Lesson 1: The Medicine Wheel – Our Way of Thinking
Outcome:
I2 Students will be expected to explore traditional Mi’kmaq beliefs as represented in the Medicine Wheel and anticipate the ways in which the circle concept can guide their studies of First Nations peoples.
S1. Students will be expected to explore the sources of the harmony and balance that characterized pre-contact Mi’kmaq society.
Materials:
The Sacred Circle PPT
The Sacred Circle PDF
The Medicine Wheel Our Way of Thinking
Procedure:
Review PowerPoint with students in conjunction with the Sacred Circle handout.
Give students the Medicine Wheel our way of thinking and review with students. Allow time to stop and review the reflection questions.
Review the medicine wheel and how to use it with students.
Give time for students to complete formative assessment and hand in.
B. The Medicine Wheel: Our Way of ThinkingSpecific Curriculum Outcome:
Students will be expected to explore the traditional Mi’kmaq beliefs as represented in the Medicine Wheel and anticipate the ways in which the circle concept can guide their studies of First Nations peoples.
S1. Students will be expected to explore the sources of the harmony and balance that characterized pre-contact Mi’kmaq society.
What is the Medicine Wheel?
The Medicine Wheel is an artefact that to many people would resemble a similar shape to a dream catcher but carries a very different meaning. The Mi’kmaq people have certain symbols that represent their belief system and worldview (the way they look at the world). The circle is a powerful symbol for the Mi’kmaq as it represents their way of thinking. To the Mi’kmaq the circle represents the wholeness and interconnectedness of all living things; in other words, how all living and non-living things continually interact and impact each other. This holistic world view is represented by the Medicine Wheel. A holistic worldview refers to the Mi’kmaq strong beliefs that you have to view the world around you with an open mind and look behind specific actions or what is in front of you; see the ‘bigger picture’.
Not only does the Medicine Wheel represent the Mi’kmaq way of thinking. It also symbolizes life experiences and the life journey.
Reflection Questions: (respond in space provided)In your life, have you ever felt that you don’t know where to turn or a time when you felt confused?
(Yes or No is an acceptable response; if you wish to briefly explain this moment you may do so. The idea with this question is to get you to think of your life experiences and in turn, it will help you to gain a deeper understanding of the Medicine Wheel and its significance to the Mi’kmaq.
How do you cope with these situations? Do you go to someone or something? For some people they feel they need to talk to someone to help sort out their feelings but for some people items or artefacts are important such as an online game to help gain perspective, a bible, or a stuffed necklace.
The Medicine Wheel contains several parts to it, each with their own meaning. Below is a table and descriptions that outlines the parts and their meanings.
DIRECTION / COLOUR / GUIDE / MEDICINE / ELEMENT / SEASON / LIFE STAGEEast / White / Eagle / Sweet
Grass / Water / Spring / Infant
South / Yellow / Thunder
Bird / Sage / Fire / Summer / Adult
Woman
West / Red / Black
Bear / Cedar / Earth / Fall / Elder
North / Black / White
Bear / Fungus / Air / Winter / Adult
Man
DIRECTION:
The Medicine Wheel is based on the four directions: East, South, West, North. The Mi’kmaq honor these directions quite often during spiritual ceremonies. They encompass all parts of the world. Just as the sun rises in the East, the Mi’kmaq believe that it is in the East direction where life begins and then moves in a clockwise direction.
COLOUR:
The four colors: white, yellow, red, and black represent the four races of man.
GUIDE:
The Mi’kmaq call on the spirit animal for help in the area of life they feel weak in.
Eagle – “ultimate wisdom”; provides clarity, perception, knowledge, understanding.
Thunder Bird – “warrior”; provides courage.
Black Bear – “strength”
White Bear – “serenity”; provides calming feelings.
MEDICINE:
The Mi’kmaq used various plants found in nature to help treat ailments (health issues).
Sweet Grass – treats headaches, dizziness, promotes clear thinking
Sage – treats emotional conditions; such as depression, anxiety, anger
Cedar – treats digestive issues (nausea, diarrhea, flu, etc.)
Fungus – treats infections (think of Penicillin: it is used to find infection and it is a mold/fungus)
ELEMENT: Water, Fire, Earth and Air are the four elements of life. Each represents an emotion. The element represents how you are feeling ‘now.’
Water = “I feel calm”
Fire = “ I am very angry” (being a little annoyed doesn’t classify as ‘fire’)
Earth = “ I feel anchored; like I am exactly where I should be in my life right now.”
Air = “I feel light and happy.”
SEASON:
The seasons represent the journey of life. Spring is in the east – representing the beginning of a new year but also ties into the beginning of life (see Directions above). The Mi’kmaq believe that as one moves through their life they move from season to season. As one moves through the seasons, he/she develops skills, values, responsibilities and maturity. The seasons often are used to identify the amount of personal growth one has gained. An individual who would fall under Spring is seen as one who does not demonstrate much independence, responsibility or maturity while an someone who falls under Winter has obtained the skills, values, responsibilities and maturity to live their life to the fullest.
LIFE STAGE:
Each direction on the Medicine Wheel represents a life stage. East is infancy, South is Adult Woman, West is Elder, and North is Adult Man.
