1709 2 Ave S
Lethbridge
Kano’tsisissin (All-Night Smoke Ceremony)
(GUN- OAT- SIS- SIS- IN) say all together
Hosts
ARCHES, Indigenous Recovery Coach Program and Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship
Description
This is a night ceremony. It is attended by past and present members of the various societies, past and present bundle holders, past and present medicine pipe holders, and others (the common link is that all in attendance have had sacred transfers, li’pommowa, at one time or another). They are invited to bring their pipes for a night of praying, singing, and smoking of sacred pipes. This is also a time to recount exploits. The recalling of the exploits is also the giving of the power of that event to the person who sits holy, Awaatoopi. The prayers are also blessings bestowed to help that person, Awaatoopi, or whomever he is representing in that position. It begins at sunset and ends after the sun rises. These ceremonies usually take place during the winter when the nights are long. (Bastien, Blackfoot Ways of Knowing, 2004)
We will be united in prayer for the evening – for a good year and for the healing of our community members struggling with opioid addiction.
NOTE: the space will be filled with tobacco smoke the entire time. Please consider your health. **Attendees can bring a scarf to cover nose and mouth if necessary.
Times and Location
Friday, January 11, 2019 @ Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Centre (1709 2 Ave S)
Start around 6:30/7:30 pm with committee members participating in Poiskinnaksin (Ochre blessing) – to provide protection and guidance to members during the work of reconciliation.
Break – those not staying the night will be invited to leave. Once the Kano’tsisissin ceremony has started attendees are to stay for the remainder of the ceremony, finishing at sunrise the next day, around 8 am.
Kano’tsisissin to start around 9/10 pm and end around 8 am the next morning.
Protocol
Dress is casual, but with some protocol. If you have moccasins, wear them. As in all Blackfoot ceremony, it is essential that all woman attending wear a long sleeved shirt and long skirt, or pants if you do not own a long skirt. No leggings, yoga style pants. Bring a shawl if you have one.
If available, there will be someone there to talk participants through what is occurring and why.
Noteworthy
Bring a cushion to sit on for the night and a blanket to stay warm. There will be seating for quests in an observation area just outside the ceremony space.
Gifts are given out to all participants attending the ceremony. The ceremony also consists of a feast, so please bring a medium to large size food storage container in case of extra food.
Terms
Akano’tsisissin – pronounce: (GUN- OAT- SI- SIS- SIN)
All Night Smoke (Pipe Ceremony)
Awaatoopi – pronounce: (AH-WAA-DO-BEE)
Person who sits holy (Sitting in Sacredness)
li’pommowa – pronounce: (EE-BOOM-MOO-WA)
Those who received the transfer a rights- Sacred rights to practice
Poiskinnaksin – pronounce: (BO-WIS-SKIN-NUK-SIN)
Ochre blessing (Painted with Sacred Ochre)