Call out for Sacred Fires and Prayers
When: Sunday
July, 9 2017
Time:
All Day; Sunrise to Sunset
Where:
Turtle Island – All Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities
From: Ontario Regional Chief, Isadore Day,
Wiindawtegowinini
Purpose:
Support, Prayers, Reflections of Hope and Clarity in the wake of rising
Social Tragedy and Turmoil of First Nations Suicides
In
light of the increasing number of violent deaths and suicides of First
Nation children and youth in many First Nation communities
across Turtle Island, this is a request for Sacred Fires to be lit and
Prayers to be offered on Sunday July 9th 2017,
anywhere, anytime and for anyone, any family, and any community that
may be experiencing the tragedy of violence, loss and/or suicide.
Many
leaders are currently discussing this issue and working hard to
formulate strategies and responses specific to their communities
and regions. The sad reality is that suicide is epidemic in many First
Nation communities across the country. It is vital that we not only turn
to political, clinical and mainstream approaches to address this tragic
trend, but that we turn inward, upward and
to the land for strength and clarity about this troubling time. Prayer
and thoughtful reflection have always been a strong Indigenous value and
cultural practice – we must rely on that more than ever at this moment.
Our
Elders and Spiritual Knowledge Keepers have always been reminded as
Indigenous Peoples that prayer and traditional protocols have
great meaning, and have helped our Ancestors draw strength in the most
difficult of times. Our Youth, Women, Elders, Children and Men,
essentially Our Communities are in need of this spiritual strength now.
Prayers:
A
spiritual expression that comes from an individual, family or
community. Prayers and reflection at home, in spiritual lodges, churches
or sitting on the land – the request
is that we take the time search and seek for strength, clarity and
direction about the challenges that face our families and communities.
Prayers can take place with oneself or with family or entire communities
– spiritual expressions with a focus on faith
and hope are much needed at this time.
Sacred Fires:
Our
sacred fires have increasingly become a source and symbol of strength
and divine connection to the Creator. The sacred fires that help us
govern our community gatherings,
ceremonies and prayerful expressions as Indigenous Peoples, continues
to be a way for our struggles to be refocused into clear understanding
and clear direction about where we take challenges and painful issues
facing our community.
Fires
must be maintained with the utmost respect and consideration for those
that come to seek a place to pray, place tobacco and medicines
in the fire, and to reflect on issues weighing heavy on the mind and
heart.
We are asking that these fires be lit for the day this Sunday
from sun up, until sundown. These fires can be lit for the purpose of
gathering to pray, lift the pipes, place offerings, or to gather as
families or communities to discuss major issues facing our people.
Sacred Fires should be tended by fire keepers, knowledge keepers,
Elders or those who have experience with some of the protocols about
the sacred fire.
Thoughtful and Safe Dialogue:
The
issues of suicide, family violence, poverty, and/or social challenges
in our Indigenous Communities are often better understood and dealt with
through discussion and
dialogue. This means talking about these issues, and talking about them
with a purpose to find the best possible way forward. Community, Family
and Personal inflicted violence is tragic and must be addressed.
Together we have to find common approaches and
seek common solutions – it’s not easy, but finding thoughtful
opportunities to talk about these things can and should happen as often
as needed. Finding safe spaces and people that can provide safe support
is important if we are to talk about these challenges
issues that face our people, families and our communities.
The
most important point is that we can no longer remain silent or afraid
to talk about issues of fear, abuse and confusion. Supporting
one another in our communities means talking about these issues, and
finding common approaches to healing and solutions that help strengthen
Our Communities.
Prayer, Sacred Fires, Thoughtful and Safe Dialogue - Sunday July 9th 2017 – we
are looking to all of our Indigenous Communities across turtle island
to light fires from sunrise to sunset; praying for our communities and
others that may need support and encouragement.
We
are also encouraging the use of social media as a way to
convey positive messages, live feeds, and online discussion forums about
building up and encouraging our communities, their families and those
that need to know that they are loved and cared about.
“Let us put our minds together, and see what life we will make for Our Children.” -
Sitting Bull
-30-
The
Chiefs of Ontario is an advocacy forum, and a secretariat for
collective decision making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First
Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of
Ontario, Canada.
For more information, please contact: Scott Cavan, Dir. Communications
Phone: 416-522-0706 - Email:
scott.cavan@coo.org
