Names, Clans and Colours Feast

Join Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services to honour and celebrate those who have received their spirit names, clans and colours. These foundational elements of identity in many Indigenous communities support our ability to better understand our life’s purpose, connect to our work in community and uncover how our gifts can help others.

This event is brought to you by Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services in the Indigenous Initiatives unit in the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI).

What to expect

For Indigenous community members

This event aims to empower you to learn more about traditional Indigenous ceremonies. Facilitator Amy Desjarlais Waabishka Kakaki Zhaawshko Shkeezhgokwe (White Raven Woman with Turquoise Eyes) will guide you through the practice of feasting as we gather. 

For Indigenous students wishing for their spirit name

If you are an Indigenous student wishing for your spirit name, we invite you to first connect with Elder Joanne Dallaire at jdallaire@torontomu.ca to seek guidance and counsel. We also ask that you visit the Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Service offices (KHW-372) and learn how to prepare a tobacco tie/pouch as an offering to the Elder.

At the feast, you are welcome to bring a family member to accompany you.

For non-Indigenous community members

This is an opportunity for you to gather with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peers in the spirit of learning and respect. Amy will increase your awareness and understanding of traditional and sacred Indigenous practices. Bear witness to the reclamation of Indigenous identity and spiritual responsibilities of those receiving their names, clans and/or colours during the event. 

About Amy Desjarlais Waabishka Kakaki Zhaawshko Shkeezhgokwe (White Raven Woman with Turquoise Eyes)

Amy currently works at Toronto Metropolitan University as the Lead, Rebirthed Teachings, in the Indigenous Initiatives unit of the OVPECI. Rebirthed Teachings is a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff working together to educate about our shared history together.

Amy is an instructor for Anishnawbe Health Toronto’s Community Health Worker Training Program. Her community work includes sitting as an executive board member at the Centre for World Indigenous Studies, and a general board member for Community Music Schools of Toronto. She is a member of Spiritwind singers with performances all over Tkaronto as a group and individual hand drummer.

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, Nehiyawak 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.