Centering Wahkotowin: Learning in Ceremony

Presented by Nicki Ferland, Christine Cyr, and Vanessa Lillie

When the new Sweat Lodge at the University of Manitoba was built, we developed a program to build capacity amongst our community to support the Sweat Lodge and other ceremonies on campus. Learning experientially, on-the-land, and in ceremony about helping work, Scaabe School focuses on safety, practical skills, mentoring and leadership, identity, cultural, and spiritual development, and building relationships with the land, community, and fire. As we enter our fourth year of programming, the Sweat Lodge Caretakers reflect on lessons learned and the impacts of creating space and being intentional about the cultural education of Indigenous students and youth.