1. The First Nations People A lesson in culture
NBE 3U1

2. WHO are the First Nations People?
They are PEOPLE!

3. WHO are the First Nations People?
First Nations are the largest Aboriginal group in Canada, comprising around one million people who IDENTIFY with a nation (the numbers are probably much higher)
First Nations includes many culturally diverse groups living across Canada. For example: There are 11 First Nations linguistic families, including languages.
First Nations people and First Nations communities often use the name of their Nation to describe who they are. For example: Dakota, Dene, Ojibwa (Anishinnabe), Cree, Mohawk, Salish, etc.

4. Fact
Aboriginal Peoples are the youngest and fastest growing population in Canada.

5. WHERE are the First Nations People?

6. Statistics Involving Reserves:
People of aboriginal origin living on reserve: 285, People of aboriginal origin living off reserve: 1,034, People of non-aboriginal origin living on reserve: 36,230

7. More Statistics
From 1996 to 2006, the aboriginal population has grown by 45 per cent. That is nearly six times faster than the non-aboriginal population.
73.7 per cent of all Aboriginal Peoples live off- reserve in Canada (Misleading: includes Metis and Inuit who don’t have reserves to begin with!)
72.1 per cent of all non-reserve Aboriginal Peoples live in urban areas.
Ontario has the largest concentration of Aboriginal Peoples at 242,495, or two per cent of the province's population.

8. More Statistics:
Winnipeg is home to the largest urban aboriginal population at 68,380 (10 per cent of the city's total population). Edmonton and Vancouver follow close behind.
Almost half, or 46 per cent of the aboriginal population, is aged 24 or under, compared with 31 per cent of the non-aboriginal population.
The First Nations population is the largest aboriginal group in Canada, at 698,025.
Of the aboriginal groups in Canada, the Métis is growing fastest. They experienced 91 per cent growth in the past decade. The Métis population is now 389,785.

9. Did you know...
In 1843, a group from Montreal became the first settlers to challenge a First Nations team in the First Nations sport of lacrosse. The Mohawk players won.

10. Languages
There are 60 Aboriginal languages spoken in Canada. Cree is the most common, being spoken by 87,285 people. Ojibway comes next with 30,255 speakers, followed by Oji-Cree (12,435) and Montagnais-Naskapi (11,080).
Knowledge of an Aboriginal language including among the First Nations population holds steady at 29 per cent, the same as in 2001.

11. Traditions and Culture
A caution: while we will be learning more about the traditions of the First Nations people, understand that not all people follow the traditional way of life
Some have lost those connections due to distance (away from communities) or generation experiences (Residential Schools)
Some have lost those connections due to family separations (The “scoop”/adoption)
Some have fully assimilated into mainstream/modern society
Some follow both traditional and modern lifestyles

12. First Nations
spirituality

13. The Creator A supreme being responsible for all of the universe
Neither male nor female

14. Raven

15. Raven A sacred bird Commonly known as “The Trickster”
“Weesageechak” in Cree, “Nanabush” in Ojibway, “Raven” in others, “Coyote” in still others, this Trickster goes by many names and many guises. In fact, he can assume any guise he chooses. Essentially a comic, clownish sort of character, his role is to teach us about the nature and the meaning of existence on the planet Earth; he straddles the consciousness of man and that of God, the Great Spirit. (Tomson Highway)

16. Eagle

17. Eagle
When the world was new, the Creator made all the birds.  He coloured their feathers like a bouquet of flowers.  The Creator then gave each a distinct song to sing.  The Creator instructed the birds to greet each new day with a chorus of their songs.  Of all the birds, the Creator chose the Eagle to be the leader.  The Eagle flies the highest and sees the furthest of all creatures.  The Eagle is a messenger to the Creator.  (Tom Porter)

18. The Eagle Feather
It is a great honour to have an eagle feather given to you
Receiving an eagle feather is a sign of gratitude, love and ultimate respect
Eagle feathers are passed on in families
A person who comes into contact with a sacred feather must not be in an altered state (i.e., drugs, alcohol)
Only the person who cares for the feather should handle it
A person may follow an eagle for days in hopes that it drops a feather
Dropping the eagle feather requires a special ceremony to retrieve it
The illegal eagle feather market is of great concern to the First Nations people
In 2011 at Jack Layton’s funeral, Shawn Atleo presented Olivia Chow with a white eagle feather

