Native american death traditions
Cherokee funeral rites. Nov 23, 2023 · The birth ceremony in Native American culture is a deeply spiritual and meaningful event. Most Western-oriented health care settings are not equipped to support the cultural traditions, ceremonies, and rituals important to many Native communities. These customs reflect the spiritual and cultural beliefs of indigenous people across North America. They offer solace and wisdom to those grieving the loss of a loved one, reminding us that death is not an end but a continuation of the eternal cycle of life. These interventions are paramount for minority groups such as American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). There are a variety of cultural burial customs among the American Indian tribes. Buy on Amazon. Today our Navajo people are known for their fear of the dead. The passing of a loved one is seen as a transition, rather than an end. It is renewed in each birth. The rituals and ceremonies that surround death Oct 19, 2023 · Since the mid-20th century, however, and more so since the 1978 passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, the Sioux – and other Native American nations – have been free to practice their rituals, more or less, as they did in the past for thousands of years, maintaining the balance between themselves, the Earth and its Sep 19, 2023 · For Native Americans, death is a continuation of life in another form, and funeral rituals and ceremonies are crucial to ensure that the spirit of the deceased makes it safely to the afterlife. The bodies are tightly wrapped in blankets and shawls. Even among those who have been converted to Christianity Jun 24, 2020 · The Hopewell people weren't actually a single tribe of Native Americans. Some Native American tribes preferred not to touch the bodies after death and turned that task over to others. 1. Approximately half of AI/AN patients have reported having a personal physician or 8. These traditions are embedded in the very fabric of Native American life, weaving together spirituality and nature in a… Aug 21, 2023 · The Native Peoples of North America (also known as American Indians, Native Americans, Indigenous Americans, and First Americans) are the original inhabitants of North America believed to have migrated into the region between 40,000-14,000 years ago, developing into separate nations with distinct and sophisticated cultures. $11. Oct 22, 2021 · Much like the ancient tattoo traditions in other parts of the world, Native American men and women practiced tattooing for lots of different reasons, from the meaningful — like communicating Mar 16, 2016 · Medical Manuscript. 1 One in six American Indian and Alaska Native adults has diagnosed diabetes—more than double the prevalence rate for the Sep 29, 2017 · The Sweat Lodge. These factors include: the diversity among Indigenous peoples; the use of oral traditions to share histories and pass on knowledge; and the impact of colonization on traditional cultural and Jul 2, 2019 · A long overdue sourcebook of American Indian death and dying: A review of Sociology of Death and the American Indian by Gerry R. Nov 14, 2023 · Title: The Native American Death Fire Ceremony: Honoring the Transition of LifeIntroduction:In Native American culture, death is seen as a natural part of the circle of life. Lexington Books, 2022. One such tradition is the creation and recitation of death poems, which are often used to express grief, celebrate the life of the deceased, and provide comfort to those left behind. Hosp J. As per their traditions, death is not an end but a transformation from one life cycle to another. Yet from the late 15th century onward Aug 6, 2015 · Wednesday. This is often demonstrated through elaborate funeral rituals and ceremonies, which may include the preparation of the body for burial, the creation of a burial site or platform, and the offering of gifts and prayers to the 1. The practices used by Native American groups and tribes were better than the modern American customs used today. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the meanings behind feathers in Native American communities and how they are used by different tribes. 1680: A revolt of Pueblo Native Americans in New Mexico threatens Spanish rule over New Mexico. 00 Sep 10, 2023 · Native American Prayer For Death Native American cultures have long held deep reverence for the departed and have developed intricate rituals and ceremonies to honor the journey from life to death. They did however share the belief that they should focus on helping the deceased be comfortable and protect them in the afterlife. Others tenderly spent days preparing the deceased for the afterlife. They believe in embracing death as an opportunity for the physical body to become one with nature’s elements. When it comes to the funeral traditions of any religious, ethnic or geographical group, it is typical for specific customs to vary from family to family. Totem poles reinforce the importance of oral and visual traditions among the Indigenous peoples and nations of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida. It is an important part of the