Indigenous people refer to North America as ‘Turtle Island.’ While there are many versions of the ‘Creation Story’ that describe how ‘Turtle Island’ was created, stories only slightly differ from one community to another. All creation stories do though contain teachings about the importance of connection to the land and all of creation.
Dr. Stonechild is from Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation and is a professor of Indigenous Studies at First Nations University of Canada.
“When the Elders pray, they use this expression – ‘all of our relations’. And they’re not just talking about human relations. They’re talking about everything.” -Dr. Blair Stonechild.
“When he was six years old, Blair Stonechild’s parents dropped him off at residential school in Saskatchewan. While he was there in the late 1950’s and early 60’s, he would learn that holding on to his people’s spirituality would land him in hell.”- CBC Radio.
Traditional Spiritual Practices
What is Smudging?
Ogichidaa Teachings – Significance of the Pipe Ceremony
Sweat Lodge Teachings
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Indigenous Voices: Ceremony, Tradition and Spirituality
Individuals from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities talk about the importance of beliefs and ceremonies at end of life