Special water ceremony at Manitou Lake immerses participants in healing

“When you go through a traumatic event, your soul and spirit no longer feels safe inside your own body. Swim therapy helps, but also we can go back to the water and ask the water spirit to carry us,” said Pooyak.

Big Manitou Beach was the site of Pooyak’s Medicine Camp water ceremony in 2023. (Image Credit: Submitted/Lisa Baines)

Participants gathered at a private area of the lake, where they were invited to enter the water.

The event is one of four SFNWA water ceremonies held annually, each set in a different season. SFNWA is an organization dedicated to empowering Indigenous water professionals and ensuring safe drinking water on First Nations. Their members are all water treatment operators and water monitors working on First Nations across Saskatchewan.

As the organization provides western-based education and certification for water-based professionals, they wanted to offer more traditional, Indigenous based teachings for both their members and the public.

“It’s important for us to provide a balance of First Nations teachings,” said Lisa Bains, SFNWA engagement coordinator.

“We hope participants can get a deeper understanding of the importance of water and reflect on their own relationships with water. And most importantly, we want them to carry these teachings back to their home communities.”

The summer water ceremony is one of four annual water gatherings hosted by SFNWA. (Image Credit: Submitted/Lisa Bains)

Previous SFNWA water ceremonies have been led by Elders and Knowledge Keepers like Norma Rabbitskin of Big River First Nation, and Josephine Wichihin of Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

The summer water ceremony, led by Pooyak, is set at a particularly distinct and special location, she said.

“Manitou is a scared and holy site, (in English) it’s called God’s Lake,” said Pooyak. “It was a trading place and a healing place. It’s a place that helps you to bring peace of mind and peace of heart.”

Manitou Lake is a world-famous saline lake with roughly five-times higher salinity than the ocean, making it possible for swimmers to float effortlessly.

Pooyak said the ceremonies are open to anyone, but should particularly appeal to those who are working their way through trauma. She said it’s an opportunity to make a spiritual connection with the natural world.

“A lot of people walk around feeling like they don’t belong, that they don’t have a purpose, that they’re searching for something,” said Pooyak.

“What we’re truly searching for is to belong back in creation.”

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EFN Media is a Saskatchewan-based, Indigenous-owned news organization focused on First Nations and Métis stories in Saskatchewan and beyond. It covers areas including community news, politics, business, health, education, sports, arts and culture.

by NC Raine/EFN Media

Special water ceremony at Manitou Lake immerses participants in healing

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