tradition for many tribes, with each tribe having its own unique meaning and significance. To know more about the Navajo death rituals, here they are: • Fear of the Dead - Every Navajo had a great fear of their dead. Cherokee grave found on Bussell Island, Tennessee containing a skeleton and three pottery vessels. In 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act was passed. The drum is "Practices that surround the burial of the dead represent some of the most conservative and traditional aspects of cultural behavior. Nov 10, 2023 · In Native American culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the circle of life. Aug 10, 2023 · Native American gift-giving traditions are a reflection of their cultural values and practices. To this day, he remains the longest-serving tribal leader in the country and honoring comes with a very Mar 18, 2013 · For the Navajo, birth and death are seen as opposites: one cannot exist without the other. The Lakota believe that the dead depart to a spirit world Jul 16, 2014 · One of the most observed traditions of Navajo people is the proper death rituals. While the pain and grief that come with losing a loved one are still present, these traditions offer a way to honor and celebrate their life while also Jul 2, 2019 · American Indians are not strangers to death and dying. It honors the miracle of life, the interconnectedness of all living beings, and the responsibilities of parenthood. Death rituals are well documented throughout history, and around the world. This federal law enables tribes and lineal descendants to reclaim ancestral remains from museums and federal agencies in the United States. The body was left outside in the elements for a year or more, during which time the Choctaw believed the spirit of the deceased was returning to the supreme NATIVE AMERICAN. Every culture, country, religion, and community has certain behaviors and PLEASE BE ADVISED…. I. MCHC. Oct 22, 2021 Updated Nov 13, 2023. One of the founding members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Oneidas have many beliefs and traditions that have stood the test of time – devotion to their homelands, commitment to collaboration and respect for the gifts of the Creator. In it, a 16-year old mixed blood, Franklin, is forced to confront and eventually care for his father Eldon on his final journey, although he—Franklin—has been estranged from Eldon nearly his entire life. - The Blackfeet Nation continues to mourn the loss of Chief Earl Old Person who died from cancer on Oct. Native American responses to death and dying are rooted in the oral traditions, which guide the traditional ceremonial practices. Because such documents are extremely rare, those interested in the Native American past also draw information from traditional arts, folk literature Death and dying from a Native American perspective. Apr 6, 2024 · These rituals involve elaborate ceremonies, communal mourning, and symbolic gestures aimed at preparing the individual for their journey into the afterlife. Other common Native American death rituals include: The medicine man or spiritual leader leds the ritual Deceased ancestors are asked to join in the rituals The belief that the spirit of the person never dies Gifts are buried with the deceased Pipes are smoked The circle is symbolic in the ritual, as in the circle of life Nature is revered Sep 29, 2017 · Lakota burial ceremonies reflect the tribe's beliefs about death. Death before old age prevents the natural completion of the life cycle. Oct 30, 2019 · Native Americans believe that the beating of the drum is a uniting force, bringing together people of different tribes, as well as uniting a person’s spirit to their body and mind. Demonstrate knowledge about the traditions surrounding death and dying in Indigenous cultures 3. 10. Native American gift-giving practices have evolved over time and vary among tribes Dec 8, 2016 · According to traditional Ojibwe beliefs, after the body dies, the individual’s spirit spends four days walking westward to the place where the soul dwells after death. Sep 30, 2018 · Ojibway burial practices form the foundation for Richard Wagamese’s exceptional novel, Medicine Walk. Learn this week about Native American views on death and funeral practices. The Medicine Wheel can take many different forms. 70 East Lake Street, Suite 205 Council for a Parliament of the Chicago, Illinois 60601 Worlds Religions. Some of the tribes bury their dead in caves or ravines, walled in with rocks, some in trees, on a scaffolds or buried in or on the ground. Oct 22, 2021 · Taking a look at Native American funeral traditions. This paper is a guide for social workers and other caregivers. Remnants of this culture can be found all over the East Coast. Written by Jack Eidt on July 9, 2011. Death rituals include placing food, weapons, jewelry, tools, or pots within the burial site for May 3, 2018 · Many of these deaths are unpreventable, sudden, and unexpected. Jul 18, 2011 · Alaska’s Native people have, of course, their own traditions regarding death. In Lakota spirituality, leaders speak about dealing with a Nuclear Age world out of balance, life after death, and