1. The Native View of the World
Workbook p.13-26

2. The Circle of Life p.13
1. What does the concept of the Circle of Life consist of? What is the view of humans in the Circle of Life? Concept: The forces of the universe behave in the form of a circle (i.e. the seed falling from a pinecone produces a new tree, etc…) Humans: Hold an equal position to each of the other elements in the universe. 2. How do the elements in the Circle of Life interact? They are all interconnected; every element in the universe fits into one and other.

3. Connections with the Environment p.14
3. Amerindians have always been aware that the natural world provides them with everything they need to survive, and they must respect it.
Give an example of how they demonstrate this in their lives, and in their values.
They take only what they need to survive and are grateful for it (i.e. in a hunt speaking to the animal and thanking it for its sacrifice)

4. Social Behaviour p.16-17
4. Give an example of how Amerindians shared goods. - The catch from hunting or fishing was divided equally amongst all members of the community. - Gifts made were shared 5. Why was there no desire to accumulate goods? The notion of private property was unknown and this assured equality for all.

5. Social Behaviour p
6. Summarize how all members of the native community were viewed as equals. (make note about the role of women)
 - No relationship of power between members.
Not hierarchical
No individual is subordinate to another
Women occupied prominent places in the organization and running of the community.
7. How did the education of Amerindian children differ from the education of Europeans?
They didn’t inflict punishment on their children.
Free to experience whatever came their way.
Basic limitation was gender roles

6. The Beliefs p.20-22 8. How is death perceived in native culture?
Not negative (circle of life)
A transition to the afterlife where the spirit lives on.
9. What is the name of the God of Creation that the natives believe direct life and the movement of the universe?
The Great Spirit or The Great Manitou

7. The Beliefs p.20-22
10. What is the role of the Shaman in native culture?
Healer
Prophet
Truth seer
Guardian of mythology
11. How are ceremonies the principal means of expressing spirituality?
Establish contact with the creator (Manitou) and spirit world: to reconcile them, request a favor, avoid illness, obtain a good harvest, have a great hunt or divert famine
Creator is thanked and prayers are said.
12. What is an amulet?
A small object believed to protect the person possessing it.

8. Oral Traditions p.25 13. What are wampums?
 - Belts woven with breads carved from shells.
Exchanged to establish treaties during ceremonies
Form, distribution and colour expressed the subject of the treaty.
14. Why are myths important to native culture?
Transmit religious values and social customs
Moral dimensions: suggest, condemn or prohibit certain behaviour

9. The Elders p.26
15. Who are the elders, and what role do they play in the native community?
a.k.a. The wise:
The guardians of the collective memory
They pass on traditions and tales
Wisdom, experience
Consulted for political decisions

10. To Consider:
What connection did Native people have with the environment?
What values are important in their culture?
Are their values similar or different to ours today?