Gathering held in Regina to recognize Winter Solstice

A gathering was held at the mâmawêyatitân centre on Dec. 21 to celebrate the Winter Solstice. (Hallee Mandryk / CTV News)

Dec. 21 marks the Winter Solstice, a day of gathering for those at the mâmawêyatitân centre.

Hosted by the Buffalo People Arts Institute, people had the opportunity to take part in a variety of events and caremonies throughout the day. The morning began with a pipe ceremony, with the matriarch's leading, followed by a healing / talking circle and then a feast.

"Many things are sleeping and getting ready for a different year and then also sleeping also, helps me to remember all of our relatives that are gone and to also remember them and to be thankful that we're still here,” said Doreen Pasap, Elder for the Buffalo People Arts Institute.

The Winter Solstice has the shortest period of daylight between sunrise and sunset, also resulting in the longest night of the year.

The date is significant in many cultures across the globe. Pasap described it as "A time for sharing and family and giving and, in our culture, lots of gifting."

"For me, it's to be more aware of our surroundings and to be able to look at the beauty of the season and what it represents to us. And we could all, I guess, see different things and feel different things in the winter." Pasap said.

This gathering featured a special opportunity for women to share during the pipe ceremony and healing circle. Something Pasap described as an important lesson for everyone in the room.

"I think it's very important. And also the men that are here, you know, it's watching them to be the helpers for the women and, watching my grandsons, in a way, learning since they're small, that they have to be able to help their mom, you know, and the other women that are lifting their pipes,” she said.

The theme of learning was echoed throughout the gathering, learning from one another, and from nature. Pasap expressed that this time of year is an important reminder to listen.

"I live on reserve, so I'm really aware of the birds, you know, and the animals, like deer and elk and moose and even the dogs, you know, and, and how they live and the things that they tell us before winter and during winter. So, to be aware of all those things because they let us know certain things that are coming,” she said.