19. The False Face Society (Iroquois)

20. Drumming

21. The Drum The Heartbeat Drum is a circle
Sometimes a 13-sided figure is used to represent the moon cycles
Healing, ceremony, celebration
Skin of deer, moose, elk
Sometimes women are not permitted to handle the drums

22. The Medicine Wheel
Numbers have always played a significant part in traditional Aboriginal life. Four is one of the most sacred numbers used in Aboriginal culture.  Many aspects are seen in terms of four. The Sacred Mystery, the source of all creation, reveals itself as the Powers of the Four Directions
Organizing principle for everything that exists in the world: The Seasons, The Races, The Elements of the Universe, The Stages of Life, The Emotions and Aspects of Human Behavior. 

23. The Medicine Wheel
The teachings of the Medicine Wheel were originally explained orally with the circle being drawn in the earth and a gradual overlaying of symbols, as meanings were explained by an elder.
Explanation of the Four Directions
center of the wheel which represents the Sacred Mystery.
The Four Aspects of Human Personality-the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual;
The Seasons-the changing from fall, winter, spring and summer, occurs in a cycle;
The Four Stages of Life-childhood, adolescence, adulthood,and elders;
The Races-red, white, black and yellow;
The Four Elements-water, air, fire, and earth. 
These wheels within wheels are used to explain and examine such concepts as those emotions that impede personal growth and the development process that involves leading a person to wholeness.

25. The Four Sacred Herbs
Sweet Grass, Cedar, Sage and Tobacco – often carried in a medicine pouch
When the herbs are burned, the smoke serves as a cleanser for the body and takes prayers to the Creator
When sprinkled, it is a sign of thanks to the Creator for all things, and acknowledges the gifts of the trees, plants, birds, animals, etc. (Replace what you take)
Sweet Grass cleanses the body, mind and spirit.
Cedar serves as a protector.
Tobacco a sign of respect to the Creator
Sage protects against negativity

26. Smudging Think good thoughts See other people’s points of view
Hear kind words
Speak with respect
Use your heart
Right to pass
Moon time

27. Example of a Prayer of Thanks
Each day I wake up; I pray to my Creator For good things I thank him for the four-legged, The two-legged, the things that fly, And the things that swim. I thank those that gave up their lives, so That I could eat today I thank Mother Earth for growing the Vegetable, fruits, and medicines These things I use everyday. I thank the Creator for my Family, for without them I would not be here I thank him for my Sisters, otherwise I would be lonely. I thank him for the positive and the negative things that happen during the day, for these are not to hurt me, but to help me learn I thank the Creator for all the good things in the world. For the world is my teacher and my playground Everything here is for my pleasure If I do not see the beauty in this, then the fault is me. At the end of my prayers, I am pleased with myself. For I am ready for this day. ALL MY RELATIONS

28. The Sweat Lodge
Sweatlodges are dome shaped structures used for prayer time and cleansing the body, mind and spirit.
Heated rocks are placed in the lodge and water is sprinkled throughout the ceremony to help create the steam used in the cleansing ceremony.

29. The Sweat Lodge
The sweat lodge is a re-enactment of a return to the mother womb-like experience, which is the cleaning of the body, mind and spirit. People remove all accessories like watches, rings, and glasses, to remember that we came into this world without material possessions. It is a time of sharing our problems with other people and praying for the needs of our innermost self. Then after the rounds we re-enter creation reborn with New Hope and a changed attitude.
The sweat lodge has been amongst the people long before the churches were built on the Reserves. This is where the people went to pray and come in contact with a Higher Power or Creator.

30. MAKING GOOD CHOICES
The red road

31. The Elder
Not necessarily defined by age as much as experience, an elder is the most respected person in the community
Traditions, language, skills, etc. are passed on from elders to the next generations

32. Two-Spirited People
People who are gifted by the Creator by carrying both the male and female aspects of human beings are highly respected in First Nations culture

33. Talking Circles
Native people regard the circle as the principal symbol for understanding life's mysteries, for they observed that it was impressed everywhere in nature. People looked out on the physical world through the eye, which is circular. The earth was round, so were the sun, moon and planets. The rising and setting of the sun followed a circular motion. The seasons formed a circle. Birds build their nests in circles. Animals marked their territories in circles. In the old days, houses or shelters were built in circles, like the teepee. To Native people, the whole of life seemed to operate in circular patterns.

