ERIC Number: ED266890
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1984
Pages: 84
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Sacred Tree.
Lethbridge Univ. (Alberta).
Designed as a text for high school students and adults, this illustrated book presents ethical concepts and teachings of Native societies throughout North America concerning the nature and possibilities of human existence. The final component of a course in self-discovery and development, the book begins with the legend of the "Sacred Tree" followed by chapters on the important concepts and teachings of the legend and the symbolism of the medicine wheel. Chapter 4, "First Principles," summarizes 12 teachings of the "Sacred Tree," which include concepts such as that all things are interrelated, all creation is in a state of constant change, and human beings are spiritual as well as physical. Chapter 5, "The Gifts of the Four Directions," explains the medicine wheel as a symbolic tool for gaining self-knowledge and discusses at some length the human qualitities and symbols associated with the east (renewal), south (emotional capacities), west (spiritual insight), and north (intellect and volition). Chapter 6 presents a 12-point code of ethics derived from the teachings of the "Sacred Tree" and covering topics such as respect, moderation, and service to others. This text is part of a curriculum package that includes a videotape and teacher's guide. (JHZ)
Descriptors: Adult Education, Affective Behavior, American Indian Culture, American Indian Education, American Indian Literature, American Indians, Beliefs, Canada Natives, Codes of Ethics, Cultural Context, Definitions, Drug Education, Ethical Instruction, Foreign Countries, Human Dignity, Humanistic Education, Illustrations, Integrity, Legends, Moral Development, Moral Values, Postsecondary Education, Secondary Education, Self Actualization, Self Concept, Self Evaluation (Individuals), Social Values, Spiritual Development, Symbolism, Values Clarification, Values Education, Videotape Recordings
The Four Worlds Development Project, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4 ($7.25 each; 5 or more copies, $6.25). The curriculum package which includes the Sacred Tree text (set of 25), Teacher's Guide, and Part I & II videotapes described in the abstract is available from The Four Worlds Development Project for $150.00.
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Learner
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Students
Language: English
Sponsor: Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa (Ontario).
Authoring Institution: Lethbridge Univ. (Alberta).
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: For the Teacher's Guide to this text, see RC 015 595.