overcoming drugs, money and emptiness. Most American Indian traditions teach that there will be a joining with the May 19, 2020 · Native American incense from sage spirit. Health, illness, healing, and failure to heal are part of how one lives one’s life. BROWNING, Mont. Yoshiko Yamashita Colclough, PhD, RN. Large: 6-7 inches. These proverbs serve as a reminder to live a purposeful life and leave a positive impact on the world. There are 564 tribes in America, approximately 1. Derived partly from her teachings, and partly from the visions of shamans and wise elders, the Sioux consider seven ceremonies particularly sacred. Jul 7, 2010 · Native American Funeral Traditions. Sage – Sage, both Saliva Apiana (white sage) and Salvia Officinalis (common sage) are healing herbs Dec 5, 2022 · Cemeteries. By embracing their cultural traditions and teachings, Native Americans celebrate the sacred beginnings and pass down their wisdom to future Apr 19, 2024 · Native American death rituals serve not only to free the spirit but also to honor the ancestors. “The Great Beyond”. BELIEFS & TRADITIONS. According to Sioux tradition, White Buffalo Calf Woman was a supernatural being who promised to return, and some see the birth of a white buffalo calf in 1994 as a sign of that return. 1- For most Natives, hair was only cut under certain circumstances …. Lakota history and the Seven Sacred Rites are discussed. Yet in the midst of this, American Indians have coped. Native American spirituality is abroad umbrella, under which there is a rich diversity if beliefs, rituals, and practices. In this article, we will explore the rich and meaningful traditions surrounding Native American ceremonies for death. There is no concept of hell or paradise in aboriginal culture. EDITORS NOTE: This chapter details the spiritual traditions if the Ojibwe Tribe, one if many Native American tribes in North America. But why? Wh 4 days ago · Native American - Repatriation, Disposition, Dead: At the close of the 20th century, public good rationales became particularly heated in relation to the disposition of the indigenous dead: most Native Americans felt that graves of any type should be left intact and found the practice of collecting human remains for study fundamentally repulsive. By celebrating the life and experiences of the deceased, these rituals help preserve the tribe’s cultural identity and traditions. The reintroduction of the horse to North America had a profound impact on Native American culture of the Great Plains. Telephone (312) 629-2990 Facsimile (312) 629-2291. D Aug 15, 2023 · In conclusion, Native American Spirituality And Death is an actual reality for Native Americans, and it is essential to understand it fully to appreciate the rich culture of the Indigenous people. Describe differences in culture, traditions and beliefs that may affect communication with Indigenous people at the end of life 2. This study was conducted to highlight Native American Oct 30, 2023 · Contemporary healthcare demands culturally competent interventions that recognize individual needs while fostering a connection to the broader context, considering factors such as race, culture, and gender. This method helped the body decompose faster, returning it quicker to the earth. Our Jerome Avenue entrance will be closed Wednesday, May 22nd and Thursday, May 23rd due to construction. It reaches its natural conclusion in death at old age. Cherokee Death Rituals. In this method, the body was placed in a small box made of cedar wood and then buried in a shallow grave. Our guest who is indigenous herself shares how you can best support a friend from another culture. 9 million people. Native Americans have a deep respect for the natural world, and they believe that death is a transition to a different stage of existence. The Death Prayer is a way to guide the departed on their journey and offer support and solace to the grieving family. Native American burial rituals were as diverse as the tribes themselves. Pre-Columbian Americans used technology and material culture that included fire and the fire drill; the domesticated dog; stone Aug 1, 2022 · Native American beliefs are deeply rooted in their cultures and histories, and in the past spirituality would have been an integral part of daily life. Seek wisdom, not knowledge. It embodies the Four Directions, as well as Father Sky, Mother Earth, and Spirit Tree—all of which symbolize dimensions of health and the cycles of life. Although there are many popular funeral poems, they can also be chosen based on what the deceased enjoyed reading during their life. They seem to have had no written language Explore the Lakota's spiritual foundation and their Seven Sacred Ceremonies of the Pipe, including the Nagi Gluhapi rite. Life is a cycle. Native American tribes have diverse death ceremonies and rituals that honor the departed and provide solace to the grieving. They also reflect the belief in the continuation of the soul after death and the presence While historical trauma has had a considerable impact on Native Americans, one important factor of resiliency in many Native American families and communities is the collectivist family culture. The Circle of Life: Understanding Native American Beliefs Aug 22, 2023 · Native American Funerary Traditions are diverse and unique. Death before old age is considered to be both unnatural and tragic. 