The Turtle Lodge - Ceremonies

Ceremonies

The Turtle Lodge is a place of ceremony. Ceremony is an integral part of all Turtle Lodge programs, which may include the sacred fire, pipe ceremony, and sweat lodge ceremony. Individuals are welcome to spend time in the Turtle Lodge for personal prayer and fasting. Major seasonal ceremonies continue to be led by the Turtle Lodge on-site and sometimes at other locations throughout the year, to give thanks and ensure the survival of a good and peaceful way of life.

People coming to ceremonies are responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements, bring their own bedding and supplies, e.g. plates, cups, toilet paper, etc. and are asked to clean up after themselves at the ceremonial lodges. Potluck feasts are held at many of the ceremonies. Those coming may bring their sacred items, tobacco ties, prepared food for the feasts and a donation. The offerings help cover the costs of firewood, lodge maintenance, feasts, etc. Those who are fasting may camp outside or inside the lodge.

Everyone is welcome to the ceremonies. Women are asked to wear long skirts. Women on their moontime are asked to refrain from coming to the ceremonies, except the Mother Earth Lodge, where they are welcome to participate. Those on their moontime are also welcome to attend Igniting the Fire - The Sacred Gathering, and excuse themselves from the Sunrise and other ceremonies. The Elders can provide teachings on this.

Ceremonies 2011 - 2012

Windigokon Ceremony
Location: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
Dates: February 3 & 4, 2012
Potluck Feasts: February 3, 4 (evenings)

Warrior Dance (Men & Women)
& Mother Earth Lodge (Women)
Participants may choose to fast.
Men to camp outside, women may camp outside or inside Turtle Lodge.
Location: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
Dates: May 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2012
Potluck Feasts: May 6, 9 (evenings)

Mother Earth Lodge (Women) 2012 Dates TBA
Participants may choose to fast.
Women may camp outside or inside Turtle Lodge.
Location: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
Dates: TBA

Women on their moontime are invited to attend the Mother Earth Lodge.. Women attending the Mother Earth Lodge are asked to bring uncooked food which they will be preparing on the sacred fires for the Traditional Meal.

Vision Quest (Boys/Men)
& Makoose Ka Win (Young Women's Rites of Passage)
Location: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
Dates: June 1-5, 2012.
Volunteers welcome. We have made arrangements to accommodate 50 boys, 50 girls and their mentors. See http://theturtlelodge.org/visionquest.html.

Sundance
Dancers will fast for four days.
Camping outside Turtle Lodge only.
Location: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
Dates: July 3, 4, 5 & 6, 2012 (Going-in Potluck Feast, Camp Day July 2)
Potluck Feasts: July 3 (5:30 pm), 6 (noon)

Families & communities are invited to sponsor the Visitors' Feasts (approx 100 people) daily at 2 pm: Please contact turtlelodge@mts.net if you are interested in sponsoring one of the Visitors Feasts.

Igniting the Fire Gathering (www.ignitingfire.org)
Location: Manitou Api, near petroform site, Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba
Dates: September 2012 Dates TBA
Potluck Feasts: Daily

Ghost Dance (Chii By Dance)
Participants may choose to fast.
Location: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
Dates: (2011): October 11, 12, 13 & 14, 2011 and (2012): October 29, 30, 31 and November 1, 2012
Potluck Feasts: October 11, 14, 2011 and October 29 & November 1, 2012

Winter Ceremonies
Participants may choose to fast.
Location: Turtle Lodge, Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba
Dates: December 21, 22, 23 & 24, 2011 and 2012
Potluck Feasts: December 21 (evening), 24 (noon)

DIRECTIONS TO THE TURTLE LODGE & ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION AT http://theturtlelodge.org/visit.html.

Please contact turtlelodge@mts.net if you have any questions.