Backed by a sunset and surrounded by biting cold air, a crowd gathered at Awen Circle welcomed winter and said farewell to the Change of Seasons ceremony tradition in Collingwood.
Muckpaloo Ipeelie, an Inuk woman born in Iqaluit now living in The Blue Mountains, led the gathering with teachings about Inuit stories, a song, and a demonstration of throat singing.
Ipeelie told an origin story for the Northern Lights while the Awen structure was lit in green, blue, and purple spot lights to simulate the Aurora Borealis.
Opichi Commanda, a Collingwood resident currently attending Trent University for a teaching degree, shared some knowledge about her role as a firekeeper. Opichi is a two-spirit Annishinaabe fire keeper from the Marten Clan.
Opichi taught the crowd about sacred fires, and how to make an offering using a sacred fire.
Jennifer McFarlane, part of the Metis Nation of Ontario shared some of her personal journey to discovering her heritage and culture.
The whole ceremony marked the Winter Solstice and, Ipeelie reminded everyone that tonight will be the longest night, but the sun will start returning for longer days starting tomorrow morning.
The Change of Seasons ceremonies began in Collingwood in March, 2022 with a celebration of the arrival of spring.
The first ceremony was organized by the Collingwood Indigenous Circle, which was formed by Ipeelie as a way to connect Indigenous people who were living in the area, and create space for them to have a gathering and ceremony together
Held four times a year, the ceremonies welcomed Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to celebrate a new season and to learn something about Indigenous culture and tradition.
Ipeelie said there would be more Indigenous events in Collingwood, they'll just be different from the Change of Season events that have occurred over the past two years.
