Nehiyaw (Cree) Pipe Ceremony

There will be a pipe ceremony Monday Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Teaching Preparation Centre, ED 228, Education Building, University of Regina for the commencement of Joseph Naytowhow’s residency with the Faculty of Education. Elder Noel Starblanket will be leading the ceremony. The length of time will be dependent upon the number of people in attendance; however, one to two hours is estimated.

Pipe ceremony Protocol

We ask that you are aware of the following protocols and abide by them out of respect for the Pipe Carriers.

Tobacco and Prayer Cloths may be given to the Piper Carriers by the Faculty of Education for the blessing of the gathering. You are welcome to make your own tobacco offering, but please arrive early to do so before the ceremony begins. Please arrive on time, as the doors will be closed once the ceremony begins.

Everyone should remove their hats, eyeglasses, and metal jewelry while smudging and participating in the Pipe Ceremony. We ask that you remain silent and refrain from visiting and conversations while the Pipe Ceremony is underway. Once the ceremony is over, it is customary to shake hands with other participants before leaving.

In the oral tradition of the Nehiyaw (Cree), the Elder/Pipe Carrier may explain the ceremony with those gathered.

Females: Females are asked to wear a long skirt and/or wrap a blanket around their legs during the Pipe Ceremony. As well it is customary for females to sit with their legs draped to one side. They should not sit cross-legged.

Moon Time: In Nehiyaw (Cree) tradition, women are considered spiritually powerful during their Moon Time (menstruation), and therefore, do not actively participate in ceremonies. Everyone is welcome to watch and listen, but we ask that women on their Moon Time refrain from sitting in the circle and participating out of respect for the customs and traditions of the Pipe Ceremony.

Please Note: tobacco and smudge will be burnt during the ceremony.