Indigenous Purification Lodge

2025-02-10T17:57:33+00:00

Steve Weber oversees an indigenous purification lodge east of Casper in the historic North Platte River bottoms. Weekly ceremonies benefit those involved in alcohol and drug addiction recovery, those trying to reintegrate into society after recent incarceration, troubled youth and the public.
The lodge’s initial ceremonies were drawn from Nakota and Lakota traditions. Many tribes believe the North Platte River bottoms to be a sacred place as it provided them with a safe winter refuge. Weber recalls a lodge ceremony with members of 5 different tribes, “as we sing 16 songs in our ceremony there was room for all to sing their songs.”
After consulting with tribal elders, some other traditions were introduced. Weber has always respectively sought the approval and blessing of tribal elders for these rights.
What he shares about these ceremonies is for the education and understanding of all people. He states, “people cannot be expected to come to ceremony in a respectful way if they don’t know what that looks like.” Weber also speaks of treating these ceremonies with the utmost respect. “This is people’s heritage, their way of life. It is ancient. It is a wonder it is still alive. Do not play with these things by doing whatever you want. Ceremonies are conducted differently by different tribes. I speak of what I have been taught. I have never charged anything for ceremony.”

In the following video Weber explains the basic construction of the lodge and the ceremonies observed.

In this video Weber shows the relationship of the sweat lodge to the offering mound and the fire pit.

Next we go inside the sweat lodge.

Weber explains the significance of the directional points in the sweat lodge.

In this final video Weber examines the wonders of the sweat lodge ceremony.

Indigenous Purification Lodge2025-02-10T17:57:33+00:00

Cremation Ritual

2023-10-17T22:30:23+00:00

After you die, “Whatever happens . . . we’re going to bring you home”. With these comforting words, Simon Garcia Sr. explains how his tribe cares for their dead. From the cremation ceremony to assisting those who have passed on with their journey to their new home on Spirit Mountain, Mojaves are supported by rituals passed down through generations. He generously shares his mother’s Bird Song, a traditional form of song that is an integral part of his people’s cremation ritual.

Cremation Ritual2023-10-17T22:30:23+00:00

Heart Mountain Pipe Ceremony

2022-09-03T23:33:05+00:00

When Grant Bulltail learned that the Nature Conservancy held the Heart Mountain Ranch as a public land trust, he wanted to hold a Pipe Ceremony on the mountain. He realized that Apsáalooke (Crow) tribal members could rebuild their connections 120 years after their removal from the region, relearn the story of Foretop’s Father (aka Heart Mountain) and reconnect with its healing power. He asked Crow singers and dancers to revitalize the energy of the mountain and stir the hearts of the people gathered. Grant created an opportunity for all ecologically concerned people to gather and make a good ceremony, contributing their energy to help restore the mountain impacted by the changes in temperature and weather that Grant was witnessing.

This was the first in what has become an annual celebration of the Return to Foretop’s Father.

Heart Mountain Pipe Ceremony2022-09-03T23:33:05+00:00

Twin Fall Offerings

2022-09-03T23:17:09+00:00

There are spiritual protocols with which the Navajo approach these falls, one of their sacred sites. The offerings ensure safe passage into the canyons beyond and speak to traditional knowledge that the rocks here are themselves “alive”. The area is full of the holy people who live here: Wind People, Plant People and Rock People – living within the rocks themselves. To collect plants at Twin Falls for medicines or for ceremonial purposes, it is necessary to create a ‘venue’ or ‘channel’ so that the plants will really work with you. All are to be approached with reverence. Success in working with the plants depends on the relationship you build with them, rather than simply gathering them.

Twin Fall Offerings2022-09-03T23:17:09+00:00

Building a Traditional Hogan

2022-09-03T23:09:37+00:00

The hogan was the primary traditional dwelling for the Navajo people. While their use as dwellings has dwindled, many hogans are maintained for ceremonial purposes. These eight-sided, single room buildings represent a harmony between Mother Earth and Father Sky. Constructed of wood and earth, they have a single door facing east to welcome the morning sun. There is an opening in the center of the roof that represents the sky and serves as ventilation.

Jonah Yellowman is a spiritual leader who provides healing ceremonies for people across the Navajo Nation. He is constructing a Navajo ceremonial hogan where he can practice his spiritual traditions.

Building a Traditional Hogan2022-09-03T23:09:37+00:00
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