Traditional medicines and spirituality focus of gathering

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First Nations spirituality, traditional medicines and healing practices will be explored and shared on Nekaneet First Nation this month, as the community hosts its third annual First Nations International Healing and Medicines Gathering.

The gathering, held this year from Aug. 19 to 22, is co-sponsored by the First Nation and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations.

"The gathering focuses on traditional ceremonies, to help people get back in touch with their culture, or sometimes to learn about it first hand," said Nekaneet Chief Larry Oakes. But healing and teaching are a big part of the activities too.

"We feature new methods and discoveries from other countries: For example, a Kenyan group, which is doing great work with cancer, and another group, which is making promising progress with treating diabetes," he said. Other indigenous cultures have similar time-honored treatments to deal with illnesses and injuries, as well there are those practiced by the First Nations of the Americas.

The gathering will feature holistic and traditional healing beliefs and methods of the Cree, Dene, Salteaux, Dakota and Assiniboine cultures.

"One reason why people are looking to alternatives is because over time our bodies have developed a resistance or immunity to the medicines in use today," Oakes said. Expanding our knowledge of healing will give us new options. He suggests that not only is physical healing facilitated, but emotional scars such as those suffered in residential schools can be eased by participating in the event as well.

As chief of the Nekaneet First Nation, Oakes invites everyone, regardless of financial ability to pay, to join the four-day event. There will be daily sweat lodge ceremonies preceded by pipe ceremonies, and lots of Elders will be present, each versed in different areas of expertise and experience.

"We are committed to a lifelong responsibility to maintain the ceremonies, and to help as many as possible. We feel this has been handed to us and we will carry it on," he said.

Elders will also talk about the spiritual connection to the animals and to nature in general.

"There is an emphasis to preserve the environment, to keep it for future generations," he said. The adults have to keep conservation as a focus and teach the children to carry it on. The belief that there is a connection between the animals and the environment, and that the physical world is a part of culture and of the ceremonies is a common thread in Aboriginal culture, he added.

Oakes said no effort has been spared in providing everyone the opportunity to enjoy a positive and meaningful experience.

"We are pleased to share these traditions and customs with all who attend this gathering. We hope our First Nations peoples and our international and non-Aboriginal guests will be richly rewarded by observing and participating in the various ceremonial and healing venues and the social activities offered during this event."

An interpretive tent will welcome visitors after the noon meal, and Elders, guests and ceremonial leaders will lead activities in the three main venues, which focus on ceremonial, healing and medicine-related topics. All activities during the gathering will be strongly oriented to Indigenous treatment, culture and spirituality, Oakes said.

Nekaneet First Nation is located about three hours west of Moose Jaw, just off the Trans-Canada Highway. For more information about the gathering, call (306) 662-7191.