Strengths
Spiritualism
Native Americans are very spiritual. They believe each person's spirit was assigned to a particular animal and their spirit is absorbed into this animal in death. The animals, which were spirits of their loved ones were carved into totem poles when they passed away.
Elders
Elders hold a special place in Native society. They are the carriers of the memories and life experiences within the community. In the Native gatherings Elder's eat first, while the young wait their turn. They can often be seen at the center of a group sharing knowledge and wisdom to youth.
The Seventh Generation Principle
The Seventh Generation Principle is a universal belief and idea many Native Americans follow, which says to make decisions about how you live your life today, based on how your decisions will impact the future seven generations. We must take good care of our earth for not only ourselves, but for those who will inherit the earth from us. This common practiced value is found in the Iroquois Great Law of Peace.
"Walking Softly on the Earth"
Similar to the Seventh Generation Principle, an ancient Indigenous belief is that we must live in respectful balance with ALL life. We must understand our relationship to all aspects of life and do our best to live balanced. This means before one engages in potentially harmful activities, to regard the long-term effects it may have on our land, water, air, animals, and plants, and act accordingly.
Positive Coping Skills & Resiliency
The ability to be resilient in difficult times has allowed the individual, family, community, and tribe to survive and provide for its members and move forward, despite difficulties.
The Extended Family
The family, clan relationships, extended family and other relatives are responsible for helping cope with distressful circumstances. Everyone comes together in times of crisis and stress to support each other.
Cultural Rituals
Cultural rituals assisted many Native Americans through the healing process.
Smudging
Purifying an individual and/or room with the smoke of sacred herbs. It is done to clear negative energy from a space. The apparent benefits are backed by science- when the herbs are burned, they release negative ions, which has been linked through research to a more positive mood.
Dance
Native American dance is a reflection of the tribe’s heritage and personal style. The graceful rhythm of the dancers and the traditional clothing that they wear embody their tribal affiliation and ancestry.
Sweat Lodges
A handmade dome structure made of flexible willow branches and covered with blankets and canvas. Inside, there is a rock pit and everyone sits around it. The leader of the ceremony makes steam by pouring water over the heated stones. The ceremonies held consist of prayer circle, healing circle, a transformation of the old self into the new self, purification and balance of mind, body, spirit, and emotion.
Spiritualism
Native Americans are very spiritual. They believe each person's spirit was assigned to a particular animal and their spirit is absorbed into this animal in death. The animals, which were spirits of their loved ones were carved into totem poles when they passed away.
Elders
Elders hold a special place in Native society. They are the carriers of the memories and life experiences within the community. In the Native gatherings Elder's eat first, while the young wait their turn. They can often be seen at the center of a group sharing knowledge and wisdom to youth.
The Seventh Generation Principle
The Seventh Generation Principle is a universal belief and idea many Native Americans follow, which says to make decisions about how you live your life today, based on how your decisions will impact the future seven generations. We must take good care of our earth for not only ourselves, but for those who will inherit the earth from us. This common practiced value is found in the Iroquois Great Law of Peace.
"Walking Softly on the Earth"
Similar to the Seventh Generation Principle, an ancient Indigenous belief is that we must live in respectful balance with ALL life. We must understand our relationship to all aspects of life and do our best to live balanced. This means before one engages in potentially harmful activities, to regard the long-term effects it may have on our land, water, air, animals, and plants, and act accordingly.
Positive Coping Skills & Resiliency
The ability to be resilient in difficult times has allowed the individual, family, community, and tribe to survive and provide for its members and move forward, despite difficulties.
The Extended Family
The family, clan relationships, extended family and other relatives are responsible for helping cope with distressful circumstances. Everyone comes together in times of crisis and stress to support each other.
Cultural Rituals
Cultural rituals assisted many Native Americans through the healing process.
Smudging
Purifying an individual and/or room with the smoke of sacred herbs. It is done to clear negative energy from a space. The apparent benefits are backed by science- when the herbs are burned, they release negative ions, which has been linked through research to a more positive mood.
Dance
Native American dance is a reflection of the tribe’s heritage and personal style. The graceful rhythm of the dancers and the traditional clothing that they wear embody their tribal affiliation and ancestry.
Sweat Lodges
A handmade dome structure made of flexible willow branches and covered with blankets and canvas. Inside, there is a rock pit and everyone sits around it. The leader of the ceremony makes steam by pouring water over the heated stones. The ceremonies held consist of prayer circle, healing circle, a transformation of the old self into the new self, purification and balance of mind, body, spirit, and emotion.
References
1. Charleyboy, L. (2012). The Ancient Art of Smudging. Retrieved December 7, 2015, from http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/ancient-art-smudging
2. Goodluck, C., & Willeto, A. (2009). Retrieved December 6, 2015, from http://www.aecf.org/m/resourcedoc/aecf-howfamiliessurviveindianandalaskan-2009.pdf#page=3
3. Skousen, T. (n.d.). Native American Resilience. Retrieved December 8, 2015, from http://www.resilitator.com/pdf/NativeAmericanResilience_TSkousen.pdf
4. (2011). Retrieved December 8, 2015, from http://www.shinzen.org/Articles/Sweat_Lodge_Orientation.pdf