Regina’s Mâmawêyatitân Center Hosts Winter Solstice Gathering

December 21 marks the winter solstice, a day of gathering for the people of the mâmawêyatitân center.

Hosted by the Buffalo People Arts Institute, people had the opportunity to participate in a variety of events and ceremonies throughout the day. The morning began with a pipe ceremony, led by the matriarch, followed by a healing circle and discussion, then a feast.

“A lot of things are sleeping and preparing for a different year and then sleeping too, it helps me remember all our loved ones who are gone, remember them too and be grateful that we are still here,” said Doreen Pasap. Elder of the Buffalo People Arts Institute.

The winter solstice has the shortest period of daylight between sunrise and sunset, which also results in the longest night of the year.

This date is important in many cultures around the world. Pasap described it as “a time of sharing and family and giving and, in our culture, many gifts.”

“For me, it’s about being more aware of our surroundings and being able to observe the beauty of the season and what it means to us. And we could all, I suppose, see different things and feel different things. different in winter,” says Pasap.

This gathering offered women a special opportunity to share during the pipe ceremony and healing circle. Something Pasap described as an important lesson for everyone in the room.

“I think it’s very important. And also the men who are here, you know, it’s watching them to help women and, watching my grandsons, in a way, learning since they were little ones, that they should be able to help their mother, you know, and other women who raise their pipes,” she said.

The theme of learning ran throughout the gathering, learning from each other and from nature. Pasap expressed that this time of year is an important reminder to listen.

“I live on a reservation, so I’m really familiar with birds, you know, and animals, like deer and elk and moose and even dogs, you know, and how they live and what they tell us. before the winter and during the winter, so, being aware of all these things because they let us know certain things to come,” she said.