Elders gather to tell stories, pass on traditions
The lighting of a ceremonial fire outside of St. Thomas University residence Rigby Hall, kicked off the Wabanaki Midwinter Celebration Elder Gathering on Feb. 9.
Young and old gathered from around Atlantic Canada to share stories and pass on traditions, including Wolastoqiyik Grand Chief Ron Tremblay.
“We’re the Wabanaki. Life began here, all the teachings began here and they have to come back again.”
Midwinter celebrations have been happening since the early days of Indigenous culture but were lost when European culture tried to assimilate Indigenous peoples with initiatives like the residential schools.
Miigam’agan, now St. Thomas University’s elder-in-residence, renewed the tradition of the mid-winter gathering in Fredericton 27 years ago.
In 1986, it was a gathering of 86 people in her house.
Now, it has transferred to the spacious Rigby Hall at St. Thomas University.
This year, Miigam’agan has opened the event up to the public.
“The Western system, New Brunswickers, Canadians really don’t know that much about indigenous views, so we said we’ll bring the midwinter celebration on campus to share some of our ways.”
Events like these, Miigam’agan says, are a part of the ongoing resurgence of Indigenous culture. Powwows have become popular again too.
Young kids were running around and in mother’s laps during the ceremonies. But Tremblay says it’s important that kids are there.
“We want to help them to understand more who they are through the language and ceremonies like this and the way we do things within the longhouse.”
The lessons and traditions kids learn here will be able to be passed down generations and renew Indigenous culture.
“We’re on the verge of losing our traditional languages and a lot of ceremony and governance,” says Tremblay.
He hopes these ceremonies can strengthen their culture through conversation, practices and food.
For more on Indigenous culture:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/canada-indigenous-languages-legislation-1.4285633
Miigam’agan is happy with the turn-out this year and hopes others, like herself, connected with their ancestors and the earth. The midwinter celebration is a time for reflection.
“It’s about honouring life and how it guides you.”