Wabanaki Nations
What does the word “Wabanaki” mean?
People of the Dawn or Dawnland
What season is connected to the East?
Spring
Which stage of life is connected to the South?
Youth or teenage years
Which season is connected to the western quadrant?
Fall/Autumn
Which stage of life is connected to the North?
Elders or old age
Who are the five nations that make up the Wabanaki Confederacy?
Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, Abenaki
Which stage of life is represented by the East?
Birth or early childhood
Which season belongs to the South?
Summer
What element is often connected to the West?
Water
What season is linked to the North?
Winter
Which Wabanaki Nation traditionally lives along the Wolastoq (St. John River)?
Wolastoqiyik / Maliseet
What element does the East represent?
Earth
Which natural element is connected to the South?
Fire
What does the western direction help us understand about ourselves?
Our Emotions and Feelings
What is the key teaching of the North?
Wisdom and sharing knowledge
What is one way Wabanaki peoples pass on knowledge and stories?
Oral storytelling, songs, or teachings
What time of day is linked to the East?
Sunrise, Dawn or Morning
What does the South teach us about relationships?
How to build connection, friendship, respect and kindness.
Which stage of life is represented in the West?
Adulthood
Which element is connected to the North direction?
Air
What does the Council Fire represent in Wabanaki culture?
The spirit of peace and friendship between the nations.
What value or idea is connected to the East?
New beginnings, hope, vision
Which sacred medicine is connected to the South?
Sweetgrass
What is an important teaching from the West?
Reflection, looking inward, healing
What values are associated with the North?
Respect, guidance/teaching