St. Kateri Sacred Garden Blessing

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the Indigenous Parish of Winnipeg, now has a Sacred Fire pit and a sacred medicine garden. The blessing was held in connection with the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Week on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with both Catholic and Indigenous sacred rituals.

Sisters Lesley Sacouman, SNJM, and Carmen Catellier, SNJM, along with parishioners and invited guests attended the Ceremonial Mass and traditional feast that followed.

The Eucharist was preceded by lighting the qulliq, Sacred Fire teachings, ceremonial tobacco offerings in the garden, full regalia dancing, and a Pipe ceremony. There was a presentation of a painted Leather depicting the story of indigenous and settler relationship. A daughter of Residential School survivors spoke about the hidden heritage she never knew because of the secret her parents kept. The water ceremony of the Season of Creation led the penitential rite of the Mass. To mark the occasion, a giveaway of sweetgrass braids and a bookmark was prepared. The braids were honoured with orange and black ribbons symbolizing Truth and Reconciliation and given to the invited guests which included Grand National Chief Cindy Nepinak Woodhouse, Father Richard Arsenault of Winnipeg Archdiocese, and Pipe Carrier Elaine Mayham. Sr. Carmen, in the name of the parish, presented tobacco pouches to persons giving teachings, and to others offering special services, such as the fire keepers and dancers. All other guests and parishioners were offered a bookmark with the symbols of Creation: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. On them were also featured our parish patron and parish information. The full day was certainly moving and emotional to many people, and it was joyful, respectful, and satisfying to all. It is, and will continue to be, a humble effort to restore good relations.