34. Talking Circles
Sometimes in the safety of circle, people will find themselves bringing up sensitive issues, and for that reason, it is important that they can let the subject matter drop when they are done talking. During the break (if you have one) or after the circle, one should not go up to another person and start discussing about what that person said in their talk without asking their permission to do so. Nothing can make person distrust or close up than having to answer for something they said during the circle. Nor should anyone talk about anything personal that others have brought up in the circle. Remember that the circle is a place of safety and a tool to help people to speak about what they are feeling and thinking. It is not a place where we are trying to solve someone's problems.

35. The Talking Feather
A way to ensure that only one person is speaking at a time
Respects both the speakers and the listeners
The delicate feather reminds us to use kind words and to speak gently

36. The Seven Generations
When making any decisions, it is imperative to think of those seven generations ahead to ensure the decision will not create harm

37. The Seven Grandfather Teachings
Wisdom: To cherish knowledge is to know Wisdom. Wisdom is given by the Creator to be used for the good of the people.   In the Anishinaabe language, this word expresses not only "wisdom," but also means "prudence," or "intelligence." In addition to "wisdom," this word can also mean "intelligence" or "knowledge."
Love: To know Love is to know peace. Love must be unconditional. When people are weak they need love the most.
Respect: To honor all creation is to have Respect. All of creation should be treated with respect. You must give respect if you wish to be respected.
Bravery: Bravery is to face the foe with integrity. In the Anishinaabe language, this word literally means "state of having a fearless heart." To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant. 
Honesty: Honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others.  This word can also mean "righteousness."
Humility: Humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of Creation.   This word can also mean  compassion,  calmness, meekness, gentility or patience.  You are equal to others, but you are not better.
Truth: Truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth.   Do not deceive yourself or others

38. The Seven Elements of Our Head
2 eyes
2 ears
2 nostrils
1 mouth
= 7
These entryways and exits allow good things to pass back and forth

39. Storytelling “Classrooms” are relatively new
Rather than “telling” young ones what to do and what to know, lessons are passed on through storytelling and the young ones internalize the knowledge

40. Wampum “Wampum” are the beads made from shells.
The Iroquois people would painstakingly gather the shells (clam, conch, etc.) , shape them by hand into cylindrical form with a hole running lengthwise. The beads were made with much precision and care.
Because these beads would take so long to make (sometimes 3 weeks for one bead!), their significance would be very powerful.

41. Wampum
“Wampum” belts were often made to symbolize peace and treaty agreements. The colours, patterns and shapes on the belt made by the or so belts (some as many as ) were very significant. The person crafting the belt would often bead the design based on how he was “talked into it”. Therefore, the belts became archives of significant events in the society and would often be brought out to have its story told.

42. Hiawatha Belt

43. Two Row Wampum

44. Fact
Recorded on a beaded Wampum Belt, one of the first treaties between First Nations and Europeans dates to 1645 and was called Kahswenhtha, or “Sharing the same river; steering our own boats.”

45. CEREMONY and celebration

46. The Pow-Wow
The Pow-Wow is referred by different names depending on the First Nation’s language
An opportunity for people to gather and share in cultural celebrations like drumming, dancing, feasting and sharing of gifts.

47. Regalia
In addition to contemporary clothing, some First Nations, Metis or Inuit people have traditional clothing that reflects their cultural ties to their Nation
Leather, moccasins, beads, shells, feathers, etc. can be found on traditional clothing
Grass, Jingle, Fancy and Shawl outfits are often used in traditional dances
It is important NOT to call this clothing “costumes” – these are traditional garments

48. The Dream Catcher
Given to newlyweds or newborns, the dream catcher allows good dreams to pass while bad dreams are trapped in the webbing/beads

49. Potlatch Ceremony A gift-giving feast
Gifts included food, weapons, furs, tools, etc.
Singing and dancing were included in the celebration

50. Food The Three Sisters = corn, beans, squash
All parts of the plant or animal utilized
Bannock

51. More from Wab Kinew Building bridges between the cultures
As you watch the interview:
Ideas Presented
Questions I have

53. Class Discussion
Put a star next to your best idea and best question from the chart and be prepared to share with the class