Close X
Friday, September 27, 2024
ADVT 
National

Parks Canada Removes Fee For Sweat Lodge Ceremony At Manitoba Historic Site

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Jun, 2016 11:41 AM
    SELKIRK, Man. — Parks Canada is removing a fee for a sacred aboriginal ceremony at a historic site north of Winnipeg.
     
    Lower Fort Garry plans to hold three sweat lodges this summer, an ancient ceremony performed by indigenous people in North America.
     
    The sweat lodge is a purification ceremony usually conducted by an elder or someone who has been taught strict spiritual protocols.
     
    Those taking part usually make an offering of tobacco or cloth and it takes place in a covered place that's heated by pouring water over hot stones.
     
    Parks Canada's website said that the ceremony would cost $60 per person.
     
    On Wednesday, the government department said it had re-evaluated and it will now offer the ceremony at no cost.
     
    "The fee was only intended to cover the costs associated with planning and delivering the program," Parks Canada said in a statement.
     
    "However, Parks Canada recognizes that this may have been inappropriate ... In the spirit of reconciliation, Parks Canada will continue to offer this important activity at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site that provides Canadians with an opportunity to experience and develop a greater understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions."
     
    Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said there is never a charge for an indigenous ceremony.
     
    "Nobody witnessing that should ever think that accessing ceremonies comes with a fee. There's no such thing as a fee associated to ceremonies."

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Mayor Gregor Robertson Sends Best Wishes for Vaisakhi While Highlighting Celebratory Policies

    Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson addresses the South Asian community ahead of the Vaisakhi festiv...

    Mayor Gregor Robertson Sends Best Wishes for Vaisakhi While Highlighting Celebratory Policies

    $32Million Raised By Canadians To Help Syrians, To Be Matched By Liberals

    $32Million Raised By Canadians To Help Syrians, To Be Matched By Liberals
    OTTAWA — Canadians donated $32 million for aid to Syria under a matching program launched last fall.

    $32Million Raised By Canadians To Help Syrians, To Be Matched By Liberals

    Vaisakhi Special: Watch Everything Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Said About Sikhism And The Festival

    Vaisakhi Special: Watch Everything Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Said About Sikhism And The Festival
    Sikhism is rooted in teachings of equality, unity, selfless service and social justice – the very values which we all strive to incorporate in our daily lives

    Vaisakhi Special: Watch Everything Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Said About Sikhism And The Festival

    Man Faces 1st-Degree Murder Charge In Slaying Of 20-Year-Old Clerk At Montreal Grocery Store

    Man Faces 1st-Degree Murder Charge In Slaying Of 20-Year-Old Clerk At Montreal Grocery Store
    Clemence Beaulieu-Patrywas stabbed at a Maxi supermarket in the city's east end Sunday night

    Man Faces 1st-Degree Murder Charge In Slaying Of 20-Year-Old Clerk At Montreal Grocery Store

    Kelowna, B.C., Woman Trying To Believe She Really Won $50 Million

    Kelowna, B.C., Woman Trying To Believe She Really Won $50 Million
    A British Columbia grandmother who won the Lotto Max grand prize initially thought she'd won $50,000.

    Kelowna, B.C., Woman Trying To Believe She Really Won $50 Million

    Thursday's Alberta Budget To Include More Than $500 Million For Seniors Housing

    Thursday's Alberta Budget To Include More Than $500 Million For Seniors Housing
    The Alberta government plans to invest more than $500 million in new funding for seniors housing in Thursday's budget.

    Thursday's Alberta Budget To Include More Than $500 Million For Seniors Housing