Frideres, James S.Laplante, Line Denise2017-12-182017-12-182009http://hdl.handle.net/1880/103982Bibliography: p. 215-225This research is an investigation into a social phenomenon that I refer to as Spirit Piracy. Set in the context of the Native sweat lodge ceremony, the main points that address this phenomenon focus on: 1) an age-old process of spiritual fragmentation; 2) protocols and natural laws of communication between humans and the spirit world; and 3) developing an awareness of spiritual interconnectedness that exists throughout the universe. The Indigenous Cree three-tiered universe is used to demonstrate the natural order of the universe-something humans have reinterpreted over time. Results from a literature review and a synthesis of eight interviews conclude that the "spirit of colonialism" has entered the lodge. The concept of Spirit Piracy has a broad application and in this research is used to emphasize the need to protect the Native sweat lodge ceremony as a natural and spiritual resource that defines cultural identities and heritages.231 leaves ; 30 cm.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.master thesis10.11575/PRISM/2981