1. Aboriginal Symbolism

2. SYMBOLISM Definition: The art or practice of using symbols.
Associating invisible or visible events / items with a symbolic meaning.
Ex: The Canadian flag as a symbol of Canadian Nationality.

6. THINK, PAIR, SHARE
Take 5 minutes to brainstorm as many Canadian symbols you can think of.
After 5 minutes is up, compare your list with a classmate. How many symbols did you have in common?
How many different Canadian symbols was the class able to brainstorm?

7. THINK, PAIR, SHARE – PART DEUX
Take 5 minutes to brainstorm as many First Nations, Inuit, and Metis symbols you can think of.
After 5 minutes is up, compare your list with a classmate. How many symbols did you have in common?
How many different Aboriginal symbols was the class able brainstorm?

8. Inuit Inukshuk: friendship, hope, precaution, safety.
A directional marker for navigation.
A marker for sacred space.
A warning for impending danger or open water.

9. Inuit Polar Bear: The “Dawn Bear;” ancient ancestor of all bears.
Animals in Aboriginal myth are usually anthropomorphic.
Offence against an animal soul can lead to misfortune (ex. bad hunting [starvation] and bad weather).

10. First Nations Dreamcatcher: Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee symbol.
If hung over one’s bed, bad dreams are filtered through the web and dissipate into the Universe; good dreams remain caught in the web.

11. First Nations Eagle: Principle messenger of the Creator.
Eagle flies closest to the Great Mystery and can see the past, present, and future.
Eagle symbolizes courage. This is why eagle feathers are powerful healing tools (ex. smudging).

12. First Nations
Turtle: The oldest sacred symbol of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee.
North America (Turtle Island) was created on the back of the turtle.

13. The four sacred plants used in the smudging ceremony.
First Nations
The four sacred plants used in the smudging ceremony.
Sweetgrass: The hair of Mother Earth and the power of emotional healing.
Braided to signify unity and strength.
When in ceremony human hair can be braided for unity.

14. Cedar: The power of physical healing.
Sage: The power of spiritual healing.
Tobacco: The power of mental healing.

15. Of course there are MANY more Aboriginal symbols
Of course there are MANY more Aboriginal symbols. However, there is not enough time to discuss all of them.

16. HOMEWORK
Read pp
Recreate the medicine wheel on page 16 in the text book. Note the important elements of the number 4 on the “close-up” box on page 17. Colour the medicine wheel.
Read pp
Complete the activity on page 22. DO NOT WRITE IN YOUR TEXT BOOK!