In early 2021, Elder Edward Perley met with employees in J Division Indigenous Policing Services where he spoke about the importance of first responders visiting the Sacred Fire. He reminded us that Sacred Fires are where many people gather and an important place for first responders to be present to show their support for the community they are serving.
We believe that sharing the teaching about the Sacred Fire is a way to learn, reflect, and honour the Indigenous peoples of our province. J Division Indigenous Community Engagement Strategy prioritizes the importance of communication and better awareness and understanding. Sharing teachings from Elders helps build a strong foundation for communication and to ensure we go about strengthening relationships by demonstrating cultural competency and cultural safety.
Sacred Fire Teaching
Elder Edward Perley from Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation).
Acting OIC Community Engagement, Don Daigle joined Elder Edward Perley at Kingsclear First Nation Powwow Grounds by the Wolastoq River (Saint John River) at a Sacred Fire. As eagles soared proudly overhead, the following was shared:
What is a Sacred Fire?
Sacred Fires require a clean/cleared space free of danger or anything that could cause harm, wood, tobacco, and an Elder or Fire Keeper to keep the fire going for as long as it is needed. The fire is not to be left unattended to ensure peoples safety, and to ensure the fire is kept going.
Fire is one of the oldest known elements and is to be respected because it can support life, but it can also take away life. Sacred Fires represent life and will help to gather people and the best way to learn about it is to experience it.
One of the teachings he received from an Elder was that if you know of anyone having a difficult time or if you are having a difficult time, light the fire, offer tobacco, pray, and ask for guidance. You can always go to the fire to pray to a higher source for wisdom and guidance. Everyone has ancestors, you ask your
ancestors for wisdom and guidance and your prayers will be answered or lessons will come to you. You have to be patient as you may not always get an answer right away, or the answer you want to hear, but you always get your answer.
Is there a special wood used for a Sacred Fire?
It is the Elder/Fire Keepers preference. Typically, it is any kind of hardwood (maple, birch, etc.) so that it keeps a consistent heat as the fire is burned for one (1) to seven (7) days at a time or however long it is needed. As long as you have wood, tobacco and someone to look after it, Sacred Fires can be burned as long as it is needed.
What is the intent or purpose of lighting a Sacred Fire?
To help heal or unify people, depending on why the fire is lit. The fire is typically used for unity, bringing people together.
Who can light a Sacred Fire?
Usually the fires are lit by an Elder or Fire Keeper, or community member. Anyone with the knowledge of the proper protocols for the fire or the right intentions can light the fire. The fire will never judge nor discriminate. Even if you do not have tobacco but you have the right intentions, it can still be a Sacred Fire. The only wrong way to have a Sacred Fire is to not light it at all.
Many Elders have different teachings, but the one that Elder Perley uses is offering tobacco in the seven directions before offering to the fire:
- East
- South
- West
- North
- Mother Earth
- Father Sky
- Yourself
How is the area prepared before a Sacred Fire?
You clean the area in the same way you clean/clear your baby's bed, by removing anything that might interfere or cause harm.
How does a person become a fire keeper?
If a person is interested, they are asked to take some tobacco, find a local Elder and ask if they would teach you how to work with the fire. The role of the Fire Keeper requires commitment and sacrifice of your time. Typically, the men are responsible for the fire and the women are responsible for the water for the Sacred Fires, however most Elders are flexible. You are asked to always respect the Elders wishes in each circumstance.
What are the responsibilities of the fire Keeper?
Abstain from alcohol or drugs. Elders will provide further guidance.
Who can attend a Sacred Fire?
No discrimination, anyone can attend. Everyone is asked to be respectful while at the Sacred Fire.
Is it permitted for a uniformed RCMP or other law enforcement to attend a Sacred Fire? Under what circumstances should police not attend a Sacred Fire?
The fire does not discriminate nor judge, police are always encouraged to come, however, sometimes the sight of a weapon can carry a certain feeling of threat. It is important to not be disruptive and wait until the Elder/Fire Keeper acknowledges your presence, then have a respectful conversation around what your intentions are by being present. You are asked to always respect the Elder or Fire Keeper's wishes in each circumstance.
Are there offerings a person should make to the Sacred Fire?
Always check with the Elder or Fire Keeper as it will be at their discretion depending on their teachings. Typically wood, tobacco, cedar, sage, sweetgrass, water and sometimes food are accepted as offerings to the fire.
Can a Sacred Fire be moved from one location to another without disrupting or disrespecting the ceremony?
Yes, they can be transferred respectfully from one place to another.
What type of event or situation would a Sacred Fire be lit? Are there events that should be avoided for the lighting of a Sacred Fire?
Any time a fire is needed personally or for a community. Sacred Fires only requires one person to be present and are typically lit during a crisis, for healing, or for celebration. (Powwows, Elder or Youth gatherings, etc.)
Is the location of a Sacred Fire important and how is it chosen? Are there locations that should be avoided for a Sacred Fire.
Common sense is to be used as it is not to cause harm in any way. Elders or Fire Keepers are typically knowledgeable around where fires should be lit. It is generally up to the individual, the family, the community, etc. Generally, the fires are lit on the Powwow grounds, back yards, school grounds, etc.
How long does a Sacred Fire last? Is it always different depending on the event?
This is usually up to the individual, the family, the community, etc. One (1) day to four (4) days is the most common, but it is always dependant on the need.
How is a Sacred Fire extinguished and by whom? Is anything required to be done after the fire is extinguished?
The Elder or Fire Keeper who lights the fire is responsible to extinguish it in a respectful way. Water is only used to extinguish it only if there was danger. It is typically burned out naturally and once it burns out you give thanks in the same way you give thanks when it is lit.
Is the lesson you've given us about Sacred Fire specific to Wolastoqey people or is it similar in other tribes?
This teaching is specific to the Wolastoqey, Mi'kmaq, Passamaquoddy, Penobsquis and extends beyond. Fire is like a beacon. You will see the fire or you will see the smoke to help guide you.
If you look around the world at the different races or religions, you will see other teachings of fire and water.
Can we go to a Sacred Fire to bless or cleanse the feathers part of our Eagle Feather Program?
You can definitely ask the Elder or Fire Keeper, however if Indigenous employees are familiar with the smudging protocols and practices we are encouraged to smudge them ourselves.
Elder Edward Perley thanked us for the opportunity to help people appreciate what it is we are trying to do when we talk about reconciliation or unity. These teachings come from a place of respect, safety and wellbeing of all human beings. This teaching is shared with us based on his own experience, never growing up with ceremony, it was only through experiences later in life with many other influential Elders. He hopes that this is received with whatever believe system you have, in the spirit of learning and sharing. Sacred Fires are about unity and healing and are not to change your belief system nor impose Indigenous beliefs on anyone.
Elder Perley believes that in order to achieve reconciliation, we need to recognize the history. We further need to recognize the RCMP's role in that history as it relates to Indigenous peoples. We need to make important changes to outdated policies and acts in our country. Elders and Indigenous people still have ill feelings and we need to listen to their stories, listen without defending or denying, without accepting or rejecting. Simply listening to what is being said, instead of what we want to hear. Many Indigenous people still do not feel safe right now. Once we talk and listen in an open way, we can start to reconcile.
True reconciliation begins with talking about the truth, only then we can start to heal.