To learn more about the services and staff within Indigenous Health, visit The Tobacco ContractĪ teaching graciously offered by Reverend Michael “Two Suns” Thibert, Spiritual Cultural Care Provider, Indigenous Health. To learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day, Summer Solstice, Reconciliation and efforts to create safer spaces for the delivery of culturally appropriate care within Manitoba’s health system, visit Indigenous Health – Shared Health (sharedhealthmb.ca). The drummers continue to play, and the youngest Jingle Dress dancer, a granddaughter of one of the musicians, joins in with the older girls.Īs she moves, the gentle clinking of her bright regalia adds to the sounds, sights and smells of a day spent celebrating the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions and achievements that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples have made, and continue to make. On this overcast day, the rain stops and the sun peaks through the clouds. It is emitting a small stream of smoke, and as Van Haute passes through the group gathered to celebrate, she explains how and why the tradition of smudging is performed. It is a time to acknowledge and address any changes in our lives, whether loss, grief, or joy, that have occurred in the months just passed.”īeside him, Stephanie Van Haute, Director of Patient Services, Indigenous Health, has picked up a small clay bowl, made from the land known as the Red River Valley, containing Sage and Tobacco. “Summer Solstice offers an opportunity to connect with those around us, to rest while enjoying the beauty of nature, and to pull us into the summer season when Grandfather Sun will energize us and connect us with what gives us strength.

“The solstices and equinox acknowledge our journey through time and the changing of the medicine wheel,” explains Thibert afterwards.

Reverend Michael “Two Suns” Thibert, Spiritual Cultural Care Provider, Indigenous Health opens with a prayer, welcoming the long, warm days of summer to this part of Turtle Island and acknowledging the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day occurring across Canada.

Keeper of the sacred fire