The Eagle Feather

An Eagle Feather is a possession representing great honour.In times past a member of the First Nations People had to attain their own feather from the nest of an eagle. This was quite an accomplishment as eagles protect their nests and attack any intruders with their beaks and talons.Today, the eagle feather is still a statement of great honour. An eagle feather cannot be bought. It is a gift presented to someone who is considered a person of great honour.This is Ron Boyer’s eagle feather.

The Sacred Pipe

Sometimes mistakenly called a “Peace Pipe”, it is a Ceremonial Pipe used to confirm agreements (some of which may have been peace treaties).When the pipe was smoked, those involved sat in a circle of equals. They each drew the smoke from the same source, which symbolized their alignment and their agreement on an issue.The pipe was passed from the left hand of one to the right hand of another, thus symbolizing their commitment to each other. Handing the pipe from one open hand to another demonstrated that there was no hidden weapon and that all parties were equal and safe.The smoke rose to the Great Spirit who accepted and confirmed the agreement and the commitment they made to each other during this formal ceremony.

The Medicine Wheel

The Medicine Wheel is circular, as it represents that life goes around. It also represents that life is balanced.It is divided into quarters, each one of a different colour. Examined clockwise, the colours are:

Black Autumn – dyingWhite Winter – purificationYellow Spring – sunlight – new life - eastRed Summer

It also represents the stages of life: infancy, pre-teen, young adult, and the mature adult who attains wisdom.

The Dream Catcher

A dream catcher is a special object in the Ojibwa nation that has spread to other tribes among the First Nations Peoples. It is made by hand. Strands of sinew are tied loosely around a round hoop made of willow, forming a net or web. It is usually decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers and beads.Hung above a bed, it protects a person from bad dreams. The sinews catch the bad dreams and the spaces in the web allow the good dreams get through and slide down the feathers to the one who is asleep.

Sweet Grass

Sweet Grass is important in the ceremonies of the Six Nations Native Peoples.It is used for the purification smudging ceremonies, and for the ceremonies of the Four Directions.When the grass is lit, the burning ember gives off a sweet smoke. During a smudging ceremony, a person uses his or her hands to direct the smoke gradually all over his or her body. This simulated washing purifies not just the person’s external body, but his or her inner spirit as well. A Ceremony of the Four Directions honours nature and all living things.

“Our Father” in Mohawk

The “Our Father” otherwise called “The Lord’s Prayer” is found in the Christian Scriptures and attributed to Jesus in response to his disciples’ request, “Teach us to pray”.This text of the “Our Father”, written in Mohawk, is found hanging from the lectern in St. Francis Xavier Church in Kahnawke.The “Our Father” in English reads:

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. Amen”.