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Aboriginal Spirituality Supreme Being : called the Great Spirit, each aboriginal group has a different understanding of God. - They believe in animism which holds that all things have a soul Founder : there is no specific founder as each group developed over many millennia.

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  1. Aboriginal SpiritualitySupreme Being: called the Great Spirit, each aboriginal group has a different understanding of God.- They believe in animism which holds that all things have a soulFounder: there is no specific founder as each group developed over many millennia

  2. Sacred Texts: prayers, symbolic stories, and history are passed down orally. In more recent years there have been some efforts to document historyPlace of Worship: there is no one specific place as all of nature is sacredLeaders: Shamans (spiritual/medical) and Sachems (chiefs)Names: Aboriginal, Indigenous, Natives, First Nations

  3. Adherents: Canada 800,000. Worldwide 3,000,000Common Festivals: Sun Dance, Potlatch, Pow-Wow, Sweat LodgeInukshuk: a symbol specific to the Inuit of Arctic Canada. It was originally used to act as markers but over time became to be known as a symbol ofwelcome and friendship

  4. Totem Poles: created by Natives in Pacific Canada to depict ancestral pride; they never represent tribal gods.They were created to commemorate one’s relatives or told the story of a memorable event. They are typically erected during a potlatchceremony where the stories ofthe symbols are told.

  5. Dream Catchers: they are created by parents to protect sleeping children from nightmares. Views on the symbolism varies as some view them as a loving tradition, others view them as a symbol of Native unity, while others view them as nothing more than souvenirs for tourists.

  6. Native Rituals and FestivalsSun Dance: Celebrated in the summer for 8-16 days- one of the most important rituals it honours the sun as the giver of life- dancing for long periods of time around a pole. Some people stick sharp hooks in their chest with leather straps tied to the pole- the circle and scars are important symbols

  7. Potlatch Ceremony: celebrates important events (marriage, birth, etc.)- honours the Great Spirit and is a sign of prestige- it is a great feast where wealth is distributed- lots of singing and dancing

  8. Pow-Wow: can be celebrated at any time- all about renewing friendships and preserving part of their heritage- perform sacred dances in honour of totem animals- can be themed around family, spirits, mourning, war, etc.- songs and dances are an important symbol

  9. Sweat Lodge: can be celebrated at any time- it renews the soul and helps cleans the physical and spiritual body- it is directed by a Shaman- it is basically a sauna- a sacred pipe is an important symbol that is passed around

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