Sweatlodge Ceremony

Submitted by Rosemary Lambie on Tue, 2010-06-29 15:43.
2010-09-11 11:00
2010-09-11 18:00

Sponsored by the Montreal and Ottawa Conference Native Concerns Committee

Hosted on the land of Tom and Moyra Smith,Chertsey, Quebec members of Mid-Laurentien United Church

Attending a sweat lodge is part of the healing process used by the First Nations People. It is a place to come and be one with the CREATOR GOD, as you know GOD to be. In appearance, it is a round low tent, very dark and hot inside, with a seating capacity (on the ground – a bed of fresh cedar branches) for 25 to 30 people. The process of "sweating" (about two hours) helps to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit, and gain inner peace. On the day of the Sweat, set up (building the fire, place fresh cedar branches on the ground and covering the frame with dark tarps) will begin at 10 AM and participants are welcome any time but should arrive no later than11:30.

Things to bring with you:

* FOOD so we can have a feast COLD BUFFET after the sweat. Everyone is asked to bring some food to share -.a time to chat and make new friends ..

* WATER – bring a 4 litre bottle each, and a 1 litre bottle. It gets hot! ? Bathing towel (for all) and bathing suit if you want to swim. You will want to cool down in the lake!

* Cushion for inside sweat is allowed, lawn chairs for outside

* DRESS CODE: Men - shorts Women – t-shirt or blouse with a skirt, or thin dress

* There is no charge for the Sweat, but we do put out an Elders basket for donations. This helps for the gas and other expenses (fire keepers and helpers gas, etc.)

Initial construction and blessing of the land at Lac Cloutier for M&O sweat lodges took place in September 2005. This year the lodge will be relocated to Chertsey: travel from Montreal, north on # 13 to # 440 east which becomes #125. Continue following signs for Rawdon, until you reach a Y and stay left on #125. 9.5 km passed Montcalm Ski Hill turn right on Chemin de L’eglise and travel 2 km. The Smith’s live at # 1681 (marked on the mailbox), which is a left turn off Chemin de L’eglise.

For information or RRSP – contact Kelly Running Wolf 450-973-1867 (kellyrunningwolf1@ yahoo.ca) or Rev. Rosemary (revrllb@ca.inter.net)