Unit 1

Early Canada

Values are morals or standards by which we live. They determine the kind of people we are and the kind of society in which we live.

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Many First Nations cultures share core values relating to their relationships with the Creator, the natural world, other people, and themselves.

These beliefs were passed from generation to generation through traditional teachings. These teachings helped explain the relationships among plants, animals, land, people, and the spirit world.

The Elders of the First Nations peoples were held in high regard. They were the keepers of tradition, and they passed their knowledge, histories, customs, and traditions to the youth through oral storytelling -- from one generation to the next. The Elders also served, and still serve, as role models to youth.

Various Aboriginal societies have various traditional teachings about creation. Each group has its own ideas, world view, language, spiritual beliefs, government, and way of life.

1. Read pages 8 and 9 in your textbook.
   
2. Read a translation of the Mi’kmaq creation story at the top of page 9 in your textbook.