Indigenous Ceremonies

Smudging

Sacred herbs are burned in a shell or earthen bowl, and the smoke is brushed over the participants It is used as a cleansing smoke to purify people and places, such as before a wedding or Powwow. Ashes are also holy.

Sacred Pipe Ceremony

The pipe symbolizes unity and harmony of the world.

• The bowl of the pipe represents truth, and the stem represents the way to live in harmony and balance with all of creation.
• When lit, all the pipe contains is delivered over to the fire which is the Great Spirit
• Smoking the pipe stresses the unity of everything.

Sweat Lodge

These ceremonies purify the body, mind, spirit, and heart and restore right relationships with self, others, and the Creator.

• It is a place of spiritual refuge and healing
• Womb of Mother Earth It is a closed structure with a pit where heated rocks are placed. The sweat leader pours water on the hot rocks to create Steam Participants sing, pray, talk, or meditate as they sit