Deity: A common concept is that of a dual divinity: a Creator who is responsible for the creation of the world and is
recognized in religious ritual and prayers
a mythical individual, a hero or trickster, who teaches culture, proper
behavior and provides sustenance to the tribe.
There are also spirits which control the weather, spirits which interact
with humans, and others who inhabit the underworld. Simultaneously the
Creator and the spirits may be perceived as a single spiritual force, as
in the unity called Wakan-Tanka by the Lakota and Dakota.
Creation: In the beginning, the world was populated by many people. Most
were subsequently transformed into animals. Natives thus feel a close
bond with animals because of their shared human ancestry. Dogs are
excluded from this relationship. This bond is shown in the frequent
rituals in which animal behavior is simulated. Each species has its
master; for example, the deer have a master deer who is larger than all
the others. The master of humans is the Creator.
Emergence of the Tribe: This is a concept found extensively in the
Southwest. The universe is believed to consist of many dark, underground
layers through which the humans had to climb. They emerged into the
present world through a small hole in the ground - the world's navel.
Sacred Texts: Native traditions have been preserved as an oral
tradition, not in written form. As a result, traditions are often
updated and changed as a result of dreams and visions.
Afterlife: In general, Native religions have no precise belief about
life after death. Some believe in reincarnation, with a person being
reborn either as a human or animal after death. Others believe that
humans return as ghosts, or that people go to an other world. Others
believe that nothing definitely can be known about one's fate after this
life. Combinations of belief are common.
Cosmology: The universe is understood as being composed of multiple
layers, with the natural world as a middle segment These layers are
thought to be linked by the World Tree, which has its roots in the
underground, has a trunk passing through the natural world, and has its
top in the sky world.
Shamans: Spirits may be encouraged to occupy the Shaman's body during
public lodge ceremonies. Drum beating and chanting aid this process. The
spirits are then asked to depart and perform the needed acts. Other
times, Shamans enter into a trance and traverse the underworld or go
great distances in this world to seek lost possessions or healing.
Vision Quest: Young boys before or at puberty are encouraged to enter
into a period of fasting, meditation and physical challenge. Girls are
not usually eligible for a quest. He separates himself from the tribe
and go to a wilderness area. The goal is to receive a vision that will
guide his development for the rest of his life. They also seek to
acquire a guardian spirit who will be close and supportive for their
lifetime.
Renewal Celebrations: The Sun Dance amongst the Plains Natives is
perceived as a replay of the original creation. Its name is a
mistranslation of the Lakota sun gazing dance. Other tribes use
different names. It fulfilled many religious purposes: to give thanks to
the Creator, to pray for the renewal of the people and earth, to promote
health, etc. It also gave an opportunity for people to socialize and
renew friendships with other groups. A sweat lodge purifies the
participants and readies them for lengthy fasting and dancing. It was
successfully suppressed in most tribes by the Governments of the US and
Canada. However, it survived elsewhere and is now being increasingly
celebrated.
Sweat Lodge: This is a ritual of purification, of spiritual renewal and
of healing. It is sometimes used to educate the youth in Native
traditions. A sweat lodge is typically a small structure made of a frame
of saplings, covered with skins, canvas or blanket. A depression is dug
in the center into which hot rocks are positioned. Water is thrown on
the rocks to create steam. A small flap opening is used to regulate the
temperature. As many as a dozen people can be accommodated in some
lodges.
Hunting ceremonies: these involve the ritual treatment of a bear or
other animal after its killing during a successful hunt. The goal is to
appease its spirit and convince other animals to be willing to be killed
in the future.
Prophets: The Abramic Religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) trace
their development through a series of patriarchs and prophets. Native
religions do not have corresponding ancient revered persons in their
background. There have been a few prophets among the Natives - the most
famous being Handsome Lake in the Iroquois Confederacy. However, they
appeared after the European invasion.
Traditional housing: There were many variations across North America:
conical wigwams or tipis, long houses, and cliff dwellings. The shape of
the structure often represents a model of the cosmos.