375 pp. Feb 14, 2024 · Beliefs about death, and ritual responses to it, however, are among the more heterogeneous aspects of Native American religious life. CPWR. To honor and celebrate the transition of a loved one’s soul to the spirit world, Native Americans hold a sacred ceremony known as the Death Fire Ceremony. 3 days ago · Native American - Tribes, Culture, History: The thoughts and perspectives of indigenous individuals, especially those who lived during the 15th through 19th centuries, have survived in written form less often than is optimal for the historian. Modern day Native Americans may incorporate ancient death rituals, handed down from their ancestors, in a modern funeral service. Mar 9, 2021 · Each Native American tribe has its own specific traditions regarding death rituals and funeral services, but there are certain aspects of these traditions that are consistent from tribe to tribe. This is not to say that modernization has not changed the way that Native Americans mourn, but that the link to the oral tradition and continuance of ceremonial practices is a strength and resilience factor. Cherokees, and most other native American tribes Apr 17, 2023 · Cedar Box Burial. 1958 Words4 Pages. Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council. Jan 30, 2020 · This week on Unreserved, we explore grief, death and dying in Indigenous communities, the circumstances that lead to the heavy losses they experience and how people are prioritizing the need for May 24, 2023 · Another common theme in Native American beliefs about death is the importance of respecting and honoring the deceased. Listen and get show notes: https://bit. Joee Taylor, Reporter/MMJ. The event began ceremoniously, with a spiritual leader lighting a ritual pipe, sharing a traditional Ojibwe prayer, and blessing those assembled with a smoldering batch of sage. The Lakota people view the world as a wondrous place and regard life as an immense gift. In these small, intricate houses, the dead are laid to rest. $120. With hundreds of tribal groups and cultures, there are varied beliefs and traditions amongst Native Americans that date back centuries. This profound Dec 5, 2015 · Native Americans view dying and death as the natural outcome of life. The prayer/service serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans and the importance of maintaining these traditions for generations to come. Sep 18, 2023 · Native Americans have a unique culture when it comes to death practices and beliefs. Apr 12, 2023 · Although specific rituals and traditions may vary among different Native American tribes, the underlying principles of respect and honoring the dead remain the same. In summary, Northern Native American death rituals play a vital role in honoring the deceased, comforting the living, and fostering a deep connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Wisdom is of the future. Many Native American traditions appear to conceive of human beings as complex entities that bind together different kinds of essences, breaths, or spirits, which are thought to undergo divergent outcomes after death. I will give a few examples below on what a few of the Native American nations did to honor their dead. Dan Jones, Ojibwe language instructor at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, speaks of the spirit this way: “He doesn’t know it, but if he gets lonely, he may take Sep 29, 2020 · Poems are also often used at both religious and secular funerals. Death and dying from a Native American perspective. It examines best practices for culturally competent care and conveying respect for the Native American family. ISBN 978-1-66690-850-3. These sacred practices provide a glimpse into the rich tapestry of traditions that have been passed down for generations, shaping the identity, values, and Oct 30, 2015 · Native Americans had many different beliefs when it came to death. 6 Truths to understand the Sacred Meaning of Hair For Native Americans. By Doug George-Kanentiio The death (Ohronte in Mohawk) of a family (kawatsireh) member or someone we truly care about is the most tragic of human experiences, yet the ancient teachings of the Iroquois gives the bereaved assurances spirtual consciousness does not end with the demise of As a culture, Cherokee Indians are very spiritual people that view death as a transition rather than an end. The Hopewell people, or Hopewell culture, were several unknown tribes who shared very similar forms of art and architecture, according to the US National Park Service. The funeral customs of Native Americans, known in Canada as First Nations people, involve the community in activities to honor the deceased and support the family. However, experts on Seminole Indian funeral customs and rites still have much to say about the funeral customs that characterize their group. Cox. Since its introductio… Archetype, ARCHETYPES Mar 25, 2015 · US – Native American traditions and rituals may differ from tribe to tribe, but commonalities exist in Native American death rituals. Typically, people often wear black or muted colors to a funeral. doi: 10. 