I, Heather Home of Light Worker Healing & Readings, wish to extend a very sincere miigwech (thank you) to our First Nations Peoples for the wonderful opportunity to enjoy this year's Ode'min Giizis. Not only did I have a wonderful time down at Del Crary Park, enjoying the afternoon checking out the dancing and music and the many different vendors (couldn't resist buying a beautiful hand drum stained in black walnut tie-dye style), but my most favourite part was the Sunrise Ceremony. Yes, I actually managed to get myself out of bed just after 4 in the morning in order to make it to the park for 5 o'clock. This was my first Sunrise Ceremony and I can't tell you how excited I was to participate! First, just getting oneself up at that time of the day, when you're not used to it, is a very humbling experience. My body felt very heavy and relaxed and just not wanting to move. This, however, was not as important to my spirit as I recognised the rare opportunity I was getting to experience an event such as this. We took a vote and my spirit won out over my body. Up I got.
No breakfast. Just access some water to drink and clean with and wake myself up... then threw some clothes on and was ready to go. A quick phone call to a friend to see how the voting process went for her and if she was still up for this little adventure. She was. She picked me up and the morning was very quiet as we sat in her van for a short moment... then off to Timmy's for some green tea to take along and further encourage our bodies that, while out-voted, were at least still being paid some consideration.
With hot drinks in hand, it was a one-minute drive to Del Crary Park. Not hard to find the right place... at that time of moring it's the only spot with people moving around! Slinging the camp chairs in their carrying bags over our shoulders, we slowly walked through the dark, admiring some of the astounding boats moored at the arena and wondering what it would be like to not only still be sleeping but sleeping on a boat while gently being rocked by the waves.
Arriving at the North-East corner, there were two gentlemen gathering some wood from a stack and taking it to where the fire was to be built. The teaching is that men are the fire-keepers and women are the water-keepers. A few nods and quietly shared "good mornings", we were mostly left with our thoughts and a wondering of what to expect.
Quickly, we noticed the mosquitoes. Oh geez. Swarms of them. Yes I brought the bug spray and it got passed around but these little ones are persistant and it was not long before we were feeding them their breakfast, though we hadn't even had ours. No matter, more important things to focus on. The sky was beginning to show little smudges of electric blue between the clouds to the East.
We stood in a semi circle around the now glowing fire and we were so happy to be there. Our hosts were a couple and they shared with us information about the traditions associated with the Sunrise Ceremony. One of the fire-keepers brought around the sage smudge smoking and we, each in turn, cleansed as we continued to listen to our hosts. Next the tabacco was brought around and we were each instructed to hold it in our left hands as we contemplated our prayers and wishes, again, while continuing to listen. We each received our turn to offer the tabacco, with those prayers and wishes, to the fire and to see the smoke and embers rise into the air and out to THE GREAT SPIRIT.
Other late-comers trickled in throughout the ceremony. No matter how far along in the ceremony we were, each was offered the sage smudge and tabacco. A couple songs sung in Ojibwe accompanied to shakers. Our semi-circle nearly formed into a full circle as, by that time, there were early risers out for their morning walks and bike rides and we were a curious site to check out and, yes, even join. Here was our sun shining too. And mother mallards with their little ones. And a Great Blue Heron bringing us messages and smiles!
A copper cup was filled with water and brought around for us each to drink from... no concern about germs, of course, as we all knew there were important teachings being received and a rare type of sharing taking place that most of us will not get to experience at any other time. Then a lovely basket of strawberries were, too, passed around -- a lovely gift brought by a generous participant! Teachings with this as well. Lots of gratitude going on.
Then the Talking Feather was offered to each of us. We were encouraged to share what words we would. There were moments of laughter and moments of near-tears. Wishes for better health and joys about the little things. My turn. I shared that I was so grateful for the many firsts that have been offered to me by our First Nations sisters and brothers, including so many of the teachings that have stayed with me as eternal truths and a way of life. I shared that it was, that very day, my grandmother's 99th birthday and, since living far away, that I was not able to be with her but that this opportunity to be with community was helping me to feel connected. I was reminded of her journey, my mother's journey, my own journey. I shared my gratitude for such blessings. Miigwech.
Finally, another rare opportunity. Each person went around to greet and hug all others in the circle. Once around but greeted twice. How often in our society do we have physical contact with those we don't yet know? Okay, so some people were understandably a little shy, others, however, expressed such a genuine warmth and I was surprised to find out that many had really paid attention to my words during our sharing time as occassional little comments would be offered during the greetings. More humbling for the day. Warm glowing from inside.
I can honestly say that this was one of my favourite experiences to date. I hope that this festival will be continuing each year at the park and that the Sunrise Ceremony will always be included. I want to go again and again, if at all possible. Miigwech to all those who put so much into organizing and pulling off something as large as an event filling these four days. I believe the Procession should soon be making its way down George St., so I'd better finish this off and get myself out to the street so I don't miss anything.
Happy Strawberry Moon!
Happy Solstice!
In Love & Light, Heather Home
