Module 3, Lecture 1

Front 1

Egalitarian as it relates to First Nations

Back 1

decision making took place by consensus and Chiefs generally had influence and status because of their generosity, wisdom, hunting skills etc {rather than actual power over their people}. The type of leadership exercised was situational and time limited for purposes of hunting, raiding, healing and religious ceremonies. In addition to Civilauthority (Civil Chiefs), there was also military authority (Warrior Chief). Generally, military leaders were subject to the authority of Civil Chief. However, in times of conflict the Warrior Chief would become the main leader and his authority would supercede the authority of the Civil Chief.

Front 2

Kinship as “active force”

Back 2

kinship is thought of more as an active force – the act of relating (dictating how others are to be treated). Kinship foundation of law and orderand social harmony. Does not have to be blood relative to be kin, connection to non-humans as well. Kinship connections included not just biological “relations” but “relations” as identified by cultural beliefs and worldview.

Front 3

“Band”

Back 3

An ethnographic understanding of the term band was culturally based (before the Indian Act and legal definitions that inform our contemporary understanding of “Band”). The three elements that define band include the following:The band is a kin group and, after the family, is the basic social and political unit.Bands ranged in size from 50 –1000 people but they were a closely knit community – relatives depended upon each other for survival.Band membership was not rigid; membership was fluid because individuals exercised their autonomy and could change band affiliation.

Front 4

Kinship includes...

Back 4

Kinship connections included not just biological “relations” but “relations” as identified by cultural beliefs and worldview.

- Includes animals

Front 5

Bimaadiziwin

Back 5

- an aspect of Saulteaux worldview

- roughly translated to mean the Good Life, referring to the attainment of a long and healthy life. Bimadiziwin governs human relations – stressing the type of behaviour appropriate between individuals and the manner in which social life is to be conducted. Maintaining healthy lives is seen as a moral act, while immoral actions can bring on illness to you or to your family members. It also covers the relationship with the broader environment. – essentially, it teaches the need for respect for all living things.

- Bimaadiziwin does not exist as a definitive body of law. It is up to the individual to develop an understanding of Bimaadiziwin through careful attention to the teaching wherever it can be found.

Front 6

Kinship and Bimaadiziwin

Back 6

- a central tenet of Bimaadiziwin

- Kinship relations were not only with human beings but with what anthropologists call other than humans such as animals, trees, plants, rocks, sun, moon. Kinship terms are often attached to other the human beings. All of these were considered to possess a soul and could be a source of spirit helpers for human beings. As a result, proper protocol had to be followed when hunting animals; if the animal was disrespected, it may choose to not give itself up to the hunter.

Front 7

Elder Brother Stories

Back 7

The stories of the Elder Brother acted to convey these cultural principles and expectations (Bimaadiziwin ), which were in a manner of respect, (and as referred to above) the “Law of the People.”

Front 8

Purpose of a sun dance

Back 8

marking a transition of young men who had successfully undertaken their vision quests to adulthood. Also, many would participate as part of a vow to achieve some goal, such as a means to heal ailing relatives.

Front 9

Complementarity -

Back 9

refers to the idea that different categories depend on each other for their distinctiveness in order to create a balance and produce the greatest well being for the whole group (comes up in regards to gender roles)

Front 10

Winkte

Back 10

meaning “would be a woman” – crossed gendered. considered to be a bit of a tragedy for males. However, the child was not necessarily held to be responsible as it was believed that these boys had had dreams that had caused them to become winkte. Being a male cross gender individual usually meant that a boy did not perform the roles and expectations of men – such as hunting or going to war. These boys usually dressed and performed the roles of women. Some married men as homosexual relations were recognized and accepted but were not encouraged. Winkte were considered to have obtained spiritual powers that gave them immense artistic abilities as many become known for their quill and bead work– many also become known for their healing powers. So even though becoming a winkte was not highly desired by parents, there was a place for them in most societies.

Front 11

Double Woman

Back 11

women who behaved in a masculine ways. These women, like the winkte, it was believed, dreamed of the Double Woman, which caused them to act with masculine demeanour and to do men’s work. They were also known for being very promiscuous and often lived alone. (Both of which were not proscribed women’s behaviours). They were seen, like the winkte, as being extraordinary proficient at quill and beadwork and as possessing power to cast spells on men and seduce them. Also like winkte they were considered to be holy – some had become known as respected healers.

Front 12

Worthy young man

Back 12

A young man who became known as a brave fighter and a daring raider came to be called a Worthy Young Man. The old men of the band were usually the first to refer to a man by this title to anyone who had accomplished brave deeds in warfare.

Front 13

Warriors

Back 13

For the Plains Cree, a man became a Warrior when he was formally invited to sit in the Warrior's lodge and to participate in the dances. Warriors were on a higher prestige level than the Worthy Young Men. In practice, however, most Worthy Young Men were soon asked to join the society.

Front 14

Warrior Ethic

Back 14

Typically men, though occasionally women as well, adhered to the Warrior Ethic as a means to gain prestige and status. Warriors had to demonstrate certain characteristics, such as bravery and generosity. The main responsibilities of the warriors were to police the buffalo hunt, to protect the band from enemies, and to accumulate and distribute wealth. In other words the Warriors’ task was to ensure the well being of the community.