Ancestors Feast

You are warmly invited to attend the Ancestors Feast, an event dedicated to honouring those who came before us. During the gathering, we will offer four sacred Anishinaabe medicines—tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass—that participants can use to offer prayers and intentions for their ancestors in whichever combination feels meaningful to them. Facilitator Amy Desjarlais, Waabishka Kakaki Zhaawshko Shkeezhgokwe (White Raven Woman with Turquoise Eyes), will prepare a ceremonial feast plate as an offering to ancestors. 

For Indigenous community members, this event offers an opportunity to deepen your connection to traditional ceremonies, with Amy guiding you through the practice of feasting in a communal setting.

For non-Indigenous community members, this is a chance to gather with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peers in a spirit of learning and respect, as Amy provides insight into sacred Indigenous practices and traditions.

This event is hosted by Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services in collaboration with the Indigenous Education Council and Rebirthed Teachings.

Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite dish of the ancestor(s) they are honouring to share with the group. Additional food and refreshments will be provided.

What is an Ancestors Feast?

Ancestors Feasts usually occur in the fall. Similar to the All Hallow’s Eve tradition of acknowledging those who pass away during the year, Indigenous Peoples take the time to memorialize and ‘feast’ the spirit of their ancestors who have passed away. This recognizes that much like the physical body, the spiritual body needs sustenance to do the spiritual work of supporting us.

Guidelines

• When you arrive, please enter the eastern doorway to the ceremony, and travel around the ceremony in the direction you are most comfortable doing so. Visitors may follow the sun, or the earth rotation (move around the ceremony space either clockwise or counter clockwise). Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples have a longstanding relationship with one another, thus we uphold and extend this respect for one another’s ceremonial protocols while in mixed company with other nations. 
• Absolutely no drugs or alcohol permitted while in attendance.
• Photos are permitted, however we ask that you request direction from the facilitator.
• Refrain from touching the Elders’ and helpers’ sacred bundle items (e.g. drums, feathers, etc.) unless asked to do so.

This event is wheelchair accessible

The university is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. If you require any additional accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation, please email Brian Norton, Program Manager, Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services, at bnorton@torontomu.ca. 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email Brian Norton, Program Manager, Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services, at bnorton@torontomu.ca.