Aboriginal Cultural Activities
BHF acknowledges that the majority of its clients are Aboriginal. It is also acknowledged that not all Aboriginal persons wish to be involved in traditional and other cultural activities. Cultural programming is therefore not compulsory and the level of involvement is entirely up to the individual.
To facilitate cultural programming there is an emphasis in the hiring of Aboriginal Staff. In the case of equal qualifications, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal descent fluent in a local Aboriginal language.
The traditional components or activities of the program consist of (but are not limited to) sweat lodges, feasts, fasts, attending and participating in ceremonies such as Sun Dances, Ghost Dances and Warrior Dances, women's ceremonies and naming ceremonies. BHF has its own traditional lodge on site to house ceremonies. This is the Northwinds lodge. All ceremonies are hosted or led by those persons who have been honoured with the gifts to do so.
Henry Shingoose Traditional Powwow
Each year the Behavioural Health Foundation's hosts the Henry Shingoose Traditional Powwow during the first weekend of June.
The first BHF Traditional Powwow was in held 1994 by Henry Shingoose – Anishinaabe Medicine Man and BHF Elder. Around this time, Mr. Shingoose had identified a need for traditional Aboriginal programming to meet the needs of BHF’s Aboriginal population.
Upon identifying this need, Mr. Shingoose began the development and implementation of the Aboriginal programming component of BHF. In 1999, the Powwow was renamed the Henry Shingoose Traditional Powwow in his honor. Mr. Shingoose passed away in November 2001.
16th Annual Powwow Date Announced
BHF will be hosting the 16th Annual Henry Shingoose Traditional Powwow during the weekend of June 5th and 6th, 2010 at 1147 Breezy Point Road, Selkirk, MB.
There will be three grand entries, on June 5th at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and on June 6th at 1:00 pm. Each session will feature a host drum group, dancing, and traditional celebrations. A traditional feast will be held for all in attendance on Saturday, June 5th. There will be canteen services and arts & crafts sales. Camping and security services are also available. All members of the general public are invited to attend.
For more information on the Henry Shingoose Powwow, or any of our Aboriginal treatment components, please contact Mike Calder, Director of Aboriginal Programming at (204) 269-3430 or by email at mikec@bhf.ca.
