Canadian Native Religion Essay Research Paper Native

Canadian Native Religion Essay, Research Paper

Native religion is one of a unique and mysterious nature. This may be due to the fact that its Native religion is very different from the Christian and other dominant religions in society today. The native people see sacredness in all that surrounds them and for it to be labeled as a belief is an incredible understatement. It is more than a belief; it is a lifestyle. This essay will examine the several different aspects of this lifestyle such as stories, objects, people and ceremonies. Each of these aspects contributes in it own way to the Native spiritual world. Many different tribes believe that they were created from some kind of creator. These stories can be extremely different with each tribe, the Ojibway, North Pacific and the Kansa are examples of tribes with different creators. The Ojibway people believe that the Great Spirit created a male and a female crane in the upper and lower world. This creator lowered them to earth where they were to make a home for themselves. The task was to find an appropriate place and when they did they would change to man and women. The cranes tried many places and none of them suited them. Finally, the cranes came to an outlet of Lake Superior which suited them quite fine. These cranes became the first parents of the Crane Clan of the Ojibway people. (Coffer, pg. 86,1978) A second example of a tribe’s view of the creation is the Haida of the North Pacific. The Haida believed that there was a time before the world changed. During that time all animals spoke the same language and had the same form, they only differed in what is known as “essence”. At some point in time the earth changed and the animals separated. This was known as the emergence of man. Each animal species became distinct but not separated from the natural world. This oneness and unity is the primary basic fact of all American Indian philosophy. Finally, the Kansa is the third tribe that will be used as an example of creative beliefs. The Kansa people believe that the Great Spirit created man and woman. They also believed that this creation was prior to the creation of the earth. They were placed on a small island where they were to stay. Quarreling occurred as children were born and generation after generation came about. Eventually the island became overpopulated and some people were put out to sea. The people prayed for a larger area and the Great Spirit answered their prayers. The Great Spirit sent down beavers, muskrats, and turtles to enlarge the island. Eventually trees grew and the leaves were used to make exotic birds. Deer, buffalo and other animals were created as well. In time the entire circle of the world was created and filled with life and beauty. (Coffer, pg.87, 1978) In the Native beliefs much of the objects in their culture focus around the shape of the circle. The circle is a very significant shape because it illustrates many things. For one example, it displays unity and togetherness. This togetherness is very evident in almost every aspect of Native culture. As well, there are some objects, which are not in the circle formation. Important objects such as the Medicine wheel, the Dream Catcher, the Teaching Wand, Sweet grass and the sweat lodge are examples that do not strictly follow the circle. To begin, the Medicine Wheel represents a very sacred aspect in Native spirituality. The Native people use it because of their strong belief in its powers. This object is wrapped in deer and moose hide and the round circle represents the circle of life. Traditionally, eagle feathers are attached to the sides of the frame. It should be noted that eagle feathers were in high demand because of their sacredness; therefore, other feathers may be used as well. The Medicine Wheel contains all aspects of life. The four colors of life and the four seasons are displayed in the form of lass beads. The four colors are red, white, black and yellow. The four seasons are found within the colored beads. The Dream Catcher is also a very significant component in the Native culture. This object was made out of red willow and formed in the circle shape, which illustrates togetherness. The Dream Catcher was traditionally used by the woodland Indians and hung in the lodges towards the east. The purpose of the Dream Catcher was to catch all dreams, both good and bad. The bad dreams would be caught in the webbing that was located in between the frame, and held there. Eventually, the dreams would be burned off when the first morning light occurred. The good dreams on the other hand, would find their way to the center of the Dream Catcher where a hole was located and filter into the eagle feathers where they would stay to be dreamed about at another time. (Waugh, Prithipaul, pg. 45,1977) A third sacred object, which was used during a variety of ceremonies, was the Teaching Wand. This object illustrated control and a sense of power. Traditionally, the Teaching Wand was used during ceremonies that involved teachings from the elders. This specific wand was constructed out of wood and was shaped like a star. All of the bearings; North, South, East and West were included with the top of the star representing the sky. The Teaching Wand in different ways was used to tell stories of the old ways and pass on the tribes history. (Waugh, Prithipaul, pg.167, 1977) A fourth object is sweet grass. This special form of grass was used on a regular basis during cere