Project 57 Week 42: Sweat lodges

According to the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural Centre, “All First Nations Sweat Lodge ceremonies are intended for prayer and healing” (Strong Nations). As a “purification ceremony” a sweat can be a stand along ceremony or be linked to other ceremonies (Indigenous Saskatchewan Encyclopedia). Each First Nation will focus the “placement of the stones” for the sweat ceremony depending on the “needs” of the participants. Anishnawbe Mushkiki (Aboriginal Health Access Centre) explains that “the Sweat Lodge is a good place to begin [a healing journey] because when you are sitting in a sweat lodge, you are at the centre of the Four Directions” (Traditional Teaching Mushkiki.com). Danielle Lapointe details the “traditional therapeutic approach” to healing facilitated by sweat lodges, stating that the “process of sweating for cleansing and healing” ... “promotes emotional, physical, cognitive improvements, and elevate[s] spiritual well-being” (Green Room Body).