Grandfather Rock
Created by Sharon Meyer
NESD FNMI September 27, 2014
Cree First Nation Worldview
The Creator created four things above Mother Earth:
1 – Sun
2 – Sky
3 – Moon
4 - Stars
wind
fire
water
rock
Then the Creator made the four elements:
1 – wind
2 – fire
3 – rock
4 – water
Traditional First Nation People call the rock – Grandfather Rock because of the
relationship with all things created by the Creator. The relationship is done through respect
And the highest respect that we give and receive is through family.
Teacher can choose to visit the Medicine Wheel teachings to clarify understanding of relationship, inter-relatedness,
Inter-connectedness, respect, and family.
Some examples of how First Nation people traditionally used rocks:
Grandfather rocks were used to
control a fire pit
Medicine wheel
Grandfather rocks were used to
anchor the tipi
Grandfather rocks are used to heat
the sweatlodge
Grandfather rock was used to share
stories in paintings and carvings
Grandfather rocks were used as arrow heads
More traditional uses of Grandfather rock:
More tools
Crushing and grinding plants
Inuksuk
Tools such as hammers
The bowl of the sacred pipe is made
from red Grandfather rock
Some examples of how we all use rocks today:
Grandfather rocks are made into
birthstones
Art – painted Grandfather rocks
Grandfather rocks are used for heat massage
Grandfather rock is mineral rock
Grandfather rocks are used as jewelry
More examples of how we use grandfather rock:
Rock climbing
Houses made from rock
Made into an anchor
Slingshot style of weapons
Some examples how Grandfather rock protects us:
Most of the potash that is mined is
used for fertilizer. Salt is separated
from the potash and used for table
salt, water softening salt, livestock
salt and road de-icing salt
Helps cleanse water
Himalayan salt rock – helps to focus
on positive energy that allows healing
mentally and physically
Caves have been used as shelters
Some examples of how Grandfather Rock can be destructive:
Earthquakes
Grandfather rock shifting position
Active volcanoes
Cave ins
Sink holes
How is Grandfather Rock in your life?
• Create a list of other ways Grandfather rock
has been a part of your life?
Thank you for learning the First Nation way of understanding our place on Turtle Island and Mother Earth.
Sharon Meyer – NESD FNMI