans can take that are in line with the Aboriginal calling in their golden rule.

“We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive”

We cannot separate ourselves from what sustains our very being.For Aboriginals, we need to be one with the earth appreciating all it has to

offer humanity. Catholics alike are called to recognize the sacramentality in creation; we are asked to see God’s hand in all that is present around us. It

is a grave sin to cause destruction to the earth God has entrusted to us. Therefore, in many ways, Catholic and Aboriginal teaching on the

sacredness of creation are very similar.

Learning Goals:I will have an understanding of the impact of Aboriginal Worldview vs. secular worldview on ecology.I will understand the moral aspect of ecology and the 4 responses humans can take that are in line with the Aboriginal calling in their golden rule.

“We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive”

The following pose a serious threat to creation:Indiscriminate use of advances in science and technology.Pollution resulting from the dominance of economic interests over other values.Lack of ecological balance due to imbalance among rich and poor in use of natural resources.Ecological damage caused by war.Connection between the development and human development.

Learning Goals:I will have an understanding of the impact of Aboriginal Worldview vs. secular worldview on ecology.I will understand the moral aspect of ecology and the 4 responses humans can take that are in line with the Aboriginal calling in their golden rule.

“We are as much alive as we keep the earth alive”

The following 4 Responses are a calling for humans:

Study of Ecology Relationship with Nature

Respect for Animals

Have concern for a Cultural Change

-Learn about and understand the basic rights the environment must have.-Examine the world through an Anthropocentric view.

-We must live in solidarity with nature because without it, we can’t exist.-The word “relationship” implies something.

-Recognize that often the victimization of animals will lead to the victimization of people.-Though animals can be sacrificed for human use, we can not have an exploitive tendency. (i.e. hunting for sport vs hunting for food or unnecessary animal testing.

-We must concern ourselves with use of land, air quality, water, and rising Co2 levels.-These things affect our health, our quality of life, our communities, our nation…our ENTIRE planet!!

Learning Goals:•I can communicate my knowledge of Aboriginal Worldview, Symbols/Artifacts, and Aboriginal Moral Teachings creatively through writing a myth and designing a Stone or Symbol.

Success Criteria:Please read through the assignment carefully and follow all directions.Ask questions if you have any.Use all your time wisely!!

Learning Goal:I will be able to apply this unit’s learning to either a test or a unit

assignment.

Success CriteriaSuccess Criteria

For the assignment: Have the assignment sheet out in front of you as you work.Use your time effectively.Ask for help if needed. (Specifically with your myth because I can’t paint well )

For the test:Ask questions if you have any.Do not leave anything blank; ask for help!Take your time and do not rush!Remember to explain all your answers properly in the short answer sections and give examples.

Extra Notes on the

following slides

*Also called Wabeno- pays homage to the “tree of the universe” every spring

*All participants fast and cleanse themselves before the event

*Male elder plays the drum and leads a dance around the tree from Dawn until noon

*Each dancer touches the tree to give thanks

*A great feast and celebration is had after the Morning dance

*Summer festival in the Great Plains nations- 8-16 days

*This ceremony identifies the circle as a symbol of importance and gives respect to the sun as giver of life

*Dance around a tree and face the sun; pray for people amd to the Great Spirit

*Northwest Pacific Coast Nations

*Feasts, sharing wealth and songs and dancing

*Host clan gives a feast to celebrate an important event

*The more wealth a host gives away, the higher their status and greatness

*Song and dance to honor the Great Spirit

*Common among Great Plains Nations

*Renews soul and helps regain focus

*Cleansing of spiritual and physical body

*Shaman directs and performs the practice

*(medicine man and spiritual leader)

*Dome made of saplings covered in animal skins, cedar or a covering to make it dark and airtight

*Heated stones placed in the centre while water is sprinkled on them

*Participants perspire profusely- while praying and sharing a sacred pipe

*Subarctic to Great Lake Nations; to help solve problems

*Represents the connectedness of the supernatural world and the living

*It is through the shaking tent that one communicates with the spirits

*Construction: 4-8 poles in a circle shape with a large hoop around the top and sometimes around the bottom; wrapped in birch bark or hide

*The top is left open to the skies to allow spirits to enter

*The Shaman performs the ritual and intercedes with the spirits

*Always takes place at night

*Explain Animism in the following sentence & provide examples…

*“Some believed they should walk on soft shoes or no shoes at all during the spring because Mother Earth is pregnant and they must not harm her body”

*Ojibwa Song Prayer *http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o3cOH70C-0

*Creation*These myths explain the origins of the earth and individual aspects of nature. Different tribes have different creation stories. A popular creation myth in the tribes that inhabit the Great Lakes Region was that the creator built North America on the back of a giant turtle. This continent was called, ‘Turtle Island’.

*Trickster*These myths explain how suffering and misery came into our lives. These myths usually have a protagonist, often in animal form, who has magical powers and is characterized in such a way that a lesson is taught. Often, ravens are seen in these myths and rather than being seen as a devilish figure, the raven is lovable.

*Hero*These myths put forth an idealized image of the good and brave person. The hero goes on a journey to find a mystical reward and return it to the people. A well known hero myth would be that of the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls.

*Divine*These myths describe how the gods came to be. As such, they are often linked with creation myths. There are many such myths in Aboriginal Spirituality because there is a belief in a multiplicity of gods.

*Cultural*These myths explain how rituals and customs came to be. For example, they may be myths explaining how the sound of a flute came to a particular tribe, how dancing originated, etc.