TRADITIONAL HEALTH GATHERING 
bay. The Traditional Health Gathering 
is only able to bring these ceremonies 
to the host Nations because of the 
many Elders, Knowledge Keepers and 
healers that attend the gathering and 
offer their expertise, knowledge, teach-
ings and services. The use of cameras 
or recording devices is prohibited in 
these areas. 
Sweat Lodges – In total, 19 sweats 
were held during the 2025 Traditional 
Health Gathering, with the bundle 
ceremony being held during the first 
sweat on Sunday, Aug. 10. A total of 
four sweat lodges were erected: two 
for men and two for women. Sweats 
were held from Sunday, Aug. 10, 
until Thursday, Aug. 14. Prayers for a 
successful event were offered. 
Horse Dance Ceremony – The Horse 
Dance Ceremony was held on Tuesday, 
Aug. 12. The Horse Dance Ceremony is 
held to offer prayers for better mental 
health and to find acceptance for 
the people. 
Chicken Dance Ceremony – The 
Chicken Dance Ceremony was held on 
Thursday, Aug. 14. The Chicken Dance 
Ceremony is a healing dance to honour 
the spirit of the chicken and birds who 
have helped in giving us life, and our 
ancestors who have gone on before us. 
The chicken dance is done for those 
struggling with grief and loss, as well as 
those who are seeking traditional help 
with doctoring loved ones.
Bear Lodge – The Bear Lodge was 
held on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The Bear 
Lodge is held to pray and to receive 
and encourage laws from the Creator.
firelight
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SINCE 2010
Mapping & 
GIS 
Learn more at firelight.ca
Firelight is the largest Indigenous-owned consulting 
group working with Indigenous Nations across Turtle 
Island. We provide research and technical services to 
support the rights and interests of Indigenous Nations 
across the following areas:
Health
Indigenous-
Led 
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FSIN Vice Chief David Pratt, FSIN Vice Chief Fabian Head, Chief Shelley Bear Ochapowace and Chief Charlie Bear Chacachas.
 The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations   19

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