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Indigenous Chaplaincy Resources

  • Writer: Yvonne Aburrow
    Yvonne Aburrow
  • 6 days ago
  • 5 min read

About Indigenous Traditions

  • There are many Indigenous Peoples in Canada with different cultures and languages.

  • In the Grand River region, the main Indigenous groups are Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Métis.

  • Some follow the traditional Indigenous spirituality of their culture, some belong to other religions or none.

  • This page is about Indigenous spiritualities.


These worldviews are deeply embedded in cultural practices and laws that frame community living. Ceremony plays a central role in expressing gratitude and respect for the land and all its creatures, which is a refreshing take amidst the hustle and bustle of modern policy discussions. You see, Indigenous traditions remind us that spirituality isn’t just about candles and quiet thoughts; it’s about bouncing back to the natural world and making sure we’re protecting it for future generations.

~ Dashayne Morin, in PowWow Times


First Nations

  • Cultural protocols vary among different Indigenous communities; it is

    important to be mindful that each family and community have their own

    end-of-life protocols. These protocols may include smudging, ceremony, prayer, song, and food.

  • The focus of many Indigenous end-of-life rituals is healing the spirit and

    preparing it for its journey to the spirit world, where they return to be with the

    Creator.

  • Often there is one family member who coordinates events, contacts elders,

    advises family on steps to take, and communicates with the wider community

  • Patients may request family is present as death approaches and may request to

    see an elder for spiritual guidance.

  • Elders are important figures in the community who provide spiritual

    guidance from birth to death. They are leaders of ceremonies and the most

    knowledgeable about protocols and traditions in their community.

  • Families may request a private room where ceremonies can take place.

  • Many see death as a natural part of life and see it as the completion of the life

    cycle.


Métis

Métis people have a background of both Indigenous and European descent. Because of their European background they may practice Roman Catholic death customs.


Inuit

  • Inuit are Indigenous people, the majority of whom reside in northern Canada

  • Traditional Inuit beliefs are based on animism, all beings and objects have a spirit.

  • Believing to die is to cross the boundary between the physical and spiritual world.

  • It is an Inuit tradition to be buried where you were born. Funeral rites differ between geographical locations.


Overview


Indigenous resources

  • Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre's (SOAHAC) Improving access to, and the quality of, health services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in the spirit of partnership, mutual respect and sharing; providing innovative, Indigenous-informed health care to First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities in southwestern Ontario.

  • The Healing of the Seven Generations (Waterloo region) Helping to overcome the intergenerational effects of the residential school system through the use of traditional ceremonies and teachings, and facilitating teachings that help individuals develop greater self-acceptance and understanding of themselves as an Indigenous person; developing programs and community training sessions to enhance existing programs and services so they are more culturally accessible.

  • Indigenous spiritual practices - Ontario Human Rights Commission

    Indigenous peoples practice diverse spiritual traditions in Ontario, reflecting the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Ontario and Canada.


The Anishinaabe Nation flag
The Anishinaabe Nation flag

Anishinaabe Resources & Organizations

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy flag
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy flag

Haudenosaunee Resources

  • Ceremonies - Haudenosaunee Confederacy

    The Haudenosaunee have 13 ceremonies throughout the year representing the 13 moons throughout the year.

  • History and culture - Haudenosaunee Confederacy

    Haudenosaunee spirituality is seen through expressions of thanks for all we have and hope to have, which is shared among the nations. Throughout every ceremony there is a respect for each living thing and thanks is given out of respect for all that has been received.

  • Kanyen'kehà:ka - Cultural Survival

    Kanyen'kehà:ka (Mohawk) religion stresses the sacred relationship among human beings, animals, and the rest of creation.

  • History & Culture - Haudenosaunee Traditions - Cayuga Nation

    Discover the Cayuga Nation's rich history and culture, from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy to longhouse traditions, ceremonies, and clans.

  • Beliefs & Traditions - Oneida Indian Nation

    One of the founding members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Oneidas have many beliefs and traditions that have stood the test of time – devotion to their homelands, commitment to collaboration and respect for the gifts of the Creator.

  • Culture – Onondaga Nation

    Like most Indigenous people, the Onondaga and the Haudenosaunee culture are based on their relationship with nature.

  • Longhouse Religion - EBSCO Research

    Despite historical and ongoing challenges, the Longhouse Religion plays a crucial role in preserving Haudenosaunee culture and spirituality, with active participation among many Seneca and Iroquois individuals across regions, including New York and parts of Canada.

  • Handsome Lake Religion - The Canadian Encyclopedia

    The Handsome Lake Religion is a religion practised by some Haudenosaunee communities in Canada and the US. Its members are known as "the Longhouse people" because ceremonies are held in a longhouse.


Dust Fan Belt: This belt symbolizes the Tree of Peace and is used to explain the Great Law.
Dust Fan Belt: This belt symbolizes the Tree of Peace and is used to explain the Great Law.

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