FOUR DIRECTIONS LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Elder |
Reg Crowshoe, Geoff Crow Eagle, Maria Crowshoe |
Nation |
Blackfoot |
Lesson Plan Grade Level |
Junior (Grades 1-6) |
Time Required |
1 – 2 hours |
Subject Strand Links |
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Traditional Teachings |
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Teacher Summary |
The Tipi A Blackfoot tipi is deceptively sophisticated in terms of its architecture design and applications. The tipi features a circular structure, with a fire in the centre and an opening at the top. Tipis have no solid flooring, furniture or ceilings and there is but one entrance. Poles serve as the supports to the covering made of animal hides – buffalo and deer in the case of the Blackfoot. The circular shape, combined with the opening at the top, allows for the emission of smoke during fire use as well as encouraging healthy air circulation within the living space. Tipis were used as dwellings from construction materials that could be disassembled and moved quite easily, leaving but a trace behind. They continue to be used today for special ceremonial purposes. The Circle Model In terms of cultural values and practicality, the tipi illustrates a design that perfectly meets the needs of traditional Blackfoot society. The circular shape is conducive to face to face communication by promoting a sense of equity and participation, consensus, in discussions and decision-making. There is nowhere to hide in a circle. The circle represents all things connected in the universe, the four directions, the four seasons, the four elements, the four sacred medicines, and so on. The opening at the top of the tipi also allows for constant visual contact with the sky world as well, heaven, and the Creator of all living things. The fire serves as a source of heat and comfort as much as for cooking, easily shared by anyone in the tipi. The fire represents the essence of being, the life force, and the connecting link between the worlds above and below the earth’s surface. The sole entrance can be opened or closed, allowing for light or privacy as required. The placement of the tipi is planned prior to construction with the entrance facing East in honour of the natural environment that provides everything needed for one’s sustenance, again reflecting a consciousness of connection and active relationship with nature. Sitting in the tipi directly on the earth provides a definite grounding effect through the close contact with Mother Earth, again emphasizing kinship between man and nature. The Powwow Powwows are gatherings, usually held outdoors in the summer months, in which drummers and dancers entertain over a period of days while community members connect and enjoy socializing. The Powwow is based on the circle model with the central dance activity at the centre, where dancers either dance around the drums situated in the middle of the area or in a large circle to the side of the group of drums. The Blackfoot dance in a clockwise direction at powwows as do most plains Indian cultures. Each drum is normally large enough for several men to sit around to play at once. Some powwows will attract as many as a dozen different drum groups to take turns singing. Most powwows today are flashy competition events where drummers and dancers of all ages vie for large prizes although some “traditional” powwows can be found in which there are no competitions whatsoever, dance regalia is more natural in appearance, and ceremony is more prominent. Various dance styles exist, such as the round dance, the chicken dance, the rabbit dance, the snake dance, etc. Mimicking of these animals is fundamental to powwows, as this relates the teachings of the animals or spirits as expressed through the dancers’ personal interpretation. |
Learner Objectives |
Knowledge/Understanding:
Inquiry/Values:
Skills/Applications:
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Strategy |
Discussion Topics:
Optional Exercises;
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Vocabulary |
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Materials Required | Recordings of powwow music and dances |
Evaluation | Teacher evaluation of discussions. |