Pipe Ceremony marks opening of Indigenous Celebration Week
On January 26th, the Indigenous Celebration Week began with a pipe ceremony in the Students' Union Building (SUB).
Evan CruickshankA pipe ceremony took place on January 26 in the Students’ Union Building (SUB) to mark the beginning of Indigenous Celebration Week. The initiative was organized by the Indigenous Students’ Union (ISU) in collaboration with the University of Alberta Students’ Union (UASU).
According to the UASU, the theme of the week focuses on “land-based learning, highlighting Indigenous ways of knowing through connection to land, culture, art, and community.”
The pipe ceremony was led by an Elder, as well as a pipe carrier. The ceremony started with the Elder speaking about the purpose of pipe ceremonies and smoking tobacco.
“The pipe provides guidance,” the Elder said.
The Elder went on to say how happy he was that they were able to have a ceremony and that younger people were attending. He also spoke about how the ceremony connects people physically and spiritually.
“When smoking the pipe, ask for something,” he said.
The Elder also spoke about the importance of connecting with and respecting nature. He spoke about his own experience witnessing how people have affected the environment, and how humanity’s focus on industry has harmed both flora and fauna.
After the pipe ceremony, everyone in attendance shared bannock and jam.
Indigenous Celebration Week events continued across campus throughout the week.
