1. Unit II: Part A Aboriginal Spirituality Voices in the Diaspora

2. Learning Goals Understand the cultural diversity of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. Connect to the themes of creation stories and recognize similarities with those of other faiths such as Christianity. Recognize and value the beliefs of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

3. Aboriginal Spirituality Overview Aboriginal peoples in Canada live in diverse environments, and have a great variety of rituals, symbols, and practices. Spirituality deeply connected to physical environment, including animals and plants, and life is seen as interconnected. Until recently, most Aboriginal cultures have been oral, relying on memory and memory keepers; history has been passed down orally and through archaeological findings. Despite diversity, Aboriginal peoples share a lot the same worldviews of indigenous peoples everywhere in the world. They show a deep sense that all that exists—trees, animals, humans, the earth—is alive (This is known as animism).

4. Key Dates in History (European Encounters) 1763: Royal Proclamation: Provide an education for First Nations people. 1857: Gradual Civilization Act: assimilate Aboriginal peoples into European culture. 1876: Indian Act: allowed federal government to set up residential schools for Aboriginal children, which were run by Anglican, United, Presbyterian, and Catholic churches. Final school closed in 1996. 1885: the potlatch ceremony was banned. 1895: all Aboriginal ceremonies, dances, and festivals were banned.

5. Aboriginal Peoples in Canada Today Canadian Aboriginal peoples have a long, rich, and varied history and are diverse. Over 1 million people in Canada are Aboriginal, and the population is growing quickly.  8 out of 10 Aboriginal people live in Ontario and the Western provinces  54% live in urban centres  10% of Winnipeg’s population is Aboriginal The term “Aboriginal peoples” is broad and includes First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

6. Aboriginal Peoples in Canada Today Recent History Many banned Aboriginal ceremonies continued in private, and the ban was officially lifted in 1951. 1999: Nunavut created Aboriginal spirituality recognized as official religion; eagle feather can now used in provincial justice system instead of a Bible. Residential schools closed after public became aware of cultural, physical, and sexual abuse that occurred there:  the federal government and the churches involved have apologized to Aboriginal peoples  a Truth and Reconciliation Commission is documenting the legacy of residential schools Issues Many Aboriginal people are trying to address the negative impacts of contact. They are reviving Aboriginal spiritual traditions and practices within an increasingly secular society, and integrating Aboriginal spiritual heritage with Christianity. Many Aboriginal Canadians who are Christian are struggling with the question of whether they can be true to both religions.

7. Aboriginal Culture Groups in Canada

8. 1. The Plains Source: http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_plains1.html

9. 2. The Plateau Source: http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_plateau1.html

10. 3. The Northwest Source: http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_nwc1.html

11. The Subarctic Source: http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_subarctic1.html

12. The Arctic (The Inuit) Source: http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_inuit1.html

13. The (North)Eastern Woodlands Source A: http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_wh1.html Source B: http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_wf1.html

14. Origins and Beliefs

15. “If you take [a copy of] the Christian Bible and put it out in the wind and rain, soon the paper on which the words are printed will disintegrate and the words will be gone. Our bible is the wind.” -Anonymous

16. In the beginning… Creation myths (“genesis stories” of origins or creation) Passed on by storytelling (oral tradition)