We will watch a DVD that depicts one man’s vision to promote peace among people of all colour and race and celebrate people’s connection with the land. These are some of the aspects of Aboriginal spirituality. As you watch pay attention to the themes, laws, values, rituals, and other aspects of Aboriginal spirituality.
More about the “Turtle Lodge” can be read in the following website:
http://www.theturtlelodge.com/
Below you find information on Dave Courchene who was the mastermind of the Turtle lodge. This is copied from the following website:
http://www.kalliopeia.org/Events/8thfireinvite.html
Dave Courchene Jr., whose traditional name (Nii Gaani Aki Inini) means “leading earth man” is an Elder and spiritual advisor from the Anishnabe Nation, Eagle Clan.
Descended from a long line of chiefs and leaders of his people, he felt compelled by forces beyond his control to quit his job as an educator and go on a ceremonial expedition of peace around the world.
The DVD chronicles that journey and his vision for The Turtle Lodge. Twenty-five years ago Dave received a dream vision for a Village of Peace. At the heart of the village was a lodge, built in the shape of a turtle.
Around "The Turtle Lodge" were four smaller turtle-shaped lodges in each of the four directions. People of every colour were coming out of these lodges and walking toward the central lodge. Animals (predominantly horses and buffalo), people in a garden, and Elders talking and laughing around a fire were seen. An eagle was circling in the sky above.
Through the vision, the First Nations Elders believe the Great Spirit has given people of all cultures the gift of a lodge of truth, kindness and love, which will bring healing and peace to the world.
The Turtle to Indigenous people is a symbol of truth.
The Turtle Lodge is an indigenous place of learning, healing and sharing for all Peoples. It is based on the Seven Sacred Laws and the Eight Paths of the Medicine Wheel—the ancient values and healing principles of North American indigenous people.
Received through a vision, and founded upon land-based spiritual teachings that bring Balance to Life, the Turtle Lodge was built in 2002 by volunteers in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, Canada.
The Turtle Lodge offers Youth, Adults and Elders the opportunity to come together in a sacred environment for traditional teachings, ceremony, healing, and the sharing of aboriginal perspectives on how to have a Good and Peaceful Life. The Turtle Lodge is a place for sharing our universal and ancient knowledge, and also, a place for sharing among people of all races and nations.
Here below are seven virtues Dave Courchene promotes at the Turtle Lodge. He says that the “First Nations people have survived by following their ancient philosophy of life, since time immemorial. This philosophy helps all living beings to remain connected to the Great Spirit, our Mother the Earth, and to each other.”
The seven virtues, the First Nation People believe, help “to maintain the sacredness of life, and to ensure survival as living beings on this Earth. They remind us that we are all one - we are all connected - regardless of racial, cultural, religious, socio-economic, or political background.”
1. Eagle Symbolizes “Love”
“The First Peoples of Turtle Island (North America) were to always carry out actions in love. To feel true love is to know the Creator. One's first love is to be the Great Spirit. You express love for the Great Spirit by loving yourself and how the Great Spirit made you. Only then can you truly love others. Children are to be loved, for children are gifts from the Great Spirit.”
2. Bear Symbolizes “Courage”
“To have courage is to have the mental and moral strength to listen to the heart. It takes courage to do what is morally right. First Nations people were told to be proud of who they are and never to deny the way of life the Great Spirit gave to them.”
3. Beaver Symbolizes “Wisdom”
“To live in wisdom is to know that the Great Spirit gave everyone special gifts. Showing wisdom is using your gifts to build a peaceful and healthy family and community. When we know and use our gifts, we become an instrument of the Great Spirit, helping to bring peace to the world.”
4. Buffalo Symbolizes “Respect”
“First Nations people were told to always respect all life on Mother Earth. To show real respect is to share and give of yourself for the benefit of all life. Respect the Elders from all races of people who uphold the sacred teachings of the Great Spirit.”
5. Sabe (Sasquetch) Symbolizes “Honesty”
“To be honest with yourself is to live in the spirit of how you were created. Never lie or gossip about each other. The more honest you are the bigger you become as a person.”
6. Wolf Symbolizes “Humility”
“Always carry out actions in humility. Think of your family, your fellow human beings and your community before you think of yourself. To know humility is to understand that you are not more or less important than anyone else. Being humble is surrendering to the Great Spirit, who has created and who directs all life.”
7. Turtle Symbolizes “Truth”
“Always seek the truth. The truth lies in spirit. Prayer was to be done every day at sunrise to give thanks to the Great Spirit for the gift of life. Each of the gifts and ceremonies were given by the Great Spirit to the Original human beings to help them find the truth and the true meaning of their life on Earth. Living the truth is living the Seven Sacred Teachings, living from the heart.”
