Anticipated Experiences for 2025
Sundances
Students will work collaboratively in key helper roles to support these sacred ceremonies, which were once outlawed in Canada.
Responsibilities may include:
- Chopping trees for the lodge or sacred fires.
- Building the Sundance lodge.
- Assisting with meal preparation.
- Students will also have the opportunity to participate in aspects of the ceremony. In most cases, they will camp with other helpers and supporters, with camping gear provided if needed.
Sundance dates and locations:
- Blacksmith Sundance (Spruce Woods): June 12–15
- Opaskwayak Sundance (OCN/The Pas): July 3–6
- Shallow Bay Sundance (Grand Rapids): July 10–13
- Sakitowin Sundance (Cross Lake/Pimicikamak): August 14–17
Two-week experience
Grand Rapids: July 7–18, 2025
A collaboration between the Misipawistik Health Authority, Shallow Bay Sundance, and a land-based culture camp.
Experience includes:
- Staying in a cabin near Grand Rapids, with weekend camping at the Sundance.
- Exposure to health programming, the nursing station and several land-based cultural activities.
- Participation in a four-day ceremony.
Other experiences
Tobacco camp: August 11–15
Students will support a camp for youth from eight First Nation communities across southeastern Manitoba at a camp in the Whiteshell.
The camp teaches smoking cessation strategies, provides teachings related to the traditional uses of tobacco and other cultural practices, and incorporates other harm reduction/health promotion strategies.
Healing retreats: dates are to be advised
Typically held in early September (women’s retreat) and late September (men’s retreat).