Spirits

According to many Indigenous peoples’ beliefs, every person, animal, plant and object is inhabited by a spirit. This is called Animism – Animisme or an animist religion. Over the course of their lives, people come into contact with many spirits and it is very important for them to have a harmonious relationship with the spirits around them. In this sort of religion, life continues after death. When a person dies, his or her spirit will join the other people, animals and plants that already belong to the spirit world.

Shamans

Every Nation had at least one Shaman- Chaman . A  Shaman- Chaman is an expert on the spirit world. Through the rituals he performs, he can come into contact with the spirits and acquire great power. According to some Indigenous peoples’ beliefs, a shaman is able to prevent illness and suggest remedies to those who are sick. Some shamans specialize in certain areas such as finding missing persons or objects, or finding game for hunting.

Shaman performing healing ritual
Musical instrument made of turtle shell
Turtle Rattles made by the Haudenosaunee

Author: Service national du Récit de l’univers social

 

See also:
Mohawk Creation Story audio version here 

 

Important concepts and big ideas:

Animism – Animisme

Indigenous Spirituality – Spiritualité indigène
Shaman- Chaman
Spirituality – Spiritualité

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