Indigenous Sweat Lodge and Healing Garden Opens at Bradley Museum

The City of Mississauga and Peel Aboriginal Network (PAN) have partnered to build and program a traditional sweat lodge and healing garden at Bradley Museum.

“There is no question that our Indigenous roots play a significant role in telling the unique story of our young city,” said Stuart Keeler, Manager and Chief Curator, Culture Division, City of Mississauga. “We’re very excited to share this important part of the city’s history and culture with the people of Mississauga.”

According to Keeler, the sweat lodge and healing garden are part of a two-year pilot project with PAN. Both projects were funded by the Community Foundation of Mississauga and Friends of the Museums of Mississauga.

“This is the start of a journey in reclaiming space within the City of Mississauga for our traditional teachings and ceremonies,” said Kris Noakes, President, PAN. “This is just the beginning for all of us to do great things together.”

According to Noakes, the Sweat Lodge is a place that allows the Indigenous community to conduct traditional ceremonies but it’s also a space for other members of the Mississauga community to learn about traditional ways of wellness and healing.

In addition to the Sweat Lodge, a Healing Garden will also be planted at Bradley Museum.  The Garden brings together the teachings of the Medicine Wheel and our four sacred medicines, explained Noakes.

These medicines include cedar, sweet grass, tobacco and sage.

“Part of our responsibility is to preserve our knowledge and teachings by providing space in Mississauga to share our traditions and culture,” added Noakes.

Media Photo Opportunity

What:

Media are invited onsite to the opening of the first Indigenous sweat lodge in Mississauga in over a century.

Who:

Members of Council
Kris Noakes, President, PAN
Elder Peter Isaacs
Elder Blu Waters
Museums of Mississauga Staff

Where:

Bradley Museum
1620 Orr Rd.
Mississauga, ON
[MAP]

When:

Saturday, November 5, 2016
10 a.m. to noon