Ceremonies 

For millennia, our people have practiced spiritual and ritual ceremonies. Today we continue to honour and hold these special activities through: 

  • Connecting with the spiritual world and the Creator 

  • Preserving our culture through song, dance and expression 

  • Promoting healing and wellness 

  • Creating and maintaining social bonds between our people and Indigenous communities 

  • Celebration of life, marriage, death and important milestones 

  • Honouring and respecting nature 

  • Commemoration and Remembrance of our ancestors and historical events Indigenous Peoples have experienced and continue to endure. 

Types of Ceremonies 

  • Sweat Lodge — A sweat ceremony, also known as a sweat lodge ceremony, is a sacred traditional Indigenous practice used for purification, healing, and spiritual renewal.

  • Smudge — A smudge ceremony (also known as "smudging") is a practice used for purification, healing, and spiritual cleansing. It involves burning sacred herbs such as sage, tobacco, sweetgrass and cedar and the smoke is used to cleanse individuals, objects, or spaces.

  • Pipe Ceremony — A pipe ceremony is a sacred ritual involving the use of a ceremonial pipe. The pipe is a powerful symbol of communication with the spiritual world and is used for prayer, meditation, and fostering community bonds.

  • Pow Wow — A Pow Wow is a social and cultural gathering that celebrates our traditions, culture, and community through dance, music, art, and food.