Milestones Sacred Writings Groups and Institutions ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY

MILESTONE: The Vision Quest DURING THE VIDEO Listen and look for aboriginal concepts that we have studied throughout the chapter. Think/define: What is a vision quest?

MILESTONE: The Vision Quest TEXTBOOK P. 43 -44

QUESTION Why is it important to have an elder or shaman involved in a vision quest?

IMPORTANCE of ELDERS

GROUPS AND INSTITUTIONS: Elders TEXTBOOK P. 48 -49 Independent Read

QUESTIONS 1) It takes more than age to make somebody an elder. How so? § Recognized by the community to wise and knowledgeable § Pass on important practical lessons § Keepers of tradition § Spiritual guides

2) What are some of the roles of elders in modern QUESTIONS aboriginal communities? § Teachers of traditional knowledge § Counsellors and teachers to youths coping with modern society § Assembly of First Nations, a “powerful political organization” in Canada (current as of 2016, pictured above) § Many of their teachings being documented

SACRED WRITINGS: Oral Teachings and Oracy

Example: Handsome Lake § Iroquois holy man of the Seneca nation, warrior of the Turtle Clan § He lost his homeland in New York in 1783, became sick, and spiraled into alcoholism § In 1799 he swore off alcohol and experienced remorse for his actions

Example: Handsome Lake § He was still quite sick; in June he died, but was revived § Upon recovery he spoke of the visions he had seen and the message he had received – the “Good Message” called the Gaiwiio. § This message resulted in a reform movement and renewed moral code for the declining Iroquois population

Example: Handsome Lake From the Creator: “…four words tell a great story of wrong, and the Creator is sad because of the trouble they bring, so go and tell your people. ” The four words: alcohol, witchcraft, black magic, and abortion.

40 years after Handsome Lake’s death, his brother Cornplanter recorded his teachings… § Made up of 130 “messages” § Contained a prophecy of impending disaster if his people did not mend their ways § Contained a warning that those who do not repent will meet the Creator’s brother, the Punisher § Beyond alcoholism and black magic, the Good Message also warns of adultery, child and wife

The Takeaway from Handsome Lake: § Visions and stories of elders and shamans will be passed on (Handsome Lake’s stories were told orally for 40 years before being recorded) § In modern times, some stories have been recorded § A glimpse into the beginning of issues for aboriginal peoples in an increasingly modern world

Aboriginal Tradition in the News: November 2015

INDEPENDENT TASK p. 51 | Complete 1 out of 3