First Nations
Culture and traditions
—Beliefs and traditions were very important
—Usually reflected a deep understanding and respect for nature
—There stories, dances, songs, art and spiritual rituals had a great deal of meaning and symbolism to there culture
—They believed that everything in the natural world has a spirit
Spiritual Beliefs
—All First Nations believed that their values and traditions were gifts from the Creator
— One of the most important teachings was that people should live in harmony with the natural world and all it contained
—People gave thanks to everything in nature, that they depended for survival
—These beliefs stressed Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty,and Truth helped people to live in a way that promotes harmony and balance with everyone and everything in creation.
Music
—Music was a big part of their culture and traditions
—Used for celebrations and ceremonies
—Two different types of music that can be performed
—1. Social (public)- it was music to be danced to and celebrate
—They would use rattles and drums to perform
—2.Private, ceremonial music – it was vocal songs with some percussion
—It was used to mark occasions
Stories
• Elders would enjoy telling stories to the children
•There stories would be lessons about their values, beliefs and knowledge of the land
•Many myths and legends were told about the powerful animals and how nature depends on one another
•it would often show the creatures
And characters from these stories
Clothing
—made their clothing
—usually tunics, leggings and moccasins
—Wore tanned animal skin
—Wore moose, deer or caribou skin
—Bone needles were used to sew the garments with sinew from the back or legs of a caribou, moose or deer.
— In winter, people wore robes of fur for extra warmth
—Any decorative touches on clothing came from nature

Maasai -located in Kenya and northen Tanzania
Culture and traditions
—The maasai is strong believers in nature
— they believe in 'amitu', which means 'to make peace’
—maasai are monothesistic meaning they believe in is the existence of one and only one god called Enkai or Engai
—Engai has a dual nature: Engai Narok (Black God) is benevolent, and Engai Nanyokie (Red God) is vengeful
—Many Maasai have become Christian and some Muslim
Life Style
—Traditional Maasai lifestyle centres around their cattle which is their primary source of food.
—The measure of a man's wealth is in terms of cattle and children
—For example a herd of 50 cattle is respectable, and the more children the better. A man who has plenty of one but not the other is considered to be poor
—Over the years, many projects have begun to help Maasai tribal leaders find ways to preserve their traditions while also balancing the education needs of their children for the modern world.
Social Organization
—the central unit of Maasai society is the age-set
—Young boys are sent out with the calves and lambs
—childhood for boys is mostly playtime, with the exception of ritual beatings to test courage and endurance
—Girls are responsible for chores such as cooking and milking, skills which they learn from their mothers at an early age
—When turned 15 the status of junior warrior is a painful circumcision