Today@Dal

As part of the Indigenous Student Orientation there will be a Sacred Fire at the Indifenous Student Centre (1321 Edward St, Halifax). Volunteers are needed to watch over the fire for the 3 days it will burn (September 3 to September 5). 

Sacred fires are usually burned during ceremonies. The only thing that goes into the fire is tobacco as an offering the fire will go up and that is seen as a prayer to go to the creator.  

It is an opportunity for the family to have people share teachings and information. The sacred fire is the heart of the community and is not filmed or pictured.  

The sacred fire keeper is responsible for keeping the fire going and to assist individuals who want to make an offering of tobacco in the fire.  The offering is usually done by pinching tobacco and placing it on your palm and pressing the tobacco in your palm as you pray then place it in the fire and offer the tobacco as a prayer to the creator or the universe.

All volunteers will be informed of the process by Linda Denny, the Indigenous Community Outreach & Transition to University Coordinator, and will be followed by a teaching from Elder Geri when the sacred fire is lit. The Sacred Fire will burn form 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, from September 3 to September 5.

​Volunteers can sign up here: https://dalu-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/personal/ln479206_dal_ca/ETgS22BVZetHn-z1aqHZlGMB-Slu5y5TdlN9YT9m3kmjZw?rtime=LLKNplYq10g​