1. Origins of ReligionPre-history: the time prior to written records.BCE: Before Common Era – replacing BC (Before Christ)CE: Common Era – replacing AD (Anno Domini)

2. Evidence from Pre-HistoryMesopotamia: and ancient country in Asia located between the Tigris and Euphrates river (modern day Baghdad and Iraq) before 3000BCE. Archeologists have found bits and pieces of human tools, weapons, dwellings, and artifacts.

3. Evidence of Early Religious PracticesFirst type of people = homo habilis (approx. 2 million years ago)Modern humans appeared approx. 50,000 years ago. Stood 5 feet tall. These people was primarily hunters.

4. Early evidence of religious practicesCaves: skulls arranged in patternsSymbols: discovery of carved figures and representations of the survival of the tribe/clan.Burials: Buried carefully with ritual characteristics.

5. Religion at the End of the Pre-Historic EraDate: 10,000 – 5,000 BCEThese people worshipped powers, forces, and deities that operate in the sky, that fertilize the earth, and roam the spirit world.

6. Religion Among Pre-Historic AncestorsThe primary concern was survivalThree main things threatened their survival- forces of nature- scarcity of food- experiences of death

7. Common Elements of Pre-ScientificReligions- concern for survival- spirit forces- magic- sacrifice- prayer- totems- leaders- a special place of worship

8. Timeline of Canadian First Nations30,000 BCE – Native Peoples begin to inhabit North America10,000 BCE – the first use of sharpened weapons for hunting9,000 BCE – mastodons and mammoths become extinct5,000 BCE – Native along the east coast build burial mounds

9. 1,000 BCE – Chiefdoms are established in Ontario500 BCE – Trade relations are established between Southern Ontario and the Atlantic region250 CE – Natives begin using bow and arrow for hunting500 CE – Horticulture established in Southern Ontario1000 CE – Viking settlements in Newfoundland

10. 1300 CE – Iroquoian societies develop village settlements1450 CE – Formation of the Iroquois Confederacy1497 CE – John Cabot landed in North America1840 CE – the first residential schools are established1996 CE – the last residential schools are closed