“Let us put our minds together to see what life we will make for our children.”
– Sitting Bull
The Sacred Fire has become a source and symbol of strength and divine connection to the Creator. The sacred fires that help us govern our community gatherings, ceremonies and prayerful expressions as Indigenous Peoples, continues to be a way for our struggles to be refocused into clear understanding and clear direction about where we take challenges and painful issues facing our community.
Nipissing First Nation will be hosting a community sacred fire in support and prayers in the wake of rising social tragedy and turmoil of First Nations suicides. Just this week, four young people in remote Northern Ontario First Nations have taken their lives.
WHAT: NFN Sacred Fire on First Nation Suicides
WHEN: Sunday, July 9, 2017 beginning at 5:15 a.m. to sundown. Sacred Fire will stay lit from sunrise to sunset
WHERE: Nipissing First Nation Cultural Centre, 36 Semo Road, Garden Village, ON near the Tipi
WHO: All community members, Elders, Youth, Traditional People, Chief and Council, supporters and friends
TENTATIVE ACTIVITIES (to be confirmed)
MORNING AGENDA
5:15 a.m. Firelighting
5:36 a.m. Sunrise
5:40 a.m. Morning Ceremony
Conducted by Perry McLeod-Shabogesic
Water Conducted TBA
Pipe, Tobacco and Water Offering
Ceremonial and Drum Songs
AFTERNOON AGENDA
12 noon Mid-Day Ceremony
Pipe, Tobacco and Water Offering
Ceremonial and Drum Songs
Spirit Plate Offering
Mid-Day Potluck Feast
In the spirit of community, we are call on all volunteers, community members and descendants of the Homemakers Club and great cooks, please bring your favourite dish.
3:00 p.m. Community Sharing Circle
Led by Nipissing First Nation Youth. Everyone is welcome to bring their thoughts, prayers and ideas to share in a safe environment.
Theme/Facilitated Questions:
- How can our First Nation and our citizens help our northern brothers and sisters struggling with youth suicide?
- How can we support one another that will help strengthen our own community in dealing with youth suicide?
EVENING AGENDA
6:00 p.m. Drum and Round Dance Circle (to be confirmed…)
Looking for singers, drums, round dance singers and dancers to take part in a evening Drum and Round Dance Circle to sing and dance in prayer for our brothers and sisters in the north facing this suicide crisis and to honour of those we have lost to suicide. Dancers bring your regalia.
Singers and Drums, if you are able to attend please contact Corey Goulais on Facebook or call (705) 358-7064.
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Calling all Fire Keepers and Volunteers
In order to keep the fire going for a full day, we are seeking young men to help keep fire and volunteers of all ages to assist with the day’s events. If you wish to volunteer, contact Corey Goulais on Facebook or call (705) 358-7064.