17th century King Philip's War A variety of factors make it challenging to provide a brief overview of traditional death-related beliefs and practices among Indigenous peoples in Canada. Resources of community and spirituality have Aug 14, 2017 · The indigenous people of the United States would fight for nearly two more centuries to have their dead honored. 1080/0742-969x. Unique rituals and beliefs affect the way Native American families respond to these types of deaths. After years of alcoholism, Eldon Nov 30, 2022 · End-of-life care can be challenging under any circumstances, but Native Americans often face additional barriers. Cherokee funeral rites comprise a broad set of ceremonies and traditions centred around the burial of a deceased person which were, and partially continue to be, practiced by the Cherokee peoples. The Florida Seminoles are no exception to this rule. Robert Chi-Noodin Palmer, MD. Those who do not live balanced lives suffer more. A good deal of individual clans’ history and broader Mar 8, 2019 · Like most Native American peoples, our family’s story is touched by the legacy of boarding schools, institutions created to destroy and vilify Native culture, language, family, and spirituality Nov 27, 2018 · 1622: The Powhatan Confederacy nearly wipes out Jamestown colony. Life is to be lived in the natural, balanced way. Briefly described below are some of the Iroquois ceremonies and beliefs Smohalla, Smohalla Smohalla Smohalla (ca. 9. Older human cultures, such as the Native Americans, held rituals responding to the death of their people. From the New Orleans jazz funeral and South Korean burial beads to sky burial in Mongolia and Tibet and Balinese cremation ceremonies, these rituals and ceremonies are often associated with religion as communities follow the traditionally prescribed movements in the wake of a loss of life. ly/3tRb6Q1 While each Native American tribe has unique funeral practices, there is a lot of commonality in their beliefs about death and how the body should be treated afterwards Beliefs about death, and ritual responses to it, however, are among the more heterogeneous aspects of Native American religious life. Native Americans believe that death is not the end, but a passage to another realm. Navajo Historian, Wally Brown, teaches about the superstitious beliefs about death. Many of the Indian's personal effects are buried with them I realize death is not the enemy but the ultimate healing. Dec 6, 2023 · Memorial and mortuary poles, in particular, honor important members of the clan after their death. 07. 1995. Nelson, now a PhD candidate at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, is Jan 1, 2010 · Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Indian Health Service (IHS) show that in some American Indian and Alaska Native communities, diabetes prevalence among adults is as high as 60%. Sep 5, 2017 · Culture and Cures: Healing Native American Health. These poems encapsulate the spiritual and emotional depth of Native American culture. Describe how such traditions can be accommodated when caring for dying Indigenous patients The Circle of Life: Dec 1, 2023 · The Native American culture has a rich tradition of honoring and respecting the departed through various rituals and ceremonies. These age-old customs launched a meeting on a brand-new effort: the creation of the country’s first required Jun 6, 2021 · The Native American feather is a symbol of honor, respect, and dignity. Sage and lavender smudge wand. Dickens "So Their Remains May Rest" will explore early Cherokee customs and practices governing death, mourning, and burials in hopes of providing a better understanding of the effects of legislation in particular the "Native American Graves Protection 3 days ago · Native American, member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the Western Hemisphere, although the term often connotes only those groups whose original territories were in present-day Canada and the United States. By the time European adventurers arrived in the 15th century A. Sep 29, 2017 · The sun played an important role in Choctaw burial rituals. Among some tribes, hair was cut as part of tribal mourning customs…. Mar 10, 2023 · The Native American Death Prayer, also known as an invocation, is a tradition deeply rooted in Native American culture and spirituality. 