Anishinabe Water Ceremony
The Elmvale Water Festival - 2009 is pleased to announce the inclusion of the Anishinabe Water Ceremony as part of the days events. This important First Nations celebration of water will provide a unique connection to water that many of us have never witnessed and is a fitting continuation to the Singing Water Bowls of our 2008 event. Please read the words of Shelley Essaunce as she leads us through a description of what to expect.
The Water Ceremony is an important Anishinabe tradition, where women play an integral role. Just as Grandmother Moon watches over the waters of the earth by regulating the tides, women watch over the waters of the people. Women have an intimate connection to the moon’s cycle and therefore share the responsibility of caring for the water. As life givers, babies in the womb are surrounded by water for their protection. Because of this close relationship that women have with the water, they have a heightened understanding of water and have the responsibility of ensuring it is being taken care of. Clean water ensures that women will be able to fulfill their role in bringing forth life and provide nurturing for their families. In traditional water ceremonies, women speak for the ever-flowing water and offer thanks.
Everyone attending the EWF is welcome to participate in the Water Ceremony by gathering in a circle. Grandmother offers her prayers in her original language and gives thanks through prayer and songs as the water, in copper vessels, is being spoken for. The water is offered to each individual in the group and poured carefully into cups so as to not spill a single precious drop. Strawberries are also passed around the circle for all participants, as this berry represents the heart. In our language, it literally translates into, “heart berry”. At this time, the eagle feather is passed around the circle, so that each participant has a chance to comment on water (this may not be possible during the EWF, depending on the size of the gathering)