1. Aboriginal Spirituality
Rituals and Symbols

2. Rituals

3. Spirituality Everything is sacred and connected
All life is a manifestation of spiritual reality
Prayer is an important part of aboriginal spiritual practices
Recognize God’s greatness and to express thanks for all creations/gifts
Prayers are sung/spoken from the heart

4. Smudging
'smudge' is a slang term when describing the four plants as a group;
Four sacred plants: sweetgrass, cedar, sage and tobacco.
Sacred herbs are burned and then smoke is brushed or washed over the eyes, mouth, ears, hands, heart, and whole being
Ashes are returned back to the earth in an area where they will not be walked on
Used to purify people/places
A sacred act that opens many important events: powwow, wedding, healing meetings; anywhere people are gathered together in a good way. 

6. Sacred Pipe Ceremony Aka peace pipe
Symbolizes unity and harmony in the world
Before lighting, the pipe carrier prays that the whole universe be transferred to the pipe; when lit, everything is dissolved into the cosmic unity of the Great Spirit
Stresses oneness and unity of all creation
The stone bowl represents truth, the stem represents the way we are to live in harmony with all creation

7. Sweat Lodge Aims to purify the body, mind, heart, spirit
Aims to restore relationships with self, others, the Creator, and all of creation
Considered a sacred place of spiritual refuge and healing
“Womb of Mother Earth”
Heated rocks are used during the ceremony and the elder pour water onto the rocks to create steam
Return to the “womb” and childhood innocence

8. Birth and Naming Rituals
Name-giver is often the grandparent or an elder
Learn the right name by entering time of fasting, meditation, prayer, or dreaming
Name revealed by the spirit
Name expresses identity of the person, which may change over time

9. Growing Up
Young people go on a vision quest when parents or elders believe they are ready
Intense, solitary spiritual experience for those seeking direction in life
One year of preparation to stay in wilderness without food and little world
Braids or uncut hair generally considered sacred

10. Powwow
Means "He dreams"
Restoration of right relationships and the healing of all of creation
Used to preserve culture and heritage
Living cultural expression of song, dance, and art, and through the drum, reminds aboriginals of their connection to Mother Earth (heartbeat)
Singing and dancing are highlights of the powwow

12. Potlatch Originally banned then lifted
Common custom among Northwest Coast
Public event to celebrate transfer of individual
Celebrate a special event
Birth of a child, wedding, death of a relative, chief taking office, etc.
Gift-giving feast
Distribute property to family, friends, visitors
Ceremonial dancing and singing

14. Shaking Tent
Shaman (both medicine man and spiritual leader) enters tent and intercedes on behalf of individual
Access spirits for direction, advice, and guidance
Conducted at night

15. Symbols

16. The Circle Circle has no beginning, no end, no direction
The Circle represents a completeness which encompasses all space and time.
Circular Symbols:
Circular Sacred Drum
Dream Catcher
Medicine Wheel

17. Sacred Drum Represents the heartbeat of the nation
No one may reach across it or place objects on it
Each drum has a keeper to ensure its good care

18. Medicine Wheel and the Number 4
The Medicine Wheel is a representation of how all things in the natural world come in fours: four directions, four seasons, four stages of life, four basic elements.
The Medicine Wheel circle represents a harmonious relationship with nature and with all living things who are relatives.
belief that all creatures are connected and equal because like the circle there is no beginning and no end.

19. Dream catchers originated with the Chippewa
They were hung over a babies cradle.
Good dreams would pass through the web, but bad dreams, which were not as smart, got caught in the web
In the morning sun the bad dreams would burn away
Meant to be temporary. A child taking it down symbolizes their transition into a new stage of life

20. The Eagle Feather Symbol of strength
Gives the holder of it the power to represent others and speak in gatherings
Given to people who defends, fights for, or negotiates on behalf of aboriginal peoples.
Can represents healthy relationships
Talking feather/stick
Used in council meetings to give equal opportunity

21. Inukshuk Used for navigation
Provides warning for any dangers in open water
Can be used to mark a sacred space

22. Totem Poles
Totem poles are symbolic of a family or clan or tribe which remind the members of their ancestry or mythical past
Each animal on the totem has a character trait that is symbolic of the family