Ancestors Feast

You’re invited to join the Ancestors Feast, an event to honour those who came before us. At the gathering, we will have four sacred Anishinaabe medicines available—tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass—which community members can use to offer prayers and intentions to the ancestors in any combination they choose. Facilitator Amy Desjarlais Waabishka Kakaki Zhaawshko Shkeezhgokwe (White Raven Woman with Turquoise Eyes) will prepare a ceremonial feast plate to offer to our ancestors. 

For Indigenous community members, this event aims to empower you to learn more about traditional ceremonies. Amy will guide you through the practice of feasting as we gather.

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.

This event is brought to you by Gdoo-maawnjidimi Mompii Indigenous Student Services, Indigenous Education Council and Rebirthed Teachings. 

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.