An Elder is an
individual recognized by the Indigenous community as having earned wisdom
through life experience and who has become an expert in an area of knowledge or
practice.
Humans are not the
centre of Creation. Rather, humans are
one aspect of a created world and, because of their dependence on other
kingdoms of life (animal, vegetable, or mineral), they are considered to be
among the most vulnerable.
There were only
about 125 Canadian Indians enrolled in universities across the country at the
time [1969].
Ceremonies are
deemed essential to keeping open the connection with the spirit world, that
realm that is beyond sensory experience.
The expression
"a newly born baby is the closest a human being will ever get to the
Creator" is reflected in the Cree word for child, awasis, which means
"sacred flame".
Entering the
physical world creates another phenomenon: separation into individual entities,
each with an artificial sense of self.
The Seven
Disciplines that First Nation sages say are the tools necessary to complete
your journey are: fasting, sharing, parenting, learning, teaching, praying, and
meditating.
Praying is entering
into a sacred space where we can focus on communication with the spirit realm.
During the practice
of meditation, a person maintains consciousness while transitioning into
dreaming, a process similar to lucid dreaming.
There are four
dimensions of learning: body, heart, mind, and spirit. Development is a lifelong task.
It was said that in
traditional life children were made aware that they were spiritual beings from
the time they could begin to walk and understand the spoken word.
It is nonsensical
for anyone to fear death because we are all going to die and it is simply the
end of a cycle.
We learn
relationships at four levels: beginning with the Creator; then with the
spiritual universe through ceremonies; then relationships with the natural
universe, including land and animals; and finally in the human world, including
marriage and community relationships.
Our purpose on earth
is to develop an understanding of how to live in harmony with all of Creation.
All created entities
have their own specific consciousness, including stones. The stone plays a special role in medicine
work. The stone is considered special
because of its longevity and unique existence as an entity that does not depend
on other life forms to exist.
Wisdom is knowing
the difference between what is proper and improper and appreciating the
consequences of our actions.
Weaknesses can be
considered gifts, as much can be learned from them.