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Summary
Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini, is sending out a call for sacred fires to be lit and for prayers to be offered on Sunday July 9 for any family or community that may be experiencing the tragedy of violence, loss and suicide.
The call comes 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, reads a statement released today.
While leadership discusses a coordinated response to the tragedies, and formulates strategies to help stem the loss, the release says it’s vital to not only look to a political, clinical or mainstream approach, but to turn to strong Indigenous values and the cultural practice of prayer and thoughtful reflection during the troubling times and tragic trend.
Our communities are in need of this spiritual strength now, reads the release.
The request is that time is taken to search and seek for strength, clarity and direction about the challenges that face our families and communities. Sacred fires have increasingly become a source and symbol of strength and divine connection to the Creator, the press statement says.
The call is for the fires to be lit from sun up until sundown and they should be tended by fire keepers, knowledge keepers, Elders or those who have experience with some of the protocols about the sacred fire.
“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.”
For more information about this request, please visit http://chiefs-of-ontario.org/node/1567