THE MEDICINE WHEEL Mikmaq Studies 10 THE MEDICINE

THE MEDICINE WHEEL Mi’kmaq Studies 10

THE MEDICINE WHEEL Ancient symbol used by nearly all Native people of North and South America Enables them to live a harmonious, balanced life Many difference uses but it is always focused on the 4 directions of the world Some people believe that each person is born of a specific direction of the wheel – their “natural abilities”

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CIRCLE Represents the wholeness of the Aboriginal way of life Perfectly balanced shape Without top or bottom, length or width Not static, it is constantly moving – representing the movement of life Some directions are “natural” and come easily, the rest are learned along life’s journey

THE NUMBER FOUR Represents: 4 Sacred Wind directions (represent doors) – North, South, East, and West 4 Sacred Colours (represent the wind directions and the 4 colours of the human race) – Red, Yellow, Black, and White. 4 Scared Medicines (represent each colour and wind direction) – Sweetgrass, tobacco, cedar and sage 4 Elements – Air, Fire, Earth and Water 4 Stages of Life – Childhood, Youth, Adulthood and Elderhood

THE DIRECTIONS – TEACHING OF LIFE’S JOURNEY North: represents strength, stamina, and endurance East: marks the beginning of the life cycle, it is where the sun first rises; it also symbolizes wisdom and knowledge South: represents change as the southern winds bring forth a seasonal renewal to the Earth West: the path of souls where the Indian must cross a large body of water of river in order for his or her soul to enter the spirit world, repeating the cycle of life and death and renewal.

FOUR SACRED MEDICINES Sweetgrass: Represents the hair of Mother Earth, so it is often braided. Sweetgrass is known for its beautiful aroma when people use it for cleansing. They do this by lighting the braid on the end, producing a smoke that is used to cleanse and purify.

Semma (Tobacco): Used to offer prayers at the Sacred Fire where people burn semma and tobacco ties. A tobacco tie is a strip of cloth, which has folded in it a pinch of tobacco; it is then tied off with string. Ties are continually made on the same string until the required number is complete. The result is a continuous strand of small tobacco ties. Prayers are usually said during the entire process and different colors of cloth are used depending on why the ties are being made. The smoke that comes from burning the tobacco ties is a reminder of the breath that sustains life and carries all prayers. Tobacco is also smoked in sacred pipes.

Keezhik (Cedar) is cleaned from the branches and used to make a smoke smudge. When burned, Keezhik acts as a purifier, cleansing the area in which it is burned and emitting a pleasant scent. It is very useful for cleansing and helping to get rid of negative or “bad” energy around you and as a way to attract good energy.

Shkodawabuk (Sage) is also used for smudging and is burned as a purifier, but when compared to the "piney" scent of cedar, sage has a spice air. Sage is used by many aboriginal groups to make their prayers, to signal the creator of one's need for help. The burning of Sage in smudging ceremonies is to drive out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep negative entities away. The root was used by the Ojibwa in three ways: as an anti-convulsive, on wounds to stop bleeding, and as a stimulant.

PERSONAL MEDICINE WHEEL ASSIGNMENT 3 2 1 0 SCO 1. 2: Students will be expected to explore traditional Mi'kmaq beliefs as represented in the Medicine Wheel and anticipate the ways in which the circle concept can guide their studies of First Nations peoples. Demonstrates a skillful understanding of Mi’kmaq beliefs using all required elements of a traditional Medicine wheel. Demonstrates an understanding of Mi’kmaq beliefs using most required elements of a traditional Medicine wheel Demonstrates little understanding of Mi’kmaq beliefs with required elements missing. Incomplete or not passed in. SCO 1. 4 Students will be expected to demonstrate an appreciation for traditional and contemporary expressions of Firsts Nations art, crafts, music, and literature. Medicine Wheel includes images and symbols, may include some text. Demonstrates a thorough appreciation of First Nations art through their use of traditional elements to reflect a connection between personal beliefs and First Nation teachings. Demonstrates much consideration for images and symbols to reflect meaning. Well done. Demonstrates some appreciation of First Nations art through their use of traditional elements to reflect a connection between personal beliefs and First Nation teachings. Demonstrates some consideration for images and symbols to reflect meaning. Demonstrates little appreciation of First Nations art with many traditional elements missing. Uses some images and symbols to reflect meaning but requires more consideration. Incomplete or not passed in. Care and design Student demonstrates careful consideration and implementation of work, and craftsmanship. Well done. At least 8 drawings, complete with a picture or symbol representing you in the center Student demonstrates some care and consideration of work and craftsmanship. Effort apparent. Student demonstrates little care or consideration of work. May be messy or lacking apparent effort. Incomplete or not passed in.