My friend Margaret and I went to the gathering this last July.. It was a wonderful, peaceful, spiritual experience. The weather in Montana in July is stifling hot, hot, hot. I was happy to find shade where I could and used a fan constantly. The 13 Grandmothers were amazing, they were filled with love and compassion as well as concern for our Mother Earth. It felt so good to pray in ceremony with all of the people gathered there. I loved the experience and feel so grateful to have been there. Hiy Hiy.
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For almost twenty years now the Driftpile First Nation has hosted a Pow-wow in their community. I have attended as many as I can and have seen the changes that have occurred over these years. They have a beautiful solid arbour built in a nice location. They have the support and backing of the Chief and Council as well as the hard work of many community members. Whenever I attend a pow-wow I feel very proud of who I am, and especially the Driftpile pow-wow as that is where I am treaty from. I feel honoured to attend and to meet wonderful people there. The singing and the dancing fill my soul and brighten my spirit. I have a powerpoint of this years event, please look at the pictures but do not copy, they are not for redistribution, they are for enjoyment and not to be used out of context...thank-you! I attended a drum making session a couple of months ago with my friends Connie, Margaret and Ruth. It was one of the best days. We shared stories, learned and laughed with each other. One of my blessings has been opportunities to learn and grow as a person. The types of activities that I enjoy have a spiritual grounding attached to them. With drum making, our ancestors tell us that the drum is the "heart beat" of Mother Earth. When we use the drum, when we sing, when we pray we are honouring the Creator, our ancestors and Mother Earth. I love this knowledge that we are more than ourselves and are interwoven as part of the great mystery. Sharing this with blessed friends is part of that. I honour friendship today.....Hiy Hiy!    Here's a couple of flyers of cultural activities that I really really really wanted to attend. When we called to register we were told that it was completely full with other dates that are also full....so myself and a group are on a waiting list. So I wait, wait and wait....This did not really surprise me as learning some of the traditional ways has always been an interest to people.I have picked sage before with some friends but I was very interested in learned the protocols from these communities.I guess I will wait and see....   Well, it's been a long time with Winter but I think Spring is finally here. I hope everyone is doing well and feeling happy. I am so happy to be able to walk around my yard and amongst the trees. I can hear the birds and the squirrels. For the last few days I hear the geese returning. I have been reading this book called "Roast Moose and Rosaries" written about Mary and Fred Courtorielle. Mary attended a Residential School and Fred was raised in the bush. Their experiences speak to the losses in the aboriginal families but some of it also speaks to some wonderful traditional activities that welcomed events. Fred talked about a Spring and a Fall feast. In the Spring they would thank God for what they have. It's a wonderful traditional to have gratitude and thankfulness every day but to also welcome people to a feast that incorporates gratitude! Hiy Hiy  I have been hearing and seeing geese head toward the lake all week. It is a wonderful reminder that Spring has arrived!   |
Priscilla LalondeI enjoy my work in human services, I like traveling and meeting amazing people.    Categories
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