1. Traditional Worldviews by David Perley

2. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Worldviews “Consist of principles we acquire to make sense of the world around us. Young people learn these principles, including values, traditions, and customs, from myths, legends, stories, family, community, and examples set by community leaders.” (Oscar Kawagley, Yupiaq scholar, 1995)

3. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Worldviews “A worldview or vision of life is the framework by which we order our existence. It is the glasses or filter from which we view the world. Worldviews are mental models that shape our thinking and acting.” (John Valk, Professor, Renaissance College, UNB)

4. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Worldviews “A worldview is a “way of life”, hence it influences, determines our thoughts and actions. The manner in which we respond to life’s ultimate questions determines our vision of life, worldview, or how we look at the world. Worldviews can be secular, spiritual or religious.” (John Valk, Professor, Renaissance College, UNB)

5. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Worldviews Ultimate Questions What is the meaning/purpose of life? What is the meaning/purpose of life? What are my responsibilities and obligations? What are my responsibilities and obligations? How do we discern right from wrong? How do we discern right from wrong? What is the ultimate source of life? What is the ultimate source of life? Is there a higher power/being/force that transcends humans? Is there a higher power/being/force that transcends humans? Is there life after this life? Is there life after this life?

6. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Central Features of Traditional Worldviews Power of the Circle Power of the Circle Holistic, global perspective Holistic, global perspective Three realms (human, natural, and spiritual) Three realms (human, natural, and spiritual) Sacredness of all of creation Sacredness of all of creation Relationships Relationships Reciprocity, harmony, and balance Reciprocity, harmony, and balance Reverence for Mother Earth Reverence for Mother Earth

7. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Traditional Worldviews “Everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle. The sky is round … The wind in its greatest power whirls … The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle … Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing … The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves” (Black Elk, Oglala Sioux)

8. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Traditional Worldviews “This we know: the earth does not belong to man, man belongs to earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself” (Chief Seattle, 1790 – 1866)

9. David Perley, Tobique First Nation Traditional Worldviews “The land is not merely soil; it is a foundation of energy flowing through a circuit of souls, plants and animals …” (quoted in Suzuki, 1997:104) “Nature prevailed and flourished for untold centuries, unchanged by the Indian.” (Chief Red Fox, Sioux First Nation in Friesen, 1998:8)