Grey Wolf Greeting Visitors to Thunder Bay
of the Cruise Ship: Clelia II
Grey Wolf and Opportunity Thunder Bay had been greeting visitors (summer 2009) to Thunder Bay arriving on the Clelia II at the Pool 6 dock (you couldn't miss the tipi). We were presenting sweet grass gifts to each of the visitors together with drumming and dancing.
Sadly, Clelia II isn't coming anymore, so we aren't able to greet those visitors anymore.
ATTACHED TO THEIR GIFTS WAS A CARD WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
We are very pleased to be able to share this small token of our appreciation to you for visiting our traditional lands. Wiingwashk (sweet grass) is one of four of our sacred medicines. The other three are: asemaa (tobacco), mashkode-wiingwashk (sage) and giishkaandag (cedar). Wiingwashk grows in our area and is harvested in August. Wiingwashk is believed to be a cleansing medicine and can be used by smudging or bathing a person. It is recommended that you seek the direction of an Elder before using any of these medicines. To do this, you would offer asemaa to an Elder for guidance.
The beads in the four colours signify the four nations or cultures of Creation and how all nations will need to work together to save Creation.
The silver charm reminds us of the rich history of Silver Islet, situated at the far end of Sibley Peninsula past the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. In 1868, silver was first discovered there. These traditional lands are rich in Aboriginal history such as the Sleeping Giant; Lake Superior; and Mount McKay, just to name a few. We would love to share these legends with you.
These gifts were made for you courtesy of some dedicated volunteers and the following organizations:
Opportunity Thunder Bay
Opportunity Thunder Bay advocates economic developments within the City of Thunder Bay and District. We are promoting new ideas, youth opportunities, youth retention, and encourage competitive wage employment.
Waabi-ma'iingan (Grey Wolf) Traditional Teaching Lodge
The Teaching Lodge is not just a vision, but a reality which is helping to rebuild cultural and Spiritual connections. Focused on building peace, unity, and understanding, the primary goal of the Teaching Lodge is to provide an environment for individuals from all cultures and walks of life to: gather; share Anishnaabe culture; traditional teachings; and, the Spiritual Laws.
www.greywolfteachinglodge.ca
City of Thunder Bay
The Events Calendar is provided as a public service. The events listed below represent some of the offerings happening in and around the Thunder Bay area.
http://www.thunderbay.ca/Living/recreation_and_parks/Events.htm
Language Translation sourced from: Pocket Ojibwe – A Phrasebook for nearly All Occasions; written by Patricia M. Ningewance.