Canadian Aboriginal Student Design Expression
What is Canadian Aboriginal Spirituality?
Indigenous Canadians originated in all provinces throughout the nation . Each culture had its own religious customs and traditions. In spite of their differences, most Canadian aborigines shared spiritual beliefs founded on Animism, the faith in a spiritual dimension that interrelates with the physical world. In native Canadian cultures, shamans often played an important role, acting as spiritual intercessors. First Nation, Métis and Inuit religions are the three main groups of which all Canadian religious tribes branch from; They can vary greatly and are made up of complex social and cultural customs for addressing the sacred and the supernatural. The influence of Christianity through settlers, missionaries and government policy significantly changed life for aboriginal peoples. In some communities, this resulted in crossbred religious practices; while in others, European religion replaced traditional spiritual practices entirely. Though historically suppressed by colonial administrators and missionaries, especially from the late 19th to mid 20th centuries , many contemporary aboriginal communities have revived, or continue to practice traditional spirituality.
There is no definitive and overarching "aboriginal religion". Traditional aboriginal religions vary widely, as do the spiritual practices of contemporary aboriginal peoples of Canada.
What is its Purpose?
Canadian Aboriginal Spirituality is the philosophical basis of a culturally derived and holistic concept of “personhood,” the nature of relationships to others and to the natural world and the core of Indigenous Knowledge's for the country and the people. It is crucial for applications in academic research and all areas of Aboriginal and Canadian development. It is defined by privileging the voices of Aboriginal people, demonstrating how Aboriginal spirituality is exemplified in everyday life and cultural expression. Indigenous knowledge's have informed ways of being, and thus well-being, since before the time of colonization, when subsequently demeaned and devalued. As well as informing about appropriate ways of living with country and other people, Aboriginal knowledge's stand in particular relationship of critical dialogue with introduced knowledge's, sometimes oppressive, thus providing an important position from which to develop new ways forward. Like any other religion, Canadian Aboriginal Spirituality is a group for the Canadian peoples to belong to, to express their traditions and beliefs.