1. Mi’kmaq Spirituality and Organized Religion
Main Concepts

2. The spirituality of a people cannot be described on its own
It’s of what makes up their culture –something that defines who they are .
It is not simply worship of a higher being or holding certain ceremonies.
It is people’s language and their songs, their stories and their dances.
It’s in how they live and interact with each other, and who and what they honour.

3. Mi’kmaq Spiritual Beliefs
Very humble and Complex
Very Old and dates back thousands of years and has a deep connection to the land.
Passed from one generation to the next by the stories of and teachings of the Elders.

4. Spiritual Beliefs
Kisu’lk ( the Creator) made the Universe and everything in it.
Plants, animals, people ,and Mother Earth have the Creator’s Spirit in them and must be respected,
Since everything is connected on Earth, no part should be exploited or abused. ( Each part has to be in harmony with the rest)

5. Practices: How they display their Spirituality
Through Rituals and Ceremonies (acknowledging and giving thanks to a higher power)
Praying ( for food, children, Elders, the Creator)
Celebrating life through funerary ceremonies( no concept of Hell)
Symbols, Customs and Traditions
Dreams

6. Spiritual World Mi’kmaq lived their spirituality.
Early settlers thought that the Mi’kmaq were believers of superstitions: they did not understand that the Mi’kmaq wee a people of great spirituality and faith. That’s why they tried to convert them to “ more organized” religious practices.

7. The Spirit World Traditional World/ physical World
Creator teaches to gain knowledge from both
There are spirits and people among us who can bring those worlds together.
The Spirit World
Kinap –a male spirit with special powers that he uses to help the Mi’kmaq
Puowin( male) or Puowini’skw ( female)- a sorcerer or witch spirit who has powers which are used against the Mi’kmaq

8. The Spirit World
Keskimsit – a person born with special power. gifts or strengths.
Nikanijijitekewimu- a person that can predict future
Wiklatmu’j – a spiritual being that lives in the woods. Takes a human form of the man the size of a small child.
Mi’kmmuesu- a spiritual being who can take human form, and appear or disappear at will.Gives supernatural powers to people.
Skite’kmuj- a ghost or spirit of someone who died.
Skitekmujewawti- Milky Way ; a path to the Spirit World