Beliefs
Canadian Aboriginal communities originate from all provinces of Canada. Historically, they have distinct languages and religious customs that set them apart from each other. However, they all shared the common beliefs based on the religion of animism. Their spirituality and their physical environment are believed to be deeply interconnected. These beliefs are passed down orally and through memory.
What is animism?
Animism is the belief that all animate & inanimate objects have a spirit, soul or consciousness.
These objects include:
Inuit People
The Inuit people (Arctic people) are more commonly known by their derogatory name "Eskimo". Traditionally, the word 'Inuit" directly translates to 'people'. Inuit beliefs revolved around animism and shamans. The Inuits worship a variety of spirits, whom can only be contacted or communicated with by shaman(s) or angakoks.
Shamans
The shamans (medicine man or men) are the most significant figure when it comes to performing religious practices. Charms and dances were used as a form of communication to the spiritual world. Shamans act/function as the healers and caretakers of the religious world. Shamans wore masks which were carved and often represented an animal - it is believed that the masks provided them with the power to communicate with the spiritual world.
Cree people
The Cree are the largest known Aboriginal group of the First Nations, who are distributed in both North America and Canada. The Cree refer themselves in their native language as Iyiniwok or Ininiwok translating to 'the people', also Nehiyawok ''speaker of the Cree language' The beliefs in animism and shamans are evident within this group. The Cree believe that in death, the body's physical appearance transforms but its soul ascends into a realm with its ancestors. It is also believed that the body's soul is able to reveal themselves or contact the human world or humans directly through visions.
Algonquin people
The Algonquin people are originally from Canada, namely the Ottawa River region. Much like all the other aborigines mentioned, the Algonquin also believe in animism and shamans. In the Algonquin culture, as well as being used to contact the spiritual world, shamans are also used as vessels for curing illnesses and translating dreams. Dreams are spiritually significant within the Algonquin culture. The Algonquin believed in 2 supreme spirits, Kitchi Manitou & Wendigo.
Kitchi Manitou
A creative force which inhabits nature
Wendigo
A mischievous spirit responsible for the causes of illnesses
Canadian aborigines believe that all power comes from a common origin or energy which lives in all objects. This energy is commonly known as The Great Spirit. It is also referred to as the Creator.
All things have differing amounts of The Great Spirit. Therefore resulting in things being superior compared to others.
What is animism?
Animism is the belief that all animate & inanimate objects have a spirit, soul or consciousness.
These objects include:
- animals
- rivers
- mountains
- the sun
- the moon
- and the stars
Inuit People
The Inuit people (Arctic people) are more commonly known by their derogatory name "Eskimo". Traditionally, the word 'Inuit" directly translates to 'people'. Inuit beliefs revolved around animism and shamans. The Inuits worship a variety of spirits, whom can only be contacted or communicated with by shaman(s) or angakoks.
Shamans
The shamans (medicine man or men) are the most significant figure when it comes to performing religious practices. Charms and dances were used as a form of communication to the spiritual world. Shamans act/function as the healers and caretakers of the religious world. Shamans wore masks which were carved and often represented an animal - it is believed that the masks provided them with the power to communicate with the spiritual world.
Cree people
The Cree are the largest known Aboriginal group of the First Nations, who are distributed in both North America and Canada. The Cree refer themselves in their native language as Iyiniwok or Ininiwok translating to 'the people', also Nehiyawok ''speaker of the Cree language' The beliefs in animism and shamans are evident within this group. The Cree believe that in death, the body's physical appearance transforms but its soul ascends into a realm with its ancestors. It is also believed that the body's soul is able to reveal themselves or contact the human world or humans directly through visions.
Algonquin people
The Algonquin people are originally from Canada, namely the Ottawa River region. Much like all the other aborigines mentioned, the Algonquin also believe in animism and shamans. In the Algonquin culture, as well as being used to contact the spiritual world, shamans are also used as vessels for curing illnesses and translating dreams. Dreams are spiritually significant within the Algonquin culture. The Algonquin believed in 2 supreme spirits, Kitchi Manitou & Wendigo.
Kitchi Manitou
A creative force which inhabits nature
Wendigo
A mischievous spirit responsible for the causes of illnesses
Canadian aborigines believe that all power comes from a common origin or energy which lives in all objects. This energy is commonly known as The Great Spirit. It is also referred to as the Creator.
- The Algonkian-speaking people refer to it as Manitou, which vaguely translates to "Great Mystery", "Great Spirit" or "Great Mysterious One".
- The Iroquois or Haudenosaune people believes that The Great Spirit or Orenda attaches itself to any animal or object.
- The Sioun people call it Wakan, Wakonda or Wakan Tanka.
All things have differing amounts of The Great Spirit. Therefore resulting in things being superior compared to others.