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

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

Adherents: Canada 800,000. Worldwide 3,000,000 Common Festivals: Sun Dance, Potlatch, Pow-Wow, Sweat Lodge Inukshuk: 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 of welcome and friendship

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 potlatch ceremony where the stories of the symbols are told.

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.

Native Rituals and Festivals Sun 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

Potlatch Ceremony: celebrates important events (marriage, birth, etc 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

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

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