Sweat Lodge Ceremonies:
The Sacred Sweat Lodge Ceremony is among one of many Indigenous, first Nation ceremonies. The cleansing (breath of life) and connection of spirit to all life (Our Relatives) has been past down for thousands of years by the ancestors who walk a way of respect for all life as their relatives. The basic elements of life (fire, water, earth, air) are brought together to bring life teachings and healing to the people who enter the Sweat Lodge of Strong Heart Grandmother Turtle.
No ceremonial leader runs a ceremony exactly the same as another, they are all different. The people, the protocols, and the teachings are all varied from the many Nations of our ancestors. Go to a few . . . then decide where you feel the most comfortable. Trust your Spirit/Intuition. Some teachings you may not agree with, but it is not our place to argue another's teachings. Listen, learn and you will find a journey where you will learn grow, and heal.
Community Sweat Lodge Ceremonies:
Community Sweat Lodges are open to all those who wish to come and cleanse. If you are wanting to come to our Community Sweat Lodge ceremonies contact me and I'll add your name to our email list.
Where and When:
At the present time we will be holding community sweat lodges every 2nd, Sunday of each month. Our location will be at 105 Aikens St. Winnipeg MB. If there is any cancellation due to weather or otherwise this will be shared on this webpage. ekosi, miigwech.
Sunday, April 12th, 2026: Community Sweat Lodge at 1pm
In case of heavy rain, snow or fire ban we will have a Pipe Ceremony instead of a sweat lodge ceremony in the healing room located beside the sweat lodge grounds. Please arrive by at least 12noon to prepare.
Ekosani - kinanaskomitinawaw - Chi Miigwetch
When attending the Sweat Lodge:
Please remember that each Sweat Lodge Ceremony is unique and it is always good to come early to ask, to help and to watch how each ceremony is shared. The Sacred Sweat Lodge (cleansing, purification lodge) is a time of cleansing from the breath of life of creation and to connect with spirit of all life (our relatives). This ceremony has been passed down for thousands of years by the ancestors who walked with respect for all life. In our worldview all life is a relative and a sacred part of Creation. Learning through cleansing of the grandmother (the lodge) is a continuous spiritual journey given by the Creator and is guided by the Grandfathers, the Grandmothers and Spirit Helpers.
No ceremonial leader runs a ceremony exactly the same as another, they are all different. The people, the protocols and the teachings all vary according to their teachings and way of life. Some teachings you may not agree with, but it is not our place to argue or discredit someone else’s teachings. Try to listen and take in the connection of your spirit and you will find a journey that people will learn where they belong. Go to a few . . . then decide where you feel the most comfortable. Trust your intuition.
What clothing to bring:
Females will wear a shirt & long skirt, or a long flannel nightgown, or any other combination, which is suitable and comfortable. Males will wear shorts (loose, modest) and shirt (shirt optional) Both men and women will bring a towel (extra towel and/or bathrobe for winter) Sacred amulets, wedding bands/rings can be worn as these are not for decoration, but rather represent a sacred meaning to the wearer or represent a commitment in his/her/they life walk. Other jewelry used for decoration should be removed, especially if they contain metal. Some items may need to be covered during some ceremonies i.e., healing round, as the cleansing may make the items hot against the skin.
What not to wear in the Sweat Lodge:
Hairspray, make-up that will run and get in the eyes, jewelry, socks, shoes (shoes can be removed just before entering the Sweat Lodge so bring slippers or wear easy to remove footwear for the winter lodges.
What One Can Bring:
An offering of ceremonial tobacco for the spirit of the Sweat Lodge into the tobacco bowl unless asking for something specific. If asking for something specific then the offering is given directly to the one who is gifted to answer the offering of the tobacco. Give time to share about your request. Let time and guidance come with the offering of tobacco. Other offerings could be more involved like providing a feast, or given a gift and cloth. Some plant medicine/s i.e., sage, cedar, sweetgrass, traditional tobacco, etc., may be given instead of the store-bought tobacco.
When should one consider not enter the Sweat Lodge ceremony?
Please keep in mind the there are many kinds a Sweat Lodge Ceremonies. Each lodge has its own sacred teachings and protocols. However, there are certain protocols that are common among many.
Women on their menstrual cycle (moon-time) are already cleansing their bodies and many do not enter the Sweat Lodge at this time (most sweat lodges are this way, but there are sweat lodge ceremonies who do allow women on their moon-time). Teachings and understandings will vary greatly depending on where you go, please ask the Lodge Carrier before you going to the ceremony. It is common with many Sweat Lodges to ask women not to enter the Sweat Lodge ceremony while carrying life (pregnant).
Please know the consultations done with the Grandmothers are sacred and never should be viewed in a negative way. We recognize that each circumstance can be different and we will always be open to spirit ways of understanding. Today, it is more common for the Sweat Lodge Ceremonies to take into consideration the circumstance and to do prayers when considering if or when moon-time or carrying life are to be part of the ceremony.
Other reason to wait:
One should not be under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Some Lodge carriers will request that an individual abstain for at least four to seven days. Again, this may depend on the situation and the circumstance as to when people are able to enter the sweat lodge ceremony.
Other common protocols at the Sweat Lodge:
Many Lodges will have a cedar trail (trail of cleaned cedar bough) that runs around the fire to the Sweat Lodge and around the womb (pit) inside of the Sweat Lodge. Please be sure not the walk over this cedar trail. Only the helpers (fire keepers and sweat lodge preparation helpers) of the Lodge can do this, as they have respectful asked to complete their work in preparation of the Sweat Lodge ceremony. It is always a good practice of respect to not walk between the Sacred Fire and Sweat Lodge regardless if there is a cedar trail there or not. It would be as if you were walking between the grandfathers and grandmothers (without thought of them) who are preparing a ceremony of healing for you. Some Lodges may have an alter or they may lay parts of their sacred bundle on the earth which will usually be between the Sacred Fire and the Sweat Lodge. Please ensure you do not walk over them. When preparing to enter the Sweat Lodge people will walk in a clockwise direction around the Lodge (is accessible) to where the tobacco bowl is and have each person offer tobacco into the fire (please keep in mind the direction and intensity of the wind when doing this). Some Sweat Lodge Carriers will ask people to offer their tobacco from a certain direction while others will ask to offer from the direction the wind comes from. After tobacco is offered the individual will kneel down upon entering the Sweat Lodge and crawl inside the Lodge (again in a clockwise direction) to where you are directed to sit within the Sweat Lodge. Do not walk while inside the Sweat Lodge, please humble yourself and crawl) It is appropriate to acknowledge the spirit of life when entering the Sweat Lodge. This can be done as simply as saying “All My Relations” when entering the Sweat Lodge. When an individual or organization requests the Sweat Lodge Ceremony for a specific purpose a gift and/or honorarium is often offered along with the tobacco as a way to support the ceremony. This should not ever be considered a fee for service.
We hope this is of help to you. There is so much more about the Sweat Lodge Ceremony, but this comes with time and experience and is always good to learn through oral tradition. Through oral tradition comes the guidance that is spirit. Our relationships and connection is sacred and is strengthened by the movement of spirit which resides in all life.
We pray a good journey for you, all my relations
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