In today's society there is a tendency to use the term spirituality interchangably with religion. However for may people spirituality refers to a life path rather than a set dogma. According to many First Nations Elders spirituality provides a guide for life and a guide for living in harmony with the environment and other human beings.
In First Nation society, there is no separation between church and state, church and the individual, or man and nature. There are no teachings that tell us this is how or where we communicate with the Creator, spirituality is a very personal thing. It is something that is within us that is taught from the day we are born as human beings and influences our actions, our words, our beliefs and our customs. The ceremonies and traditions within the culture is simply a manifestation of this spirituality.
The Role of Custom in First Nation Society
Although First Nations are varied with differing customs and myths that govern the behavior of the individual within these societies, there are beliefs that are common to all First Nations. Examination of the rituals, customs and myths of First Nations societies provides us with a greater understanding of the morals and values that govern behavior.
Within these societies, the myths and customs had a source and sanction that existed externally from the group or individual. These societies believed that these myths and customs originated from the Creator and provided a guide for the accepted behavior of the individual. In these myths there is little or no distinction between the animate and inanimate. Moreover, there is an understanding that man is a part of nature and as such, nature is given equal respect. All life is addressed as “Thou” and given equal respect and value. These values are transferred the daily life, thus all members are given equal respect and value within the community. This concept reflects the inclusionary philosophical and psychological view of First Nations people.
First Nations people believe that man is a part of nature, and as such is dependent upon nature for our survival. Therefore, there is also an understanding that all individuals within our society are interdependent for the survival of the whole. This ideology also implies that as a member of a society, each individual possess not only inalienable rights, but also obligations to the society. The recognition of obligations that exist in conjunction with the rights of the individual forms the foundation for compromise that acknowledges the dignity of others and ensures the continuity of not only the culture, but the societies of First Nations people.
Natural Laws
There is a common belief within First Nations society that the Creator gave us a set of laws by which to live our life. These laws, based upon common human values are found in every major religion of the world, however, what sets First Nations apart is that these laws are not apart from the individual they are internalized and influences every aspect of the individuals behavior. In general terms these concepts are as follows:
- Respect
- Humility
- Honor
- Courage
- Wisdom
- Honesty
- Truth
Also known as the seven grandfather teachings among the Anishnabe, they provide a guide for living life in a good way that promotes harmony and balance with everyone and everything.
This is what sets the beliefs of First Nations people apart Judeo-Christian religions.The inclusionary world view of First Nations dictates that man is a part of rather than apart from. In addition, this also lends itself to the understanding that the world is a circle and all things both animate and inanimate are part of a greater whole. Thus there is a belief in the unity of all living things, both animate and inanimate. Maintaining balance between all both within and without is central to maintaining balance not only with the world around us, but within as well. Hence First Nation is a life way, not a dogma.
Annette Cyr - Annette Cyr, is a graduate of First Nations University of Canada with an Honours Degree in Indian Studies. In addition to this she is also ...
