Sweatlodge Build and First Community Sweat.

AIHSC Staff Gathered Together and Gathered Willows to Build Our First Sweatlodge

We had a great show of staff, family and community to come help us gather the willows, strip the willows, build the sweatlodge and conduct a beautiful ceremony by the Kankakee River. Brian Frejo and Sarina DiMaso lead the build on Wednesday, August 17th through Friday the 19th. Teammates cut, sheathed, and transported willows to the site offered by Sarina at her home near the banks of the Kankakee River. Brian gave guidance and encouragement in shaping the willows into the circular sweatlodge frame. Brian then, with the help of teammates, dug a fire pit, laid down a firewall, chopped blocks of wood and laid down grandfather stones for the sweat fire.

The framework and cloaking of the sweatlodge went well as we tied willows, fashioned a door portal and covered the sweatlodge with tarps to form a great final sweatlodge. Brian led the sweat ceremony with guidance, education about the procedures of a sweat and sang songs with drum to lead us on what was for many of us our first sweat! Teammates offered stories and wishes of thanks as we shared in a wonderful sweat experience.

Customs in Building a Traditional Sweatlodge & Ceremony.

Adults joined us on Wednesday, July 13th 2022 for the Adult Session

The Native American Sweatlodge ceremony is an ancient traditional ceremony known among and still conducted by many tribes. Each tribe has its own sweatlodge ceremonial origin story. The ceremony, conducted for purification, cleansing, renewal, healing and prayer, can be shared with individuals and groups. It is a strength and spiritual based holistic approach to healing and wellness in a community setting. There will be a smudging ceremony to begin the session and lessons on the customs and protocols for building, maintaining and practicing a sweat. Brian Frejo, Sarina DiMaso and Shandiin Begay facilitated this educational session.

Youths joined us on Thursday, July 14th 2022 for the Youth Session

Youths ages 11-17 joined facilitators Brian, Sarina & Shandiin in learning about the customs and practices in the building and ceremonies of a Sweatlodge. They learned about the histories, traditions and cultural importance of the Sweatlodge for Native American communities. There was a smudging ceremony to begin the session and instruction on the use of traditional medicines, attire and protocols of the Sweatlodge Ceremony.