Grandfather Rock Created by Sharon Meyer NESD FNMI

Grandfather Rock Created by Sharon Meyer NESD FNMI September 27, 2014

Cree First Nation Worldview The Creator created four things above Mother Earth: 1 – Sun 2 – Sky 3 – Moon 4 - Stars

wind fire water rock Then the Creator made the four elements: 1 – wind 2 – fire 3 – rock 4 – water

Traditional First Nation People call the rock – Grandfather Rock because of the relationship with all things created by the Creator. The relationship is done through respect And the highest respect that we give and receive is through family. Teacher can choose to visit the Medicine Wheel teachings to clarify understanding of relationship, inter-relatedness, Inter-connectedness, respect, and family.

Some examples of how First Nation people traditionally used rocks: Grandfather rocks were used to control a fire pit Medicine wheel Grandfather rocks were used to anchor the tipi Grandfather rocks are used to heat the sweatlodge Grandfather rock was used to share stories in paintings and carvings Grandfather rocks were used as arrow heads

More traditional uses of Grandfather rock: Crushing and grinding plants Inuksuk Tools such as hammers The bowl of the sacred pipe is made from red Grandfather rock More tools

Some examples of how we all use rocks today: Grandfather rocks are made into birthstones Art – painted Grandfather rocks are used for heat massage Grandfather rock is mineral rock Grandfather rocks are used as jewelry

More examples of how we use grandfather rock: Rock climbing Houses made from rock Made into an anchor Slingshot style of weapons

Some examples how Grandfather rock protects us: Most of the potash that is mined is used for fertilizer. Salt is separated from the potash and used for table salt, water softening salt, livestock salt and road de-icing salt Helps cleanse water Himalayan salt rock – helps to focus on positive energy that allows healing mentally and physically Caves have been used as shelters

Some examples of how Grandfather Rock can be destructive: Earthquakes Grandfather rock shifting position Active volcanoes Cave ins Sink holes

How is Grandfather Rock in your life? • Create a list of other ways Grandfather rock has been a part of your life?

Thank you for learning the First Nation way of understanding our place on Turtle Island Mother Earth. Sharon Meyer – NESD FNMI