2. LEARNING GOALS Understand the key beliefs of the Aboriginal people such as: Animism Totems/Totem poles/Totem animals Life and Death Spiritual Leaders Feather Drums, Circles, Time

3. Beliefs- Animism Everything in the world is alive. All living things reside in close connection and harmony with one another and move in cycles. Animism: all things, human and non-human, have spirits or souls, and that person or animal lives on after death through the presence of that spirit.

4. Animism Cont.... Most Aboriginal peoples believe in a supreme Creator. Other spirits have power to guide human activity. Aboriginal spirituality turns to many spirits because Aboriginal people believe they have more than one specific need in nature/life. Example: a fisherman strives to be on good terms with the spirit of the sea. A farmer strives to please the spirit of the rain or sun.

5. Beliefs- Totem Links Aboriginal peoples to their ancestors. A totem is any supposed entity (plant, animal or mythical being) that watches over or assists a group of people, such as a family, clan, or tribe Totem poles can tell stories or represent the totems of a clan or tribe, (more totem poles) Totem polesmore totem poles

6. Totem Cont... Totem animals are a major component of Aboriginal Spirituality Totem animals Each individual identifies with an animal. This animal possesses characteristics an individual already has or wishes to strengthen Identifying your totem is a personal process, and occurs when you open your inner self to the natural and spiritual realms. This can only be achieved by relaxing, and being patient with yourself.

7. Beliefs- Life and Death In general, Native religions have no precise belief about life after death. Some believe in reincarnation as a human or animal after death. Others believe humans return as ghosts, or that people go to another world. Others believe that nothing definitely can be known about one's fate after this life. Combinations of belief are common.

8. Life/Death Cont... Example: Sioux of Great Plains believe that four souls depart from a person at death. One of them journeys along the “spirit path,” and is judged by an old woman. She determines whether the spirit should carry on to reconnect with ancestors or return to Earth as a ghost. Other souls enter fetuses and are reborn into new bodies.

9. Beliefs- Spiritual Leaders Pass on the knowledge of the spirit powers through oral teachings Perform rituals that keep the earth in balance Some men/women possess greater power than others These spiritual leaders are known as shaman or medicine person Acts as a physical and spiritual healer and performs ceremonies for healing and for the spiritual needs of the people Tells stories of how the earth was created, etc…

10. Beliefs- The Feather Eagle feather = symbol of strength. Gives holder power to represent others. Often presented as recognition to someone who defends, fights for, or negotiates on behalf of Aboriginal peoples.

11. Beliefs- Time, Shelter and Drums Time is circular Drums are sacred objects that represent heartbeat of the nation and of Mother Earth, the pulse of the universe. The circle is sacred- dancing in circles, passing the sacred pipe in a circle- the powers of the universe operate as a circle.