'It is so needed': Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society opens new sweat lodge in Edmonton
![Bent Arrow sweat lodge and ceremonial building Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society celebrates grand opening of new sweat lodge and ceremonial building. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/6/18/bent-arrow-sweat-lodge-and-ceremonial-building-1-6931970-1718751351552.jpg)
After six years in development, the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society is celebrating the opening of its sweat lodge and ceremonial building.
"We had a dream of being able to offer urban Indigenous folks the opportunity to attend ceremony in the city proper," said Cheryl Whiskeyjack, the society's executive director.
Whiskeyjack said people often have to leave the city to take part in ceremony.
"We have a city where you can't go very far without seeing a temple, a mosque, a church or other kinds of gathering space," she said.
"For the Indigenous people of this land it's really nice to be able to have an offering like this for them," she added.
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society celebrates grand opening of new sweat lodge and ceremonial building. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)
Whiskeyjack said there are many urban Indigenous people who were born and raised in Edmonton without ties to a First Nation nearby.
"If there is a sweat in Maskwacis for example and they're not from there and they don't know anybody from there it feels a little bit like going to a stranger's home to attend ceremony," she said.
The society plans to offer ceremony at least once a week, and more if the community expresses a need.
Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society celebrates grand opening of new sweat lodge and ceremonial building. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)
"There are now two opportunities in Edmonton for people to attend this ceremony. One is us, as of tomorrow, and the other is kihcihkaw askî which is a property close to Fort Edmonton Park where they also have another offering of people to attend ceremony there," Whiskeyjack said.
She hopes this is the start of even more sweat lodges and ceremonial buildings built throughout the city.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6942519.1719441123!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
More victims come forward in Ottawa rental scam
More people in Ottawa have come forward who say they've fallen victim to a real estate scam, with scammers posing as real estate agents trying to rent real properties.
Bill Cobbs, 'Air Bud' and 'The Sopranos' actor, dies at 90
Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor who became a ubiquitous and sage screen presence as an older man, has died. He was 90.
'Worrying rumours' of planned 'non-consensual sexual acts' at after-prom party prompts Quebec police investigation
Police south of Montreal are investigating, and a school centre has asked parents not to allow their children to attend an after-prom party, after 'worrying rumours that unsavoury events were be planned by certain individuals related to drugs and non-consensual sexual acts.'
Canucks season ticket holder speaks out after membership revoked
Peter Wortman has been a Vancouver Canucks season ticket holder for 33 years, and was planning to sign on again for 2024/2025. But earlier this month, he got an email saying his full-season membership had been revoked, because the team believes he’s a ticket broker.
Military flees Bolivia government palace after coup attempt fails, general taken into custody
Armoured vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia's government palace Wednesday in an apparent coup attempt, but President Luis Arce vowed to stand firm and named a new army commander who ordered troops to stand down.
Oilers stars McDavid, Draisaitl played through injuries in playoffs: coach
The head coach of the Edmonton Oilers says some of the team's top stars were playing through major injuries during their Stanley Cup playoff run.
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach facing new charges in connection with historical sexual assault investigation
Canadian businessman Frank Stronach is facing eight new charges after police say they've identified additional victims as part of an investigation into historical sexual assault allegations.
What you should know about the tick-borne disease anaplasmosis
Cases of a tick-borne illness called anaplasmosis are on the rise globally, and that includes across Canada. Biology professor Vett Lloyd says it is important to understand the risk factors for contracting anaplasmosis, and recognize symptoms of an infection, as the disease becomes more prevalent.
'I'm sorry, God': Accused at Coutts border blockade cried when protest abandoned
Anthony Olienick, sitting alone in an empty police interrogation room, breaks down in tears when he learns the COVID-19 protest blockade at Coutts, Alta., has disbanded in part because of his arrest.