Questions to Explore:
1. What lessons do you learn about “aboriginal spirituality” as you explored the vision of Dave Courchene Jr.?
2. List and explain the seven basic virtues promoted among the Anishnabe Nation.
More about the “Turtle Lodge” can be read in the following website:
http://www.theturtlelodge.com/
Below you find information on Dave Courchene who was the mastermind of the Turtle lodge. This is copied from the following website:
http://www.kalliopeia.org/Events/8thfireinvite.html
Dave Courchene Jr., whose traditional name (Nii Gaani Aki Inini) means “leading earth man” is an Elder and spiritual advisor from the Anishnabe Nation, Eagle Clan.
Descended from a long line of chiefs and leaders of his people, he felt compelled by forces beyond his control to quit his job as an educator and go on a ceremonial expedition of peace around the world.
The DVD chronicles that journey and his vision for The Turtle Lodge. Twenty-five years ago Dave received a dream vision for a Village of Peace. At the heart of the village was a lodge, built in the shape of a turtle.
Around "The Turtle Lodge" were four smaller turtle-shaped lodges in each of the four directions. People of every colour were coming out of these lodges and walking toward the central lodge. Animals (predominantly horses and buffalo), people in a garden, and Elders talking and laughing around a fire were seen. An eagle was circling in the sky above.
Through the vision, the First Nations Elders believe the Great Spirit has given people of all cultures the gift of a lodge of truth, kindness and love, which will bring healing and peace to the world.
The Turtle to Indigenous people is a symbol of truth.
The Turtle Lodge is an indigenous place of learning, healing and sharing for all Peoples. It is based on the Seven Sacred Laws and the Eight Paths of the Medicine Wheel—the ancient values and healing principles of North American indigenous people.
Received through a vision, and founded upon land-based spiritual teachings that bring Balance to Life, the Turtle Lodge was built in 2002 by volunteers in Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba, Canada.
The Turtle Lodge offers Youth, Adults and Elders the opportunity to come together in a sacred environment for traditional teachings, ceremony, healing, and the sharing of aboriginal perspectives on how to have a Good and Peaceful Life. The Turtle Lodge is a place for sharing our universal and ancient knowledge, and also, a place for sharing among people of all races and nations.
Here below are seven virtues Dave Courchene promotes at the Turtle Lodge. He says that the “First Nations people have survived by following their ancient philosophy of life, since time immemorial. This philosophy helps all living beings to remain connected to the Great Spirit, our Mother the Earth, and to each other.”
The seven virtues, the First Nation People believe, help “to maintain the sacredness of life, and to ensure survival as living beings on this Earth. They remind us that we are all one - we are all connected - regardless of racial, cultural, religious, socio-economic, or political background.”
1. Eagle Symbolizes “Love”
“The First Peoples of Turtle Island (North America) were to always carry out actions in love. To feel true love is to know the Creator. One's first love is to be the Great Spirit. You express love for the Great Spirit by loving yourself and how the Great Spirit made you. Only then can you truly love others. Children are to be loved, for children are gifts from the Great Spirit.”
2. Bear Symbolizes “Courage”
“To have courage is to have the mental and moral strength to listen to the heart. It takes courage to do what is morally right. First Nations people were told to be proud of who they are and never to deny the way of life the Great Spirit gave to them.”
3. Beaver Symbolizes “Wisdom”
“To live in wisdom is to know that the Great Spirit gave everyone special gifts. Showing wisdom is using your gifts to build a peaceful and healthy family and community. When we know and use our gifts, we become an instrument of the Great Spirit, helping to bring peace to the world.”
4. Buffalo Symbolizes “Respect”
“First Nations people were told to always respect all life on Mother Earth. To show real respect is to share and give of yourself for the benefit of all life. Respect the Elders from all races of people who uphold the sacred teachings of the Great Spirit.”
5. Sabe (Sasquetch) Symbolizes “Honesty”
“To be honest with yourself is to live in the spirit of how you were created. Never lie or gossip about each other. The more honest you are the bigger you become as a person.”
6. Wolf Symbolizes “Humility”
“Always carry out actions in humility. Think of your family, your fellow human beings and your community before you think of yourself. To know humility is to understand that you are not more or less important than anyone else. Being humble is surrendering to the Great Spirit, who has created and who directs all life.”
7. Turtle Symbolizes “Truth”
“Always seek the truth. The truth lies in spirit. Prayer was to be done every day at sunrise to give thanks to the Great Spirit for the gift of life. Each of the gifts and ceremonies were given by the Great Spirit to the Original human beings to help them find the truth and the true meaning of their life on Earth. Living the truth is living the Seven Sacred Teachings, living from the heart.”
Questions to Explore:
1. What lessons do you learn about “aboriginal spirituality” as you explored the vision of Dave Courchene Jr.?
2. List and explain the seven basic virtues promoted among the Anishnabe Nation.
3. What are some of the main features of the First Nation Spirituality? Discuss.