You may at times have experienced feelings that you are exactly where you should be in life, or feelings that you are on the wrong path and need help to find direction; the medicine wheel is a tool to help guide you towards peace with oneself and peace with your surroundings. Our stay at the center may vary as we move through life and branch out to different paths of the Medicine wheel. When we branch out to different paths and move away from the center we allow ourselves to learn new things. Life’s ups and downs are all times when we are walking a path of discovery. We learn from each of our experiences and it shapes who we are. By finding who we are and learning from our experiences we help ourselves to become whole, balanced and in harmony with life.
The Medicine Wheel – Comprehension Questions (FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT)
1. What does interconnectedness mean?
2. What is the significance of the circle to the Mi’kmaq people? Explain how it relates to their view of interconnectedness
3. The Mi’kmaq people are very resourceful. When they hunt they use every part of the animal for food, shelter and clothing. They do not waste any of an animal, and only hunt what is necessary for survival. How does this lifestyle follow the belief of interconnectedness?
4. What is meant by a “Mi’kmaq holistic world view?”
5. What is the significance of the four directions? In which direction does one begin their life journey? Why?
6. Looking at the table and description of Seasons, what is their correct order and related direction?
7. What is a spirit animal? What is their purpose?
8. From this reading, provide another piece of evidence that proves the Mi’kmaq were very connected to the land.
Lesson 2: The Medicine Wheel: Our Way of Thinking
Outcomes:
I2 Students will be expected to explore traditional Mi’kmaq beliefs as represented in the Medicine Wheel and anticipate the ways in which the circle concept can guide their studies of First Nations peoples.
S1. Students will be expected to explore the sources of the harmony and balance that characterized pre-contact Mi’kmaq society.
Materials:
Critique of the Medicine Wheel
Summative of the Medicine Wheel (In Class Assessment)
Procedure:
Ask students if the Medicine Wheel seems like an element of native spirituality they could incorporate into their lives. Why/Why not.
Give students a copy of the article a critique of the Medicine Wheel and review with students. Ask if this changes their perspectives.
The Medicine Wheel: Our Way of ThinkingSummative Assessment
Outcomes / Indicators of Mastery / /4
I2. Students will be expected to explore the traditional Mi’kmaq beliefs as represented in the Medicine Wheel and anticipate the ways in which the circle concept can guide their studies of First Nations peoples. / · Identify teachings of the Medicine Wheel
· Explore the many different ways these teachings may enrich a person’s understanding.
S1. Students will be expected to explore the sources of the harmony and balance that characterized pre-contact Mi’kmaq society. / · Approach the exploration of Mi’kmaq spirituality in an open and respectful manner.
· Identify elements of spirituality, including beliefs, rituals, symbols, sacred places, and ethical codes.
· Identify beliefs, values, and customs of traditional Mi’kmaq spirituality.
· Demonstrate an appreciation for the way in which Native people live their spirituality.
· Demonstrate an understanding of the role elders and oral traditions play in keeping spiritual knowledge alive.
Now that you are familiar with the workings and symbolism of the Medicine Wheel you will now work with one. Provided to you is a blank Medicine Wheel. Follow the directions below to complete this formal assessment.
PART A. USING THE WHEEL
1. Color each “bead” (or circle) the appropriate color for each direction of the medicine wheel. Refer to the table in this booklet.
2. Beside each colored bead/circle write the correct direction.
3. Draw a symbol for each season at the appropriate direction.
4. Draw a symbol to represent each element and place in the medicine wheel.
5. Color the remaining of the Medicine Wheel using the colored pencils provided. Feel free to get creative!
6. The Medicine Wheel relates well to the Mi’kmaq world view, their spirituality and is seen as a tool to help one through life’s ups and downs. Follow the directions below to practice using the wheel and complete the related reflection.
a. Refer back to the “GUIDE” description. Which area in your life do you feel you need help/support in? ______. Which spirit animal does this relate to? ______. Turn your medicine wheel so that the direction corresponding with your spirit animal points to you (downwards). This symbolizes being close to the earth and the creator. To complete the working of the wheel as the Mi’kmaq do, ask for the spirit animal to bring you what you need. This was and remains a common process among First Nations people.
b. Is there any ailments/illness that you commonly experience? Such as headaches, stress, or anxiety? Refer back to the “MEDICINE” description. Which medicine do you think could help you? ______. Follow the same process as in question 3a.
c. Refer back to the “ELEMENT” description. Which emotion are you currently feeling the most? ______. Which element does this relate to? ______.
d. What stage of life are you currently at? Which direction does this correspond to?
REFLECTION
Consider and answer the following questions about the Medicine Wheel. As you do, think about the information as well as your manipulation of the wheel. Answer the questions honestly and carefully. If you think this experience was not helpful – let me know but please make sure you include reasons for your statements.
1. Was this a useful experience for you? Explain.
2. Would you use the medicine wheel in the future?
3. How did you find the experience of manipulating the medicine yourself?
4. After you worked with the wheel what did you learn about yourself?
5. How does the medicine wheel work?
6. How will you use this information to think about your life? (directions, colour, spirit animal, time).
7. If you could write two sentences about the spirituality of the Mi’kmaq, what would you say?
· Could the number of questions have anything to do with the medicine wheel?