The Cree teaching of the Egg‐Laying Moon is often associated with fertility and the return of life in its most fragile and hopeful forms. As birds lay eggs and the land reawakens, the moon reflects a cycle of care, protection and quiet growth. The sun rises and new beginnings are honoured while we celebrate our faith in our sacred relationships that sustain all.

The summer solstice acknowledges the connection between the sky and earth and how they work together at the sun’s highest point and with Creator’s life‐giving energy. It’s the longest day of the year and our time to connect and celebrate. The relationship can also be understood through the lens of the seven directions that hold balance. These teachings are not separate but are woven together. They invite a holistic understanding of life’s cycles and our place within them.

A special note:

There will be smoke present from smudging and a sacred pipe. The food will also be smudged as part of the ceremony. No pork or nut products. Other potential allergens may be present, so each person is asked to be aware of their contacts and consumptions.

Hands‐on activity

The first 30 registered people will be offered the opportunity to participate in a hands‐on activity.

This workshop is part of a monthly Wahkowtowin and Ways of Being series led by knowledge keeper Marilyn Dykstra. Each month, we will explore a variety of moon, pole and tea teachings in the Inninewak (Cree) tradition.

Wahkowtowin – which translates to kinship – highlights how relationships, communities and the natural world are all interconnected.

Participants will discover and reflect on their connections with each other, with balance and with human rights through teachings and a traditional tea.

Traditional helper Peyton will support the teachings while she continues her learning journey within Wahkowtowin.

Marilyn Dykstra

Marilyn Dykstra is a status Bill C31 First Nations woman from northern Manitoba. She has been immersed in a working matriarchal system that practised Indigenous ways of thinking and being since she was born. Alongside her family, she has participated in many peaceful social justice movements.

Marilyn uses her matriarchal knowledge as a foundation for her work in the Indigenous community, which has been ongoing for over thirty years. She still follows her matriarchal teachings, but she has also spent her life learning traditional knowledge and passing the teachings on.

She is a pow wow dancer and knowledge keeper, and she carries the responsibility of a bundle. She happily participates in naming ceremonies, sweats, pipe ceremonies, moon teachings and more.