Thunderbird House Totem Pole in Stanley Park, Vancouver
Aboriginal peoples in Canada live in diverse environments, and have a great variety of rituals, symbols, and practices; however despite their great diversity, Aboriginal peoples share a lot the same world-views of many other Indigenous people in other parts of the world.
GODS
Canadian Aboriginals didn't believe in a 'god' but in a higher power called a Shaman or Angakut. The term 'Shaman' is often used by anthropologists to refer to Aboriginal healers. In Canada, Shamans are simply seen as 'the powerful one', an important spirit guide who is in ways their god. Shamans are also often called upon or prayed to during different rituals or festivals of the aboriginal peoples.
A Deity is similar to a Shaman, but of a lower position in a hierachy. Dieties are often seen having a 'dual divinity', they are a creator who is responsible for the creation of the world and like the Shaman is recognized in rituals and prayers, and is also a mythical individual, a hero or trickster. They teach culture, proper behavior and provide sustenance to the tribe. Some important deities were Thunderer and the Three Sisters, the spirits of Maize, Beans, and Squash.
There are also spirits which control the weather, spirits which interact with humans, and others who inhabit the underworld. Simultaneously the Creator and the spirits may be perceived as a single spiritual force.
SYMBOLS
The Aboriginal Canadians have many different signs and symbols, that show meaning for many aspects of their lives. These symbols can stand for words or entire stories, and can help you learn a lot about the ways in which the people live, and follow out their beliefs. Aboriginal symbols are geometric portrayals of celestial bodies, natural phenomena and animal designs; Bird and animal totems, are believed to represent the physical form of a spirit guide or helper.
The circle symbol is used a basis for many Aboriginal Canadian symbols; these can often include the cycle of the seasons, the cycle of life to death to rebirth, the four elements, the four great primary forces, control over forces and the sun, as well as many more. Below are the symbols of the four elements, air, fire, water and earth.
The origin of the Thunderbird symbol derives from the ancient Mississippian culture of the Mound Builders of North America, and soon found it's way to the peoples of Canada. The Thunderbird is a very common symbol to be found at the tops of totem poles throughout Canada. Some tribes viewed the symbol as an 'omen of war' when the sound of thunder was heard. Thunder was believed to be a sign the spirits were at war in the skies and that this also foretold of victory for tribal wars fought on the ground. It was often believed that the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wind, and that it could shoot lightning from its eyes. The Thunderbird can often be seen as a symbol of power or victory.
'Turtle Island' is a common name used by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people for the land of Canada and North America; this is because in many versions of the creation stories, the Earth was formed on the back of a turtle, usually known in stories as 'The Great Turtle'. The turtle is usually found as a symbol of creation, however some people also view it as the creator. It represents 'mother earth' and signifies good health and long life, and it's hard shell represents perseverance and protection.