There is a vast variety of religions followed by the First Nations as each tribe and nation has a different set of culture, legends and traditions. The religions evolved from animism and anthropomorphism philosophies. The First Nations believed that everything in nature including the Earth, Sun, Moon, water, animals and trees are living being and are imbued with spirits.
For all the First Nations, the eagle is the most respected creature.
The eagle is often depicted as Thunderbird, which is believed to be a messenger of the Creator. Many First Nation people consider the ‘circle’ to be very important, as the sun and moon are also circular. Numerous First Nation objects like drums, tipis, wigwams are also in circular in shape. Even today the meetings of First Nation people are held sitting in a circle. Also, prayers are begun with people holding hands while standing in a circle.
Many festivals were celebrated by the First Nations, some of which still exist today. The Sun Dance is a very popular festival celebrated by the Aboriginals of the Great Plains. The Aboriginals consider the Sun as ‘giver of life’ and respect it immensely. The Sun Dance which is called as thirst Dance by the plains Cree, Rain Dance by the Ojibway and Medicine Dance by some tribes, lasts for eight to sixteen days. Song, dances, music, prayers, fasts, tobacco offering, skin piercing on the chest, back or arms are all part of the Sun Dance.
Another festival called as Morning Dance is celebrated by the Ojibwas. Also known as Wabeno, an elder male leads the dance and plays drum around a tree. The Aboriginals fast and dance around the tree from dawn to noon. The people worship the tree for providing food and shelter. A big feast is served in the afternoon after the ceremony. In the Northwest coast, the Potlatch ceremony is celebrated to dance, sing songs, distribute wealth and have a feast. The ceremony is celebrated for events marriage, naming of heirs or other important community events.
Shaking Tent is another ritual that is performed by the Aboriginals to celebrate their belief to their relationship with life. The festival is always performed at night. Circle is formed by digging poles in the soil and spirits are allowed to enter it. The Sweat lodge or Purification ceremony is also an important ceremony of the First Nations. It is a ceremonial sauna, performed in a hut or hole dug in the ground with stones heated and placed in a pit in the ground.
Many such festivals are significant for the Aboriginals to strengthen their belief in the religion they follow. Nature and living beings have always influenced the First Nations and their religions.
