A sweat lodge structure with a fireplace in the centre on grass

Sweat Lodge Preparation Sessions

Sweat Lodge Preparation Sessions are intended for people to learn more about the lodge, the ceremony and how to prepare to attend your first ceremony. This is a cultural protocol that we have adapted for the UM community.

It is mandatory to attend a session before entering the lodge for ceremony.

  • Stacks of firewood inside a wooden shed
  • Topics covered in Sweat Lodge Preparation Sessions:

    • Introduction to the lodge and Lodge Keepers
    • Information about the ceremony
    • Protocols
    • Responsibilities
    • What to bring
    • What to wear
    • Health and safety

    Visit the Indigenous Events Calendar for the full schedule.

Sweat Lodge protocols

Information and protocols are shared during the Sweat Lodge Preparation Sessions. Those attending a Sweat Lodge Ceremony at UM for the first time are strongly recommended to attend a session.

Lodge Keepers will be available to share more about protocols at each ceremony. You're asked to arrive at the scheduled arrival times to allow time to visit with the Lodge Keeper conducting the ceremony and learn more.

Those attending ceremony can feel free to wear comfortable clothes.

  • Rocks of various sizes and shapes on the ground in nature

    What to bring

    Tobacco
    Towel or mat to sit on
    Towel for inside the sweat
    Refillable water bottle
    Dry change of clothes
    Feast offering
    Feast dishes
    Lawn chair (optional)
    Dress for the weather. We will be outside for the duration of the ceremony.

  • Two downed trees with exposed roots lay in front of several standing trees in a forest

    Circle of Lodge Keepers

    Barbara Bruce
    Shannon Buck
    Christine Cyr
    Charlotte Nolin
    Mike Pierre
    Leslie Spillett
    Cecil Sveinson

  • Three women, lodge caretakers, stand in front of a woodshed holding tools

    Lodge Caretakers

    Christine Cyr
    Vanessa Lillie
    Nicki Ferland

Directions

Location

The ceremony site is located behind Migizii Agamik (114 Sidney Smith Street), west of the Education Building and east of the Max Bell Centre, between Service Road 2 North and Parking Lot P.

Parking

P Lot is located directly behind the Sweat Lodge site and parking is free after 4:30 p.m. and on weekends.

During weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., paid visitor parking is available but restricted to metered parking, Park & Pay areas and in the University Parkade.

Weekend, holiday and evening parking (after 4:30 p.m.) is free in most surface lots. Exceptions apply, find more details here.

Ceremony attendance can fluctuate. If there are more people attending than can fit inside the lodge, people will be given the opportunity to consider giving up space for others. UM Indigenous students will be prioritized.

Those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

Ceremony will be rescheduled if wind speeds reach or exceed 25 km/hr.

Contact us

Any questions about Sweat Lodge ceremonies and preparation sessions will be directed to the lodge caretakers.

Email Indigenous.Culture@umanitoba.ca