The Native American Plain Indians

The Native American Plain Indians are a nomadic group in the vast lands of plains America. You may think, who exactly are these people, chances are if you have watched any cowboys versus India people you would know exactly who they are. The Plains Indians are characterised by hunting buffalo, wearing feathery headdresses and riding horses. The plains region spreads across to the east of the Rocky Mountains and up 643.738kms across the vast land of central America. It covers ten states including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas. As these people are nomadic there is not one specific religion they follow but more of a spiritual journey throughout there life. There is no

Spirits had to be treated with respect, so prayers songs dances and chants were offered to please them. The Wakan Tanka was in charge of the other spirits, scubas the sky, earth, moon, sun, hero twins and thunder spirits.

The leader of the ceremonies to appease the gods was called the Sharman (medicine man), who conducted the dances and rites. He also played a pivotal role as tribe doctor. The Medicine Man is believed to have a spiritual connection with animals, supernatural creatures and all elements of nature. In many tribes, including the Cheyenne and the Sioux, the Medicine Man also had the role of the head warrior or war chief which made him the most influential man of the tribe

The Native American Plain Indians performed a range of ceremonies but that holds most significance was the Sundance ceremony. Which featured a structure with a central pole signifying the sun, from which the young men hung themselves by their nipples. The was signified as a time of renewal for the tribe, people and

Many people have mixed opinions about teaching religion. I, however, believe that it is important to teach young people about ancient religions not just Catholicism to have a holistic view and understanding of our culture. By teaching them about the world's religions, we are filling gaps about our creation and how our culture came to be. For example without studying ancient Rome and Greece connect with Catholic ideologies, how Catholicism stemmed from these two religions or how they are founders designed the initial concept of democracy Learning to understand and appreciate other cultures religious histories and cultures allow students to gain a new found respect of diversity and develop an understanding of cultural differences. It provides all students with a rich and well-rounded knowledge of Australia's