What to expect on a day at the inipi and what do you need to know?
Oyate Canada
The days before the ceremony we make sure that we've collected all the stones and wood for the inipi.
The day of the ceremony:
1100h: we start to build the fire. Try to be here from the start so you can be part of the
entire ceremony.
1115h: we go get the blankets and the tarp and we start covering the lodge.
1130h: take your time to enjoy the fire, the lodge,.... make sure that you prepare your
tobacco ties. Don't know how to do it? We'll help you and we'll give you an
explanation about the ties. Be active in and around the lodge: help to keep the
stones heated, clean the sacred place, fill the pales with water, make sure your
firekeeper has enough water to drink,.... Simply said be part of the whole,
become involved in the entire ceremony.
1300h: If the stones are orange in color we know that we can go into the lodge.
1600h: end of the ceremony, cleaning up and then we share food and drinks.
What you need to bring for inside the lodge: at least 2 towels and a large blanket (for after the lodge).
Important:
-Make sure that you leave all your jewelry at home and don't use
perfumes/deodorants the day of the lodge.
-Make sure that you drink enough water before going into the lodge;
you can have a light meal a couple of hours before the ceremony or
you can fast for one or two days.
-Alcohol and/or drugs (natural/synthetic) are NOT tolerated in or
outside the inipi.
-Leave your cell phone at home or inside your car while attending
a ceremony.
-Bring your own tobacco and fabric to make your offerings. This is part of you
commitment!
-Bring some food to share!
One advise that we can give you when you attend a ceremony: make sure that YOU are here..... simply said: be yourself!
The day of the ceremony:
1100h: we start to build the fire. Try to be here from the start so you can be part of the
entire ceremony.
1115h: we go get the blankets and the tarp and we start covering the lodge.
1130h: take your time to enjoy the fire, the lodge,.... make sure that you prepare your
tobacco ties. Don't know how to do it? We'll help you and we'll give you an
explanation about the ties. Be active in and around the lodge: help to keep the
stones heated, clean the sacred place, fill the pales with water, make sure your
firekeeper has enough water to drink,.... Simply said be part of the whole,
become involved in the entire ceremony.
1300h: If the stones are orange in color we know that we can go into the lodge.
1600h: end of the ceremony, cleaning up and then we share food and drinks.
What you need to bring for inside the lodge: at least 2 towels and a large blanket (for after the lodge).
Important:
-Make sure that you leave all your jewelry at home and don't use
perfumes/deodorants the day of the lodge.
-Make sure that you drink enough water before going into the lodge;
you can have a light meal a couple of hours before the ceremony or
you can fast for one or two days.
-Alcohol and/or drugs (natural/synthetic) are NOT tolerated in or
outside the inipi.
-Leave your cell phone at home or inside your car while attending
a ceremony.
-Bring your own tobacco and fabric to make your offerings. This is part of you
commitment!
-Bring some food to share!
One advise that we can give you when you attend a ceremony: make sure that YOU are here..... simply said: be yourself!
If you want to attend a ceremony call us a couple of days before the ceremony....we will gladly answer your questions.