Intertribal Smoke Signals: Finding self, finding truth through ceremony

By David Restoule on August 24, 2021.

I just want to begin by expressing gratitude for this opportunity to share some Indigenous voices and truth.

I want to try to have a topic every two weeks and share some thoughts from different tribes around the area and possibly across Turtle Island.

I am going to start this off with some of my thoughts about how pleased I am that some of my colleagues from the college are coming out to ceremony. This brings me a lot of pride and joy to know more settlers are willing to experience our ceremonies and way of life.

I am very impressed they are willing to step out of their comfort zone to come and be open to other ways of life. I am beginning to write this in my camper out on the Sundance grounds in Neekaneet Cree Nation after a wonderful sweat, feast and social to prepare for the Horse Dance Ceremony on Friday. I am certain my colleagues will enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and the new friends they will make during the day.

The experience is outstanding, and I know they will leave with full hearts and spirits after witnessing and being present at the ceremony.

I began attending ceremony quite late in life – approximately 32 years of age – due to colonization. I can remember the nerves and anxiety I had while attending that first one. It was a Rain Dance Singing, which is a preparation ceremony of which there are four that take place before the main ceremony happens.

I did not know anything about what to do and was afraid because I was always told it was witchcraft or paganism by my Catholic upbringing.

When the drumming and singing started, I remember having to really hold back tears because I felt at home, and everything felt right as rain.

We all were served the food after the singing and ceremony was complete. The feeling of connection and community I felt was deeper than I ever felt growing up, even with my own family.

I did not attend the actual Rain Dance ceremony because I was not able to make it two months later.

I continued to be drawn toward my culture from then on and I continue to learn on an ongoing basis in my life.

I am very proud to say I am Anishinaabe, and I practice my spiritual way of life as I work toward de-colonizing myself. I hope more in my family are willing to go back to learning our ways.

I want my daughters and grandsons to be proud of their culture and heritage, so they are willing to pass it on to the next generations.

I heard a good friend of mine say early in my ceremonial life: “When you are alone at night and you feel there is something missing inside, it is our teachings, ceremony and culture. We need to get these back for ourselves to have balance in our lives.”

Until next time,

Eagle who sees far.

David Restoule.

David Restoule is the Indigenous support services specialist at Medicine Hat College.

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