11882787. Explore the common elements of funeral preparation, mourning period, funeral ceremonies, burial customs, and afterlife beliefs in different tribes. This tribe views death as an inevitable equalizer, something that happens to all living things despite their achievements on earth. Mourners often wear black or muted colors. Early Oneidas traveled hundreds of miles to deliver corn to Washington’s Apr 16, 2023 · So, let’s dive into the world of these 90 Native American proverbs on life, nature, love and more. In the boreal forests of the Athabaskan Indians and in the rain forests of the Tlingits and Haidas, death houses are built of wood. They believed that the spirit of the dead would return to land of the living, especially when they are not properly buried. Most tribes accept that death is the end of a person’s life on Earth, but they also believe it’s the beginning of a person’s life in the Spirit Jul 9, 2011 · Life and Death: Lakota Spiritual Practice. I’ve personally hand-picked these proverbs attributed to the Hopi, Sioux, Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Crow, Mohawk, and Seneca tribes. She worked as a nurse for her entire career, though has been retired for some time. 1815-1895) was a Native American warrior, medicine man, and spiritual leader who is best known for introducing a revi… Bon, BON . Apr 16, 2015 · Passing into the Spirit World: The Mohawk Rituals of Death. 1754: The French and Indian War Apr 19, 2022 · Funeral ceremonies reflect beliefs and attitudes about death and help heal the void in the social fabric caused by death. The beliefs, traditions, and values surrounding death provide a unique perspective on the meaning of life and how we should approach it. Unlike Western culture that focuses on the nuclear family, Native American families are not limited to mother, father, and children. As previously mentioned, each tribe has its own specific traditions regarding death rituals and funerals. M: There’s this ritual we Cherokees do when Mar 1, 2024 · Conclusion: Ceremonies and rituals in Native American tribes are a testament to the profound spiritual connection and deep respect for the natural world that permeates their cultures. Native American Death Taboo: Implications for Health Care Providers. All funeral services and visitors must enter through the Webster Avenue entrance, located at 4199 Webster Avenue. When a member of the tribe died, the body was placed on a platform or bier in a nearby forest and allowed to decompose naturally. 222 South Riverside Plaza Chicago, Illinois 60606-6010 Telephone (312) 906-6000 Facsimile (312) 803-0661 TDD (312) 906-6185. Nov 19, 2023 · These tribes believe that death is a natural transition, and ceremonies are held to honor the departed and support their journey to the spirit world. The act of giving gifts is seen as an honoring of the relationship between giver and receiver, a way to express gratitude, and a sign of respect for the natural world. " Roy S. This smudging kit includes two white sage smudge sticks, two palo santo sticks, an abalone shell bowl and a rose quartz crystal. “Gone but Never Forgotten”. 13. The informant is my grandmother, a Cherokee woman born in 1932. In this piece, my grandmother talks to me about Cherokee death rituals, and what our family does when someone passes away. The Cedar Box Burial was prevalent among Native American tribes along the Pacific Northwest. Abstract. Many Dine, or Navajo, cut children’s hair on their first birthday and then do not cut it again…. Both one’s life and one’s death have a purpose. . Each tribe has their own variation on funeral customs, including use of Native Dec 4, 2009 · Native Americans, also known as American Indians and Indigenous Americans, are the indigenous peoples of the United States. There are two organized religious traditions in Tibet: Buddhism and a faith that is referred to by its Tibetan name, Bon. To cover them all could take volumes but here is a sampling of a few. Though cultures vary, all Native Americans believe in respecting nature, life, and even death. “A Soul’s Journey”. Today people still hold rituals in honor of the dead, yet people now do not perform these acts. Feb 8, 2024 · Native American proverbs about death offer profound insights into the human understanding of mortality and the interconnectedness between life and death. Oct 11, 2023 · Learn how Native American funerals are guided by ancient customs and beliefs that hold significant spiritual meaning. Stories are shared, songs and dances are performed, and the deceased’s legacy is passed down through generations. The experience of loss and death of traditions, family, language, culture, trust, hope, and life has been so familiar that it has characterized these groups throughout recent centuries. Mar 3, 2023 · Practices of the Native American Culture: Native American observances also vary considerably in their traditions, religions and rituals, but there is a strong commonality among many tribes that centers on the natural world – the earth, the animals, the trees, and the natural spirit. Pueblo Culture: As Native Americans adopted use of the animals, they began to change their cultures in substantial ways, especially by extending their nomadic ranges for hunting. 1995;10 (2):11-3. Many American Indian tribes/nations have specific rituals and ceremonies concerning care of the body after death in order that the spirit crosses over safely to the other side, and is not held here by inappropriate behavior or thoughts by the deceased person’s family. Native Americans, also known as Indigenous Americans, are the indigenous peoples of North, Central, and South America. The Medicine Wheel, sometimes known as the Sacred Hoop, has been used by generations of various Native American tribes for health and healing. va hv fx vd py zk kt yx ae wd